Checking in with Lake Stevens High School football player Brandon Preslar + video highlights

Earlier this week when I went to Lake Stevens High School and interviewed Duke Dolphin, I also spoke to Vikings senior Brandon Preslar, a tall (6-foot-3) wide receiver/defensive back who earned All-Wesco North first team recognition last year.

Lake Stevens football coach Tom Tri expects great things this season from Preslar, who was named one of the “Other seniors to watch” on Ron Siegel’s 2010 Preseason Senior All-State Football Team. Preslar is pumped up for the season, which he thinks will be a special one for Lake Stevens.

It turns out Preslar is a close friend of Mariner High School junior RB/DB KeiVarae Russell, also one of the area’s best players.

Here are some excerpts from my conversation with Preslar.

What was it like attending the Nike Football Combine in Oregon in June?

“It was good to see all the different competition and where you match up. At first I was intimidated because I heard all the big names. (High-profile recruit Kasen Williams of Skyline) was there. I went against him and we were talking, buddying around. It was good to meet all the new people.” [Preslar roomed with Dolphin and Mariner’s Russell during the eventful weekend near Portland.]

What do you think of Lake Stevens quarterbacks Jake Nelson (a junior) and Bryson Daggett (a senior)?

“Jake, I think he does better in game situations. But they have the same strong arm and accuracy and they can throw just as far. Jake’s more like the quicker scrambler and Bryson’s more physical.”

How did you improve since last season?

“Speed and hands and strength.” [Preslar was timed at 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Nike Combine in early June but said he recently ran a 4.5 40 in Lake Stevens.]

What are your goals for the season, individually and as a team?

“Individually, first team All-Wesco again and I want to get (Herald) All-Area, and then team-wise I just want to get to the T-Dome (in the Class 4A state playoffs). I think this is our year to shine.”

What makes you believe your team is capable of going that far?

“We worked hard every day in the weight room. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday was weight room, and Tuesday and Thursday we were out here (on the field) early in the morning. I think we’re the hardest-working team in all of Wesco.”

Here are two highlight compilations of Preslar: one showcasing his performance as a receiver, the other displaying some of his top plays as a defender.

Brandon Preslar’s Recruiting Video — Wide Receiver — Class of 2011