Interview: 2018 California LB Cam’Ron Chatman Lining Up Visits Ahead of National Signing Day

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2017 season began, there was one thing Cam’Ron Chatman wanted to do on the field, improve his game. The linebacker worked his trade for La Mirada in 2016 earning All-Conference, All-CIF, and a spot on the Press Telegram’s 2016 Dream Team Defense. After a full season on the field, Mr. Chatman accomplished his goal during his senior year.

Chatman was all over the gridiron in 2016 coming up with 75 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, and three picks in estimated stats through 13 games of a 14-game schedule. Over the offseason, the 6-1, 228 pound, linebacker transferred from La Mirada to Warren High School quickly becoming the heart and soul of the Bears’ defense. In stats posted through nine games, Chatman put an end to 94 plays with 57 solo stops, six tackles for a loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery on his stat line.

The thumper in the box has drawn interest from Utah, San Diego State, Columbia, BYU, Nevada, Washington State, Fresno State, and Colorado along the way. With a visit to Utah in early December completed, Chatman has set visits and a few potential visits in the works before the high school and collegiate ranks merge for National Signing Day in February.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Chatman getting an update on his season and his recruiting process.

Interview

Cam’Ron, you had another impressive season on the field, in your own words, how did your season turn out?

“It was pretty good. I could have done a lot of things better, but I did give it my all. I made some mistakes, but at the end of the day I’d give myself a B-plus or an A-minus if I was grading my play. I’m ready to focus on the next level now.”

We talked about midway through the season about how your game had improved coming down hill and shedding blocks. Looking back now, what other areas of your skillset improved greatly this year?

“My sideline-to-sideline speed and my quickness. I kept working on going sideline-to-sideline in practice. College recruiters look at that. My coverage improved and my angels. I am still working on it.”

As you just mentioned, you’ve started working out for the offseason, what all are you doing to get ready for your freshman season at the collegiate level?

“My dad always says football season is never over. He stays on top of me on working out. I started as soon as the season ended.”

You’re recruiting prospects have picked up dramatically as of late, which schools are showing interest in you?

“Utah, they are showing me a lot of attention, Fresno State, Nevada, Hawaii – a lot has changed with the coaching staffs going through changes. Sacramento State and some Big Sky schools are showing interest. I’m getting a lot of looks and eyes on me right now after the first signing period passed.”

Which programs came by Warren to see you during the open period?

“Portland State, Sacramento State, San Jose State, Hawaii, and Utah.”

Have you taken any official or unofficial visits this fall and/or winter?

“I took a visit to Utah.”

How did the visit to Utah go?

“It was great. I love it out there. I love the weather, the people and the team. Coach (Sharrieff) Shah (cornerbacks coach) was amazing. He is a great coach. I know some of the players there, they were telling me how much they liked it.”

Do you have any other visits lined up?

“In January, I have a lot of visits scheduled.”

Where might you take visits in January?

“San Jose State, Fresno State, and I’d like to go to Hawaii.”

When you take a visit, what all are you looking at as you evaluate each school?

“The campus, education, and the majors they offer. I love football, but it is not forever. My education comes first. After learning about the academics of the school, then I get into the football part. I look to see how many linebackers they have and the competition for the spot. I look at the coaches and I look to see if I fit in there or not.”

What will influence your final decision on your perfect fit?

“The process is tough because everything feels like it will come down to the last minute. When the offers come in, it will come down to what fits me, majors offered, and education, and how I can contribute to the team.”

Cam’Ron, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Chatman family; Cam’Ron Chatman with Utah coach Sharrieff Shah

Photo credit: Long Beach Press-Telegram; No. 30 Cam’Ron Chatman gets the tackle vs. Downey