Interview with 2009 GA LB Andrew Sachais

[LordJeffBuck]

Interview with Andrew Sachais


Andrew Sachais about to unload on a quarterback

Andrew Sachais plays in one of the Peach State's premier programs, as the Buford Wolves have won four state championships (Class AA) in the past seven years (2001, 2002, 2003, and 2007). During that time, Buford has produced several top prospects, including running back Darius Walker (Notre Dame, 2004), defensive tackle Omar Hunter (Florida, 2008), and linebacker T.J. Pridemore (Florida, 2008). As a DE/OLB, Andrew was an integral member of the Wolves' 2007 state championship team, and he posted some excellent numbers for an underclassman (74 tackles, 15 TFL's, 11 sacks, 37 hurries, 2 defelctions, 2 fumble recoveries). Andrew hopes to continue Buford's winning tradition as a senior next season, and he is already being touted as one of Georgia's top prospects for the recruiting class of 2009. We recently caught up with Andrew, and here is what he had to say about recruiting:

1. What are your current "measurables" (height, weight, forty time, etc.)?

6-foot-2, 220 pounds, 4.6 forty, 4.09 shuttle, 36 inch vertical, 9' 7" broad jump

2. What were your "stats" (tackles, sacks, interceptions, etc.) from last football season?

74 tackles, 15 for loss, 11 sacks, 37 hurries, 2 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries

3. What schools are recruiting you right now? Do you have any offers yet?

Penn State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida, UNC, South Carolina, FSU. I have no offers, but Penn State has looked really good lately.

4. Which schools are you most interested in? Do you have a "dream school"?

Penn State was great last year when I went to their camp. I would love to go to either Penn State or Ohio State to play linebacker because of their tradition at that position.

5. When you think of Ohio State football, what comes to mind?

"The New Linebacker U"

6. Who are some of your favorite Buckeye football players, either past or present?

I loved A.J. Hawk and his style. James Laurinaitis is also a player that I have enjoyed watching lately. And of course Cameron Heyward. I grew up playing at the same park with him, and watching him dominate all through little league.

7. What goals have you set for yourself personally and for your team next season?

Well coming off of a State championship has been great and has been really motivating for me as well as my teammates to pull a repeat. We lose a lot of great players like TJ [Pridemore] and Omar [Hunter], so that is really motivating for us to prove that our class can win one on our own. As far as myself, I am shooting for 20 sacks and 100 tackles next season. It sounds steep, but I feel with hard work in the off season, it is definitely possible.

8. When your career is over, how would you like people to remember Andrew Sachais?

A great competitor, and a guy who showed respect for his opponent.

9. If you were analyzing yourself on film, what would you list as your strengths and weaknesses?

I feel my strengths have to be my quickness off the ball, and my speed to get around the blocker and get to the ball. I have really been working on my strength in the weight room to make that an asset to my game. I feel that my weaknesses have been my moves to get around defenders and my ability to make an interception when I get the chance.

10. What position(s) do you play for Buford?

Defensive End and Fullback

11. I know it's still very early, but what position do you see yourself playing in college?

Linebacker

12. Who are some of your favorite football players, either college or pro? Do you have any particular role models on the football field?

I loved the way Lawrence Taylor used to play for the Giants. He definitely changed the way that linebacker was played in the NFL.

13. Last season, you were teammates with five-star defensive tackle Omar Hunter, who just signed with Florida. Were you able to learn anything from Omar about the recruiting process? Do you have any interest in joining him in Gainesville?

He was a great player and probably was even better at being humble through all his success. I learned from watching, that there are so many opportunities to show off your skills, because scouts are everywhere. It is just important to make the best of you opportunity. I would love to join him at Florida. They are a great school and to play anywhere on that team you definitely have to be the best.

14. Before signing with Florida, Omar Hunter had previously committed to Notre Dame. In 2004, another Buford star, running back Darius Walker, signed with Notre Dame. Is there any Notre Dame connection with Buford High?

I don't feel that there is as much of a connection as there is the fact that they have come to recruit the best. Both Omar and Darius were the best at what they did so of course colleges from everywhere are going to come after them.

15. You also mentioned that you are friends with current Buckeye defensive end Cameron Heyward, who is from nearby Suwanee, Georgia. How did you get to know Cameron? Do the two of you ever talk about recruiting or his experience at Ohio State?

I knew him because we used to play at the same park for youth football together. He was great to watch and he was always so much bigger than everyone else. I haven't talked recruiting with him but I hear that he loves it up there.

16. Besides football, what are some of the activities that you enjoy?

I enjoy weightlifting and playing basketball.

17. Do you have any favorite movies? TV shows? Musical groups? Songs?

I love Lil Wayne rap music, anything he creates is great. I am also a big fan of ESPN and NFL Network.

We would like to thank Andrew Sachais for participating in this interview, and we wish him and the Buford Wolves all of the best in 2008 and beyond. For more information on Andrew, please refer to his player threads both on BuckeyePlanet and RecruitingPlanet.