Interview: 2018 APB Cameron Stansbury is Another Smooth Runner Coming out of Memphis

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The recruiting world has not caught onto Class of 2018 talent Cameron Stansbury yet, but the time is coming. The all-purpose back flashed glimpses of his electric playmaking ability during the 2016 season showing a smooth running style that is uniquely all him.

Stansbury’s stat line for Ridgeway High School did not overwhelm but there are gems within the facts. The Roadrunners posted a 9-4 record in 2016 with their emerging back rushing for 471 yards and eight touchdowns off just 52 carries in eight games played. If just taken at the surface, the 9-yards per carry average would be missed. Another signal about his playmaking abilities, on average, every sixth carry ended up in the end zone.

Watching Stansbury run, immediately one picks up on his natural instincts. He combines great field vision with a shiftiness in space that ends up as a one-cut and gone kind of back. Another thing coaches will love to see, he does not dance in the whole and every carry is not an opportunity to bounce it outside. Beyond carrying the rock, the 5-9, 165 pound, back is a willing blocker and can catch the pigskin out of the backfield.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Stansbury covering his junior season finding about more about the all-around talent.

Interview

Cameron, when did you get the call up to the varsity level?

“My sophomore year in the spring. My freshman year I played JV. We have a lot of running backs, I was the only one to start freshman and JV that year. My sophomore year I did not play JV, I was the second string running back for our team.”

How did your game improve in 2016?

“I’d say my confidence got higher. I was more confident in the power in my legs. I was able to use my vision better too. I was taught how to break in and out of cuts and about being patient with my blocks allowing my o-line to open holes for me. Over the summer my footwork got a lot better.”

What are some of the areas of your game you will work on in the off-season?

“This off-season I will work on my speed, explosiveness, and work on my vision.”

Which team was the toughest you played against this year?

“The toughest was Memphis University (lost 40-22). We had trouble establishing the run that game. We had some good runs in there but their linebackers were all over it that game. Their defense was very good.”

What did you learn from that game that has helped your game overall?

“I learned to be patient and to not get so upset, for lack of a better word. Football is a four quarters game. You have to play all four quarters. For me, and most of my teammates, we were down at different points in that game. We made a good run at the end but not enough to pull out the win. I learned to stay focused and never give up.”

Which game this year was your best?

“The Southwind game (won 38-8). I had 153 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.”

Which schools are already showing recruiting interest in you?

“Arkansas State and ETSU (Eastern Tennessee State) – they want me to visit. I don’t know if I will get to go yet. I have to talk to my mom about it. Their offensive coordinator (Mike O’Cain) asked me to talk to my parents about it and then to get back with him.”

Do you have any other visits coming up?

“Memphis’ Junior Day, that’s the only one I know of for now.”

Have you already started your off-season workouts?

“Yes, sir.”

What are you working on so far?

“My speed, explosiveness, and shiftiness. I want to make my hips loose. Instead of having to run through them, I want to run by them. My pass catching too. I will continue to work on that as well. This summer in 7v7 competition, we will be playing a lot. I’ll play running back and receiver to get my catching skills better. I want to be an extra receiver for our quarterback next season.”

Do you have any off-season workout goals?

“I want to get my 40 time down to a 4.4. I want my squat to be around 400 (pounds). I’m at 350 now.”

Are you playing any spring sports?

“Not this year, I’m focused on getting better for my senior year.”

What is your current GPA?

“I have a 3.2.”

Did you watch any of the college football championship games over the weekend?

“Yes, sir. I watched the SEC Championship Game. I had Bama the whole way. That game had two good defenses, but it was tough for Florida to score. Alabama’s front line is really-really good.”

Big switch here, tell me a little bit about your singing background.

(Laughs) “I think I can sing pretty well. When I was younger, I’d sing and they started calling me ‘Cam the Singer.’ My coaches call me the ‘Singer’ or ‘Cam the Singer.’ They are always teasing me about it. I can sing a little bit.”

What is the genre of your music?

“R&B.”

Cam, thanks for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts.

“Thank you.”

Click link for Stansbury’s junior season highlight reel.

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Photo credit: commercialappeal.com; No. 23 Cameron Stansbury scores a touchdown.

Photo credit: commercialappeal.com; No. 23 Cameron Stansbury celebrates a touchdown.

Photo credit: commercialappeal.com; No. 23 Cameron Stansbury breaks a long run.