Interview: Amon-Ra Proves Playmaking is a St. Brown Family Thing

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are a lot of powerful brother duos on the gridiron in the high school ranks but one standing above the rest by absolutely terrorizing southern California defenses is Osiris and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

All of the hope and hype for the St. Brown family started coming together collectively during the 2015 schedule with Mater Dei High School. The Monarchs turned in a 10-3 record last season giving Centennial (Corona) a scare in the CIF Southern Section Playoffs before falling 42-36.

The Monarchs roster was full of talent but one started to rise above the rest in the passing attack, Class of 2017 receiver Osiris St. Brown. Osiris (6-2, 188) pulled in a team-high 43 passes covering 884 yards with 12 scores averaging over 20 yards per reception along the way. The result for the 6-2, 188 pound, talent was a consensus four-star ranking along with over 20 scholarship offers. On Aug. 5, Osiris verbally committed to Stanford adding a little more clout to Mater Dei’s aerial assault.

The other half of the tag team did not disappoint taking advantage of every opportunity possible. Amon-Ra made highlight reel play after play racking up 22 receptions for 373 yards with three touchdowns. The 6-1, 187 pound, rising star added 335 kick returns yards to his resume taking one back to the house 72 yards. Amon-Ra has that knack for finding a hole in the zone, getting separation on his routes in one-on-one coverage, and displays great concentration and hands when the ball is coming his way.

National attention has started coming Amon-Ra’s way. In addition to being a four-star recruit in his own right, 14 Division-I programs have extended offers. The list of schools clamoring for Amon-Ra is as impressive as his playmaking capabilities: Alabama, Wisconsin, Stanford, Michigan State, UCLA, Washington State, Kentucky, USC, Boise State, Howard, Cal, Washington, Arizona State, and Utah.

Mater Dei has another killer schedule on the books in 2016 but can breathe a little bit easier on offense with the St. Browns back along with the 2015 quarterback freshman sensation JT Daniels (3,042/33/4).

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Amon-Ra getting an overview on his sophomore season, off-season workouts and camps, along with a recruiting news update.

Interview

Amon, you ended up playing a big part in Mater Dei’s offense last season. Heading into the season did you have an idea you would be such a big weapon in the attack?

“After I transferred from Servite, I just wanted to get on the field and start. I just wanted to do my best in every game.”

How quickly did you earn a starting spot on the roster?

“I started our first game against Bishop Amat.”

How will your role evolve within the offense this year?

“We have some great receivers on the team – me, my brother, and Nikko (Remigio). Last year I was in the slot but this year I will be on the outside. I think I will be featured this year. JT (Daniels) can spin the ball. We will run a high-tempo offense. We’ll all get opportunities.”

What are some of the things you do well on the field as a receiver that allowed you to have a great sophomore campaign?

“I have strong hands, my run after the catch, and my ability to get off press coverage.”

What goals have you set for yourself, be it team or personal, for the 2016 season?

“My goals are 80 receptions and 15 touchdowns.”

Have you told JT yet?

(Laughs) “No. Not yet.”

You mentioned you will be at the outside receiver more this year, will we see you on special teams or on defense at all this year?

“Our defensive coordinator said I might play some nickel against different teams. My coach said I’ll return kicks this year. Our punt returner, Jalen Cole, is hurt. I might return some punts. Mainly I will be playing receiver on the inside and outside this year.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“My first camp was Stanford. I think I did a good job there. From there I went to a Notre Dame camp. I did a good there too. I also went to a Washington State camp in the Redlands.”

Which camp did you perform your best?

“I’d say either Stanford or Notre Dame.”

What did you do at either one of those camps that made you standout?

“As a competitor I strive to be on top. One-on-ones at camps are a big thing. I put it in another gear during one-on-ones. At both of those camps I did well in one-on-ones.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash this off-season?

“No.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have 14 offers.”

Of the teams that have offered, is one program pushing a little bit harder than the rest to forge that recruiting bond with you?

“Cal. I get a lot of direct messages from their receivers coach (Jacob Peeler).”

Are there any schools that have not offered showing interest in you?

“None that are in contact with me.”

How did everything end up in the classroom at the end of your sophomore season?

“I had a 4.2 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the SAT in French and German already. I have not checked my results yet. I think I did pretty good, especially in German. My mom is from Germany so we speak German in the house all the time. I think I did pretty good – really good on that one. The French language SAT was more difficult. From preschool to sixth grade I went to a French School. We lived in France for four months when I was younger. The French program is harder to keep up with.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

Let’s turn to Mater Dei. How does the team look during fall practices?

“I think our team is looking pretty strong. Defensively, our secondary is really good. Our defensive front is doing well. We have a new transfer in up there. On offense, with JT at quarterback and with us wide receivers out there, I think we will do really well this year.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are excited to play?

“I’m always excited to play Servite. Playing against them is one of my favorite games. I’m looking forward to (St. John) Bosco (Oct. 21) and hopefully we will play Centennial again this year (in the playoffs).”

Amon, thanks for your time today and good luck with your junior year.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; Amon-Ra St. Brown at a Notre Dame camp.

Photo credit: latimes.com; No. 8 Amon-Ra St. Brown holds onto the ball after a big hit.

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