2018 Miami 4-Star LB Billy Joseph Gives Insight to Florida Atlantic Commitment

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Individuals, not just football players, like Billy Joseph are hard to come by in life. Most understandably want to add onto an existing path forward while others like Joseph are thinking beyond their years wanting to be a part of a movement going forward, a legacy that they can create on their own with the support of others. In a summation, that is the background to the four-star recruits’ commitment to Florida Atlantic.

Building a legacy is nothing new to Joseph. He transferred from Booker T. Washington, a perennial powerhouse, to Northwestern in hopes of changing the fortunes of the Miami area high school team. Joseph joined the Bulls in 2015, a year after the squad went 5-6. The Bulls went 5-5 during his sophomore season taking their lumps but building the foundation for the future. Now the 6-1, 215 pound, athlete has the attention of south Florida with Northwestern posting a 10-1 mark so far this season, ranked No. 4 overall in the state (MaxPreps).

The junior season for Joseph is not completed with a first round draw of Boynton Beach in the playoffs coming up on Friday, Nov. 11. But an approximate stat line for Joseph thus far has him with 70 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and three sacks.

Joseph shocked the recruiting trail on Wednesday, Nov. 2, announcing his verbal commitment to the Owls. Not that FAU is not capable or deserving of high caliber recruits, but the Owls, much like a lot of other Division-I team usually lose out to recruits with offers from Alabama, LSU, Miami, and the likes. His mission to attract talent has already paid off for the Owls with Northwestern teammates cornerback Chatarius Atwell and quarterback/athlete Tutu Atwell verbally committing to FAU.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Joseph to get the inside story on why he verbally committed to FAU over 18 other scholarship offers and received an overview on his junior season to date.

Interview

Billy, your Bulls team ended the regular season with a nice 18-6 win over Jackson (Miami). How did that game go for you?

“It was a historic game, a great game with great competition. We stepped it up and I had a real good game.”

What kind of challenge does Boynton Beach present for the Bulls in the first round of the playoffs?

“For me, I’ve seen their film and I know what they want to do. The game will not be a challenge for me. I just have to make sure my defensive line and my defensive backs are ready and in position. They are a running team. There will be a lot of downhill action on Friday. My DBs will handle the passing attack.”

What have you gotten better at on the field this year from last season?

“Transition from freshman year at defensive end and outside linebacker, I can play five yards away and in open space. I’ve made a lot of improvement at my new position. I’m reading more of the keys from the offensive linemen and quarterback seeing what they are trying to do. I’m better at being aware of situations, down and distance, and which defense I should call.”

You make all the calls for the defense throughout the game?

“Yes, my coach tells me which defense he wants us in and I can check us out of it to put us in a better position.”

How do you prepare for each game?

“I just got done with Jackson, Saturday morning I called our coach at seven o’clock in the morning to see if the film is up for the next game. I note the plays they are running and what they are looking for. I watch three hours of film on the first day. I watch seven of their games to see the plays that they’ll run.”

Which team was the best team you’ve played against this season?

“American Heritage.”

Are there any teams you are looking forward to possibly playing in the playoffs?

“We may get Carol City again in the second round (won 19-14 on Oct. 29). Hopefully we’ll see Armwood in state.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“Nineteen.”

What influenced you to commit to FAU?

“Every time I go on campus, I’ve been there five times, it is amazing. They have a beautiful campus. The beach is right there. I know some of the players on the team from my freshman year at Booker T. They give me advice. It is a great feeling.”

What was the reason at heart for you to pick FAU over teams like Alabama, LSU, UCF, Maryland, West Virginia, and Miami?

“The reason I went there, I want to change it and turn it around. At Booker T., they were winning state championships. I wanted to go to a school (Northwestern) to change it around. I want to see FAU win.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I called the coaches. I texted them during school letting them know I wanted to talk. They said they’d let me know when they were out of practice. At around 2:30, we got on the phone. I said ‘I love the program, I want to help change it around. I want to commit to your program.’ The coaches were all there. It was all joy from there.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed? Were you excited, nervous, or anxious?

“No, I’m not a nervous guy. I was comfortable. I call them after my games and I text them all the time. I have a bond and connection with the coaches.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Heck yeah. I’m doing it right now. I have two of my players, our quarterback and defensive back committed. I’m trying to change that program around. These are the kids from the Miami area that will change the program around. That is my goal. I want to get players to come in and compete, and change it around.”

Where there any schools that made your decision to commit to FAU difficult?

“Of course. It is hard to ignore and say no to Nick Saban (Alabama head coach) and LSU. This was something that I felt was best for me right now.”

What is your message to perspective recruits about committing to FAU?

“FAU has a nice campus and is a good college. They have a lot of resources there. I’m trying to put my name on it and all my friends’ names on there knowing that we changed the program around.”

Billy, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Miami Herald; No. 11 Billy Joseph celebrates a big play.

Photo credit: hudl.com; Billy Joseph at a Rivals camp.