Update Interview with 16-Offer 4-Star 2021 Arizona LT Bram Walden
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Sometimes the game of football is just unfair. Sometimes there are guys on the gridiron who are just better than the competition, that is Class of 2021 left tackle Bram Walden. Walden is not just a big lineman that is tough to get around or a strong guy with a punch that would knock over a telephone pole, he is athletic with quick feet, technical, and plays with a nasty streak required to be great. He put in another varsity season with Saguaro High School helping his Sabercats squad make a 4A Arizona state title run after hoisting the trophy in 2018. The play of the 6-5, 280-pound, big man at left tackle for the Sabercats has drawn national attention from college coaches. Entering the offseason of his junior year, Walden holds 16 offers with top programs around the country and is building the recruiting relationship with other teams that is sure to go from interest to offer in the coming months.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I spent time with the Sabercats’ four-star left tackle going over his growth on the season and recruiting process along the trail.
Interview
Bram, Saguaro was once again one of the top teams in Arizona with a state runner-up finish. Playing against all the top teams and competition, how did the season go overall for you?
“I think it went well. My season got better as it went along. We played against great competition, going against the best of the best I have come a long way. Now it is time to get better in the offseason.”
How were defenses attacking you during the 2019 season?
“I saw two types of defensive fronts from the linemen, some odd fronts and some even fronts. I saw strong and fast linemen, some were elusive, some were speed guys trying to juke me out. I also played against some that had great technique. I saw a lot of good stuff.”
You are a knockdown and pancake monster. Did you track those stats this season?
“No. I meant to, but I didn’t.”
This is me putting you on the spot. If you had to guess how many pancakes you were getting per game, about how many guys did you pancake per game?
“Probably five or six pancakes per game.”
I believe it. Playing against all the top competition, how did you overall game improve?
“My pass blocking improved a lot. Going against my teammates, I have tremendous defensive linemen on my team, that really helped improve my game. My kick got better, so did being more patient, knowing where to put my hands, and knowing when to strike.”
In which game did you put it all together for a top performance?
“For me personally, I feel like the Horizon or Chaparral game was best.”
In those games, what did you do well to make them your top games?
“I was making the right blocks, moving defenders from point A to B, and I was covering up on the second level well. I was having fun in those games.”
After the 13-game season the Sabercats put in this year, what do you now feel are the strengths to overall game?
“My run blocking is good, but my pass blocking is key. I can take a top defensive lineman and hold him off every time.”
A fun part for me; going into recruiting. Which schools are now showing interest but have not offered?
“Stanford, Clemson has been reaching out to me, I am receiving mail from Alabama, and Oklahoma are all showing interest. There are some more, but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head.”
How many total offers do you have now?
“I have 16 offers.”
Walden’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, BYU, Colorado, LSU, Memphis, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas A&M, USC, Utah, and Washington
Did you get to visit any schools during the season?
“Yes. I went to ASU (Arizona State) a couple of times. ASU is a great school. They show tremendous love to the home town recruits.”
Going forward, do you have any planned trips or any that you may take?
“Oregon, Ohio State, USC, Washington, and LSU are some schools I will visit if not this winter I will this summer.”
It may be too early to know, but will the Saguaro coaches utilize your skills at any other positions in 2020 or are you locked in at tackle?
“I may play some defensive line next season, but for now I am sticking at left tackle.”
With that in mind, what will you focus on with your offseason workouts?
“I will focus on my strength and quickness, quickness of the ball, and conditioning. I will put on some weight this offseason as well.”
Bram, it was great spending time with you today going over your junior season. Thank you and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter/Walden family; Bram Walden at practice and at ASU (2019)