Missouri Football: Interview with Lee’s Summit West 2021 Safety Shane Fredrickson
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Lee’s Summit West’s defense only gave up 17.7 points per game in 2019 on their way to a 4-6 record overall and an appearance in the first round of the state playoffs. Unfortunately, they came up short in the playoffs against Liberty North (31-0). Going into 2020, several key pieces of this stout defense returns including senior safety Shane Fredrickson.
The 5’11”, 180-pound, defender racked up 72 total tackles with 12 pass break-ups, forced two fumbles, and nabbed one interception during his junior campaign last season. The production on the field by the Class of 2021 prospect has brought five college offers including Arkansas Tech and Pittsburg State. Fredrickson is also currently drawing interest from several big-time college programs including Army and North Dakota State.
The star defensive back not only leads by example on the football field but also in the classroom where he has a 4.15 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Shane to talk about his career at Lee’s Summit West and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Shane, how would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“I would give my individual performance a B-plus last season. The reasoning for this is because I always strive to find ways to improve. I will never feel as if my performance is perfect. Although I feel that my strongest part of my season last year was recognition and being a sure tackler. Where I felt I could improve was my pass coverage.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the field are: my intensity I bring to the game, my ability to secure one on one tackles, my leadership, and my football IQ.”
Did you receive any individual honors last season?
“I received First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District Defensive Back.”
What was your workout and practice schedule during the offseason?
“My workout and practice schedule for the offseason has been different than past years. This offseason I trained six days a week at Trilogy Sports and Fitness and I am continuing to train at this gym. Working out there, I have worked on everything from strength, stability, footwork, explosiveness, speed, flexibility, and endurance. Usually my workouts ranged from one to three hours a day.”
What did you work on the most?
“I have worked on my fluidity, speed, and movement in my footwork and coverage skills the most.”
What area of your game have you seen the most improvement in since the start of last season?
“The area of my game I have seen the most improvement on is my pass coverage and speed coming out of a break.”
What kind of defensive scheme does Lee’s Summit West run?
“Lee’s Summit West has run a base 4-2 scheme with a focus on zone coverage ranging from two high safeties to one high. Although, this year there have been some changes allowing more pre-snap movements and freedom from the athletes on the field.”
How do your skills translate to this scheme?
“My skills translate to this scheme by allowing my high football IQ to adjust and make checks from what I see from offenses pre-snap formations. Also, this scheme allows for my play up in the box, sometimes as the end man on the line of scrimmage. This allows me to showcase my strong tackling.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.68.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“A current NFL player I try to model my game after is Tyrann Mathieu. He is a versatile hybrid safety that can fill an alley like no one else and can play the pass as good as top tier cornerbacks.”
How many college offers do you have?
“I have earned five college offers at this time: Pitt State, Arkansas Tech, Benedictine, Graceland, and Dordt.”
What other schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Other schools showing interest are Missouri Southern, South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Central Missouri, Truman State, Missouri Western, Army, St. Thomas, and Yale.”
Have you given any thought to a commitment date?
“I would like to play my senior season before a commitment date is decided.”
Looking ahead to the 2020 season, what game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“I am most excited about playing Lee’s Summit North High School, a big cross-town rival for many years.”
What do you like most about playing at Lee’s Summit West High School?
“What I enjoy most about playing at Lee’s Summit West high school is the competition level is the best in the state of Missouri. Missouri 6A class is a very high level of high school football.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My father has had the biggest impact on my football career. Ever since I was five, he has coached me and shaped me into the man and player I am today.”
Have you set any goals for your senior season?
“Goals for my senior season are: 100 tackles, eight interceptions, lead the team to a state championship, that is the goal every year, and showcase my athleticism and skill set as a football player as best as I can.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Lee’s Summit West Safety Shane Fredrickson
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Lee’s Summit West Safety Shane Fredrickson at Pittsburg State