Big plays draw big colleges for Highland High School’s Treshawn Garrett
Exclusive interview with running back Treshawn Garrett
Coming off a 6-4 season, Highland High School running back Treshawn Garrett is hungry for another crack at opponents in California’s Golden League. The 5’11”, 175 pound, all purpose back had a breakout junior season rushing for 1,078 yards with 14 touchdowns posting an impressive 10.4 yard per carry average on the season but one gets the idea an even more impressive season is on the horizon in 2014.
Watching Garrett’s highlight reel the label natural seems an appropriate fit. When asking the Palmdale, California native about his strengths on the field the words back up the tape, “I feel my strengths are my speed, vision, and my deceptive speed.”
When asked to explain his vision of a run once past the line of scrimmage Garrett adds, “I look for the safety and linebacker and try to avoid the big hits. If I have to I will run over him and keep going. Normally I can run past him and score.”
With the ball in No. 6’s hands a highlight run is possible from any distance on the field. Garrett could have added elusive and game changer to his list of strengths without sounding overly cocky or arrogant, after all the tape doesn’t lie.
The senior to-be wowed coaches during the EFN Exposure Camp in Los Angeles on May 10 taking home MVP honors out of all the running backs attending. When asked about the experience Garret replied, “It was a good experience. There were a lot of good running backs there. I liked the way the running backs coach set up the drills, forced a lot of good competition among the players.”
Garrett brought his game to the EFN camp displaying the skills that allowed him to get six touchdowns on six carries totaling 185 yards rushing in the first game of league play. Unfortunately for Golden League foes that wasn’t even his best game. “Against Lancaster I rushed for 278 yards and against East Side I had a solid game getting four touchdowns.”
Bulldog coaches and fans could see a glimpse of what was to come during the 2012 season. As a sophomore Garrett rushed for 236 yards with four scores averaging 7.4 yards per carry after starting the year at outside linebacker then moving to running back for the last four games of the season… a natural.
With speed to spare and a quick side step move that leaves defenders wondering where he went, college coaches have taken notice.
“I’ve gotten interest from SDSU (San Diego State), New Mexico State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and University of San Diego. Boise State and San Jose state came by the school this week. USC along with Washington called our coach asking questions this week too.”
Coaches that have talked to Garrett like what they see. “The coaches have said they like my speed, first step, and vision.” Fresno State and San Diego State coaches will get an up close and personal look at the Bulldog standout during summer camps where Garrett can possibly turn interest into early offers.
Looking back on 2013 the abrupt end to the season does not seem to sit well with the Highland standout. “We were 6-4 and lost in first round of the playoffs (to Mira Costa 34-6). We had an all right season with a lot of good players but it just didn’t end up well.” On a personal note, “I did good, but I know I could have done better.”
When asked about the 2014 season Garrett perks up, “We have a lot of good returning players. We need some lineman to step up but we are deep at skill positions. Our defense will be really strong and we have some talented running backs and fullbacks.”
Garrett continues, “For us to be successful this year we need to have good teamwork and trust each other. Everybody is getting bigger and faster. We’ll continue working together over the summer to improve for next year.”
A long list of fellow teammates to help carry the load and share roles as leaders of the team are provided by their starting running back, “Defensive back Jalen Logan, tight end/defensive end Derick McDonald, offensive lineman/defensive lineman John Hall, inside linebacker Anthony Hernandez, and running back/strong safety Mait Gabbar are all set to have big seasons.”
What small goals does a player that earned All League First-Team and All Valley Honorable mention as a junior along with All League honorable mention as a sophomore at linebacker set for his senior season?
“3,000 yards rushing and offers from big schools in the SEC.”
Garrett lists his favorite teams as Alabama, USC, Arizona, and UCLA. If he rushes anywhere close to his goal of 3,000 yards safe to say he can have his pick of schools come National Signing Day 2015.
Photo credit: standard.net; No. 6 Treshawn Garrett makes a move for extra yards.