Interview: 4-Star 2019 RB Jonathan Sewell is Another in a Long Line of Outstanding Georgia Talents

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The state of Georgia is known for turning out fantastic high school talent to the college ranks year after, and at every position. One spot on the field at the high school level in the Peach State synonymous with college football recruiting is at running back. Guys like 2016 talents Elijah Holyfield (Woodward) and Brittain Brown (Cherokee), 2017 runner Trey Sermon (Sprayberry), and 2018 four-stars Dameon Pierce (Bainbridge) and Lyn-J Dixon (Taylor County) have dominated the recruiting headlines in recent years. Another in a long line of very talented players ready to grab the spotlight is 2019 tailback Jonathan Sewell.

Sewell earned his four-star ranking during his sophomore season running over and past 5A competition for 1,042 yards with 10 scores off 128 touches. Proving to be an every down back, Sewell added 18 receptions for 256 yards with two more scores. If the 8.1 yard per carry average with a long of 80-yards or a 14.2 per reception average does not impress, perhaps his skills with the ball in his hands will. The 5-11, 187 pound, back is a mix of speed and power running through first-, second-, and third contact while proving time and time again that a safety with a thought angle is no match for his open-field acceleration.

Three offers have already been handed to Sewell by Ole Miss, Charlotte, and South Carolina. The rest of the ACC and SEC are sure to follow after another standout season for Clarke Central High School. The interest list is expanding quickly to include backyard powerhouse Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with one of the top 2019 prospects in the nation covering his sophomore season, summer workouts, and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Jonathan, you became the focal point of Clarke High School’s running game last season. Did you know that you would have that big of a role in the offense going into the season?

“I knew I had to step up and take on a bigger role from the year before. During my freshman year, I had a good season.”

When did you notch your first varsity start?

“During my freshman year.”

Did you remember your stats from 2015?

“No. I know I had two touchdowns. On my very first varsity carry, I had a 65-yard touchdown run.”

And the legend is born.

(Laughs)

When asked to describe your running style what do you tell people?

“My running style is hard to describe. I’m told I run like Dalvin Cook (Florida State – Minnesota Vikings) and some said I run like Eric Dickerson (Los Angeles Rams). I just go out there and play. I just want to win games and do my best. I’m a versatile back.”

How did your game get better last year?

“I had to be more confident. Playing during my freshman year helped me last year. I started a game my freshman year, that helped me be more confident during my sophomore season. I was about 170 pounds during my freshman year. The guys were a lot bigger than me, but I was prepared for it. As I got older my dad taught me how to run through the holes. I was prepared for the challenge.”

There are big expectations on your shoulders as you enter into your junior season. Do you feel any pressure from all the hype?

“No. I don’t feel any pressure. I know I have to lead the team and do better than what I did last year. I feel like I have to prove to everyone that I am a talented back.”

Where all will we see you on the field this year?

“I will be at running back, slot, and kick returner too. I can do everything. I proved that last year catching the ball out of the backfield.”

What have you been working on this off-season in preparation for your junior year?

“Ball security! I’m working on getting better on being humble (laughs). I’ve been working a lot on my attitude and mindset. I’ve been working on being a man and being more mature on and off the field.”

How about from a technical standpoint? Which parts of your skillset have you been working on this off-season?

“I’ve been working on getting quicker and stronger. I’m trying to get my weight to 210 before my senior year.”

Did you go to any camps this off-season?

“I went to UNC-Charlotte for a camp. I was going for a visit and then paid money for the camp. I wanted to go there and get better. I thought it would be a waste of time to be there and not attend the camp. I went to the Nike Opening Regional (Atlanta), a Rivals camp, and an Under Armour All-American Camp too.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you ran this summer?

“At the Charlotte camp I ran a 4.4.”

Of all the camps you attended, which was your best camp?

“I think it was Charlotte.”

What did you do well at Charlotte to make it your best camp?

“I was taking coaching points on being a better back and applying it. I did well with my footwork, one-on-ones, and I caught the ball well. Everything else I knew from what my dad taught me.”

Do you have any other camps coming up?

“I don’t think so. I plan on going to South Carolina for a visit before school starts.

Do you have any other unofficial visits lined up for this summer or during the fall?

“I plan on going to UNC-Charlotte and I’m trying to go to Ole Miss during the season.”

You have offers from Charlotte, South Carolina, and Ole Miss, which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“The schools showing interest in me are Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Tennessee.”

Did you play any other varsity sports for Clarke Central this year?

“Basketball and track.”

Looking ahead, have you set any goals for your junior campaign?

“I want 1,500 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. I want my average yards per carry to be higher than what it was last year. I want to raise my game with no fumbles. I want a championship.”

How does the team look heading into fall camp?

“We look better than we did last year. We have more guys coming out this year. We have transfers that have come in to play football. We look very good. We have more athletes than we’ve had over the past two seasons.”

Is there at least one game you are excited to play this year?

“Oh, yes. Oconee, Buford, and Loganville.”

Last question. What gets you hyped for a game?

“My music, or a friend or a teammate that gets me excited for a game. When the whole team gets hyped, that pumps me up.”

Jonathan, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Georgia Prep Zone; No. 21 Jonathan Sewell post game (2016).

Photo credit: Hudl.com; No. 21 Jonathan Sewell gets around the end (2016).

Photo credit: Twitter.com; Jonathan Sewell at a Georgia game (2016).