Recruiting and Workout Update Interview with 3-Star 2020 DT/NG Ricky Correia

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Dominating defensive tackles and nose guards can make all the difference in the world to any given defense albeit a 4-3 or 3-4. Having a big body in the middle of the defense along the trenches eating up linemen and stuffing gaps on running plays while also collapsing the pocket on passing downs are hard to come by along the recruiting trail. With the aforementioned characteristics in mind, what Class of 2020 defender Ricky Correia does on the field for Fresno’s Central High School makes him a rare and highly prized recruit.

During Correia’s sophomore season with Edison High School, he put an end to 62 plays racking up 31 solo tackles with seven tackles for a loss, two sacks, picked up a fumble, and even picked off a pass in 10 games played. Transferring to Central in the offseason also meant a change in defensive schemes and positions. Going into a 3-4 scheme and playing nose guard, Correia, even in just three games played, the 6-4, 315-pound, defender showed he was a play-maker in the trenches no matter where he lines up. The Arizona Wildcats staff agrees extending an offer with interest building from Pac-12, SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten programs.

In an RNG stylized catch-up Q&A interview, Correia and I sat down going over his 2018 season, offseason workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

Ricky, how did your junior season go on the field with Central High School?

“It went well once I got back out there and shook the rust off in my first game (wrist). Everything came back quickly and I felt natural.”

You were that brick wall in the Grizzlies 3-4 defense playing nose guard, how did your overall game improve throughout the season?

“I came from two years in a 4-3 moving to a 3-4, there was an adjustment. I learned how to take on double-teams, shed double-teams, and how to slant to help my linebackers. This past season made me a better team player.”

Was there a game or an offensive line that presented a challenge for you this past season, but that challenge helped make you a better player?

“Yes. I would say going against Folsom in playoffs, they had a good line. Most of them are going D-I. Folsom has good sized linemen. That was my first real challenge of the season. That tested my ability to get off blocks. It was tough at first, but I got it going.”

Which game do you feel was your best last season when all that you do came together?

“My second game back against Liberty. I had six tackles in that game and a forced fumble. I was feeling like an animal. That was a good game for me.”

With the offseason in full grind, what are you working on to improve before your senior year?

“I am working on getting healthy again and back to my regular self. I am focusing on my get off and learning from different trainers to improve my game overall. Anything I can do to better my game, I am focused on that this offseason.”

The national camps and combine season is approaching. Are there any camps and/or combines you may attend?

“I plan on attending the Under Armour and Nike Opening camps, those are for sure.”

You have the offer from Arizona, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from USC, UCLA, Oregon, Oklahoma, Purdue, Fresno State, and LSU.”

Nice grouping of interest. Do you have any planned visits you may take this spring?

“Hopefully I will get to visit Fresno State. That is a big one for me, my home town school. I’d like to visit USC, UCLA, any school in California I can go to this offseason.”

Last question – for fun. What is one unique skill you have that most people would be surprised to find out?

“I’m really good at Madden.”

Ricky, great catching up with you today. I look forward to seeing you at all of these camps this offseason.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Ricky Correia