David Cundiff was a young athlete that was flying under the radar, yet putting in the work against D1, Pac 10 recruits, on the field when I first watched him play. He did very well against these players. When I see a player like Cundiff, a thought always comes to mind. “It’s one football game, 22 players on the field, 11 individual battles every down, every player doing his part. “ David Cundiff does his part exceptionally well on the field. If you’re a coach in need of a linemen you better give this young man a call – quickly.
I asked Cundiff a few questions about his post season activities and here is what he had to say:
How’s the summer going?
So far so good. As you know my school year ended with my attending the LA Under Armor combine. It was a great experience. I bettered my time in everything except the 40. I was disappointed. In practice I had been hitting 5.1 to 5.2 but couldn’t pull it out at the combine. I am not sure if you know but last January was when I began working with a trainer Vince Mini in El Dorado Hills, CA about 30 miles from me. He has a great reputation and has had good success with other athletes. I work out from 4:30 am until my workout is completed, usually about 6:00 am. It has been tough getting up at 3:40 each morning during the school year, but now I can crawl back in bed if I need to when I get home. Saturday’s we work on footwork and speed.
At the end of my school year I was fortunate to attend Cal Berkeley’s football camp. It was the best! I met some outstanding athletes, and learned a lot. The coaching was excellent. I played Center, a position I played only a few times at McClatchy. I did well. I was also Captain of my team, a very nice honor.
How was your experience at the combines?
Both were good learning experiences for me. My first combine was the one in Oakland. I did not know what to expect, it was much larger than I had expected. I did not perform as well as I would have liked but it made me more determined to work-out harder than ever. The second one in LA as I mentioned earlier was also a great learning experience. Both combines have helped me gauge myself with other athletes. At McClatchy I have been limited in my exposure to other “big” guys. I have to say I know several of the athletes in LA were disappointed the OL did not get to go one-on-one because of injuries at a previous combines. However, we had an opportunity to show our skills and learn a few things going up against bags held by fellow O lineman.
What is your short list?
My short list, well I haven’t really come up with one because I am open to anyone who wants me. But, I am interested in University of Washington, Sac State, University of Nevada at Reno, Washington State, San Diego and of course I would give my right arm to play for either Stanford or Cal. Hey reaching high is a good thing. Although my GPA is not a 4.0 (3.68 Honors, CSU 3.41) for Stanford or Cal I did well on my SAT – my combined score was 1770. I will take in again in the fall and hope to do even better. I just made sure the scores were going to be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center today.
Who has contacted you?
I have received letters from Columbia, Stony Brook University, University of Washington, Washington State, Webber State, Portland State University and Florida State, A couple of school just dropped by to take a “look see” and I ran into the reps in the lunch quad from University of Washington and Washington State. Also American River college would like me to consider them if I don’t get a scholarship to a 4-year. At Cal I talked with Sac State and am going on a tour with one of my trainers to see their program in the next couple of weeks when the staff returns from a break.
Am I looking forward to playing this fall?
Yes, very much so. The football camp at Cal got me really pumped up to play college ball. I have a good feeling about this year, I believe that I will have a standout season and am hoping that it will help those colleges and universities out there to notice me even more.
Are you still wrestling?
Wrestling – yes I plan to wrestle. I was good last year but with my added weight and strength from working out daily I believe I will be a contender at State this year. Wrestling keeps me in great shape for football too. Helps me with speed.
Do I plan to wrestle in college?
If for some reason football doesn’t work out for me I would like to wrestle. But football in my main sport.
What does for the love of the game mean to you?
Meaning why do I wrestle and play football. Well, it means to me that because it is so important to me that I will give 110% each time I go on the field or floor to compete. It means I work hard even when I am not feeling the best, when I am discouraged because we aren’t winning. I had my first taste of playing on a team that consistently won at the Cal camp and oh did it feel great! It’s important to play with integrity and conviction. I also know that when you are having fun, you really can do your best – you are untouchable and it feels incredible. You know playing 110% also needs to happen everywhere - in sports, academics, communication with family and friends and in your life.
