Interview: 2019 California WR Jerry Sandefur Preparing for Another Playmaking Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2017 season was a tough one for Riverside Poly High School (CA) taking on talented squads like Chaparral (Temecula), Bonita, Norco, and Rancho Verde. Through the hard times, a roster filled with underclassmen had a few standouts making the season memorable. One of the standouts energizing the Bears time and time again was emerging Class of 2019 receiver Jerry Sandefur.
Sandefur used his athleticism, hands, field vision, and playmaking abilities for an estimated stat line of 41 receptions for 535 yards with five trips to the end zone. After earning first team All-Inland Valley League honors, interest is starting to roll in for the 5-8.5, 172 pound, talent. Looks have come in from Nevada, Alabama State, and the previous UCLA staff. A busy offseason playing 7v7 ball and a heavy camp schedule should help raise Sandefur’s profile throughout the west coast.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down to learn more about Sandefur and his growing talents.
Interview
How did your junior season on the field go with the Bears?
“I feel like it went great. We have to work on the little things, but we’ll be fine next season.”
What type of offense do the Bears run?
“We ran a spread offense last year, but we just changed offensive coordinators. Our new OC will run more RPO (run-pass option) plays now.”
How are you used within the offense 2017?
“I lined up as an inside and outside receiver. Most of my routes were over the top; a lot of slants, hitches, and curls as well.”
Within the new RPO offense, how will you be used?
“Our coach told me I will be on the outside, in slot, and I will run a lot of sweeps. I might play some defense this year.”
At with position?
“At safety.”
When the 2017 season ended, which areas of your game had improved as a receiver?
“That is a hard question. My route running got better. I got better run after the catch and gaining more yards.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting faster. I am working on my hand-eye coordination, speed, making my routes perfect, and catching tough balls. I’m working on getting out of breaks quicker.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball?
“I am. I am playing with Ground Zero.”
How is that helping develop your game?
“On Ground Zero, they have a lot of top defensive backs – a lot from Mater Dei (High School). Going against the top DBs from Mater Die, they are preparing me for the 2018 season. The coaches are teaching me new techniques, how to get off press, how to be more aggressive with my hands, and how to get DBs’ hands off me. I am making big time catches as a big-time player.”
Are you attending any camps or combines coming up?
“I plan on attending a UCLA camp. I will probably attend a USC camp, the Adidas Three-Stripe, and the Polynesian Bowl combine.”
Are you receiving any recruiting interest?
“I was receiving interest from UCLA’s old staff. Nevada and Alabama State have also shown interest.”
Do you have any planned visits for this spring or summer?
“I want to visit Nevada and UCLA, Northern Arizona, UNLV, and BYU. If I can make it out there, I’d like to visit Oregon State as well.”
Let’s wrap the interview up with some fun questions. During games, are you a talker?
(Laughs) “Yeah, I am a talker.”
What’s the funniest thing you’ve said to an opposing player?
“Oh man, there’s been a lot. I say things to make them mad. I tell them I am going deep on them, and then go deep on them.”
Jerry, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jerry Sandefur