Interview: 2019 California DE Stephon Wright Already Gaining Attention on Camp Circuit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In the modern era of high school football there are essentially two seasons to the game with the sport now a yearlong activity. In years past, once the season was completed teams would reconvene in the spring for workouts and some practices with a long gap of time until fall camp kicked up in August. Now high school players have 7-on-7 tournaments and camp circuits to prepare for allowing extra opportunities to compete and gain attention on the recruiting trail. One player taking advantage of the camp circuit already is Class of 2019 defensive tackle/end Stephon Wright.

Wright had a solid sophomore season on a Cathedral High School squad loaded with senior talent. The Phantoms were especially loaded at the skill positions with four-star wide receiver/corner Jamire Calvin (Oregon), defensive backs Jeff Manning (Oregon State) and Rhedi Short (Arizona), and receiver Arex Flemings (Oregon State). Wright got time in opposite another standout 2017 recruit, four-star end Hunter Echols (USC). With all the talent on the roster, Cathedral turned in an 11-1 season with Wright tallying an estimated stat line of 20 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks, five quarterback hurries, three passes batted down, and one forced fumble.

The time has come for Wright to step up his game even more as one of the leaders of Cathedral’s squad in 2017; and by all accounts he is ready. The 6-3, 260 pound, lineman showed out at the Los Angeles Nike Opening Regional and has been invited to the Rivals Three Stripe Camp coming in April. The work during his sophomore and in the early part of the camp circuit has led to an offer from Washington State with teams like Florida, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Nevada all showing early interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Golden State to get his thoughts on his sophomore campaign while catching up on his off-season thus far.

Interview

Stephon, let’s start out with your 2016 season. Where all did you line up on the field during your sophomore year?

“I lined up at mostly at defensive tackle and some defensive end towards the end.”

How did your sophomore season play out on the field?

“For me, I think it was a good experience to be on varsity. I thought that I learned a lot. I learned from guys older that had more experience.”

What all did you learn?

“I learned more about the game. I learned how to get ready for my opponent and how to play on a higher level and how to play fast.”

How did your game improve during the 2016 season?

“My game improved a lot from my freshman year. My pass rush got better and getting off run blocks got better. I was able to succeed in pass rush and run stopping, but pass rush was my favorite.”

How did you prepare for each game during the week?

“We watched film at school and then every day when I got home, after homework, I would watch another hour to two hours of film. In practice we would go up against their offense.”

With another year of football under your belt, are you going to do anything differently this year to prepare for each game?

“I’m just going to keep going 100 percent. When the end of the season comes I want to be better. I’ll watch even more film this year.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’m mostly working on my pass rush, recognizing plays, and my speed. I’m getting in the weight room and getting stronger.”

You just mentioned spending time in the weight room, have you maxed out in the weight room this off-season?

“Yes. On bench I maxed out at 315, power clean 215, and squat 315.”

What camps have you attended so far and which ones might you attend coming up?

“I went to the Nike camp and I was just recently invited to Notre Dame’s camp. In a couple of weeks I will attend Rivals Three Stripe Camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Florida, Nevada, and I just recently started getting mail From Notre Dame and Penn State. That’s what I know so far.”

Which school has offered you?

“Washington State.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?

“No.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.1.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, but I plan on taking it this year.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“History.”

I’ll get you out of here on this last question, what personal goals have you set for yourself this off-season and for your junior year?

“I want to get stronger and I want to break the sack record at Cathedral.”

Stephon, thanks for your time today and good luck at all of your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Stephon Wright at the Los Angeles Nike Regional.

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 16 Stephon Wright pre-snap (2016).