MidValleySports.Com

Nogales Big Man Derek Gonzalez, a D-1 commit, sat down with Big George for a Q&A.

By George Hernandez

[La Puente] – I sat down with Nogales big man Derek Gonzalez who will be heading to Kansas after next season. Gonzalez came over from Salesian as a junior and paved the way for almost 3,000-yards on the ground and helped the Nobles to a 7-4 record and a Montview league title. Gonzalez looks to have an even bigger senior season. 

Q: What’s up kid, how’s it going?

A: It’s going well. I’m blessed to be in the position I am today so I thank God for that every day.

Q: How does it feel to be recognized as probably the top returning offensive lineman in the area?

A: It’s an honor really, but with all the talent in this area that can easily change. So it’s important to just keep my head down and keep working like I’ve always done.

Q: Today kids transfer multiple times through high school and I know you have schools in your DMs right now. Why Nogales and Coach Encinas?

A: Overall Nogales has just been great to me whether it be the students, the teachers, or the coaches. Our principal, Mr. Cavanias, is the best there is and is one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. He’s the type of person you can just sit down with and have a conversation without feeling the need to try to be someone you aren’t. I’ll admit, when Coach Matt left there was a bit of concern and worry on me and my family’s end, but the moment we heard Coach Encinas took the head coach position, we knew that we were still in the right place. Obviously, he has a great resume but he genuinely loves this school and wants to see it back in its full glory. He doesn’t hog the team either. He sits down and listens to recommendations on how to improve this program whether it be from coaches, players and even students that don’t play for the team. Having a community that fully supports us is important, so seeing the efforts that he makes really brings us together as a school.

Q: Who do you model your game after?

A: There are a lot of elite offensive tackles that I watch and learn new things from such as Jonathan Ogden and Tony Boselli but the main two guys that I try to model my game after are Penei Sewell and Trent Williams. Trent Williams is just such an athletic player, his pass sets are elite and, in my opinion, the greatest pass pro lineman of all time. As for Sewell, he’s a very balanced lineman who excels in both run and pass blocking. What stands out to me about Sewell though, is his ability to bend and that’s what I try to mimic the most about him.

Q: How would your teammates and coaches describe you?

A: My teammates and my coaches would describe me as a natural leader and a good role model. I like to lead by example and keep practice or the weight room hype. How we move depends on the environment and if we’re all drowsy and quiet, we aren’t having fun and that defeats the purpose. I also like to give advice and somewhat “mentor” the younger guys just so they feel confident and willing to continue putting in the work.

Q: What is your goal for the team this upcoming season?

A: A big goal for us this season is winning CIF and hopefully state but for me, I just want this team to be special and have a bond with all of these guys. A lot of people stop talking after high school but I want to keep all of the relationships that I built with these guys.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned from football so far? 

A: The biggest lesson I have learned from football so far is that early is on time and on time is late. I know it’s pretty self-explanatory but unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way when I showed up to practice at 4. I didn’t take into consideration that I still had to put my pads on, my cleats, my girdle, everything. That didn’t result in anything good but from that day on, I’ve always showed up to practice 30 minutes early. If I had an appointment at 8, I showed up at 7:45. Showing up early is 100% better than showing up late.

Q: Why Kansas over all the other schools that offered you?

A: It was a difficult decision to make between Vanderbilt and Kansas because in reality, there were no reasons that I wouldn’t go to either, but when it came down to it, the relationship I have with the coaches drew me in. Coach Agpalsa has a great philosophy about developing young players and that’s what really matters to me along with a degree. I plan on graduating in December, practically right after the season ends, so having a coach like him, along with Coach Leipold who has done so much for the program, is very reassuring about my decision.

Q: What is one game you’re looking forward to this upcoming season?

A: Rowland’s definitely a game I’m looking forward to; the result last year wasn’t exactly what we wanted but it’s a rivalry game and things change. 

Q: Anything else you would like to say or want us to know?

A: I want to share a message to the younger kids playing football or any sport in general. Have fun—the biggest mistake you can make while playing football is to treat it like a burden or a job you hate. Yeah, football’s a form of entertainment but if you really love it, this is art. Sure, it may be difficult waking up at 6 in the morning and going to a training session but if you have fun while doing it, it’s worth all the sacrifices you might have to make.