Recruiting Report: Ronney Trass (2018)

During the 2015 season, something was missing for Irondale's Ronney Trass. He loved football, but he didn't do as much as he could have during the offseason. His play reflected that, and after he had struggled through his sophomore year, a teammate took him aside and re-focused the then sophomore. In 2016 Trass turned in about as impressive stat line as a defensive tackle can turn in. The 2016 season started slowly for the Knights. "We were learning to play with each other," Trass said. "We had injuries, but everyone stayed strong and kept playing together. We worked hard and went out there and did our job." Irondale would win three out of their last five games – including a victory in the playoffs. "Offensively we were able to take care of our blocks and run good routes," Trass said. "Defensive-wise we would run to the ball." The junior spent most of his time at defensive tackle in the team's 4-3 base defense. "I had a good season. I ended the year with 91 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks, and a blocked punt. Like the coaches told the team I would just run to the ball. Throughout the year I was dealing with a knee injury, but I fought through it and played my game." Trass feels he is athletic for a three-technique tackle. "I am just glad I got the chance this season because my (sophomore) season was a slow season for me," Trass recalled. "I had a lot of excuses and wasn't very serious about it. Something clicked in the offseason." Trass has always loved football but wasn't motivated to put in the extra work needed to become a contributing player. "My friend – Sergio Hernandez –he taught me to keep pushing, and the results will show. After that, I started picking up the pace. My grandma is my motivation. She took care of me when I was younger, and I want to do it for her and do everything I can to get to the next level and make her proud." A refocused Trass was a beast on the field. "I am more of a run stopper," Trass told northstarfootballnews.com. "The pass rush comes once in a while, but I am mainly a run stopper." This offseason he had to take some time off to rehab a knee injury he sustained before the football season but has been focused on improving his footwork. "The other thing I need to work on – looking back at my film – is staying low," the 6'5" 298-pound junior said. "I played too high, and during the middle of the season I noticed it and started to work on it." This spring he is throwing the shot put and the discus. It is his second year throwing. The season has been a series of personal bests for Trass in both disciplines. "The biggest thing for me this summer is to get into the weight room and improve my conditioning." Trass earned an invite to the Blue Gray Invite in Texas. In addition to the invite, he has attracted the interest of a number of Division II and smaller Division I schools. "I went to a few junior days – North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Winona State. I have been invited to other junior days and camps. I plan on going to Northern Iowa. I haven't had any offers yet, but I have had a lot of interest." The college interest Trass has generated has only come about because of the interest he took in improving his game and re-focusing on football.