One to Watch Interview: California SS Jonathan Perkins had Explosive Sophomore Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Fate can have an odd way of bringing about what was surely meant to be. In the case of Jonathan Perkins, an unfortunate Wally Pip situation may turn out to be a Lou Gehrig scenario for the budding Summit High School star.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of any athletic activity. In football, the “next man up” mentality is always in play never knowing what can happen from one snap of the ball to the next. Entering the 2016 season, Perkins had settled in for a year of learning the varsity game instead of prepping for a breakout season. As fate would have it, learning on the job turned into an explosive season quickly placing Perkins as one of the many Class of 2019 California talents college coaches will keep an eye on going forward.

The Fontana area product did not start the first two games of the Skyhawks season but was thrust into a starting role by Game 3 against San Gorgonio (San Bernardino). Head coach Nicholas Matheny got a big surprise season long performance from his 6-0, 165 pound, safety watching him lockup 99 tackles, with seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and two passes broken up helping the Skyhawks to a 10-2 campaign.

The spring and summer months of 2017 will be especially important for Perkins. With college and exposure camps on the horizon, Perkins has a great opportunity to show all of his big hits, speed and quickness, cover skills, and ability to play deep and in the box transfers against other top talent from around the region.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising star to get an overview on his season and an update on his off-season workouts.

Interview

Jonathan, I really liked your reel. Going into your sophomore season, did you know that you would have that big of a role on Summit’s team?

“No, not at all. I did not start the first couple of games. I did not start until the third game of the season.”

What clicked for you allowing you to have such a great season?

“Injuries, to be honest. Two linebackers went down so I went in.”

You are listed as a safety but played a lot in the box in 2016. Did you play more of a rover or strong safety in the box or were you a straight up linebacker last season?

“At times I was more of a linebacker. I was a safety brought down into the box because we played against a lot of running teams.”

What were some of the areas of your game that you had to step up on immediately in 2016?

“Tackling and reading the guards.”

How did your game grow from the beginning of the season to the end?

“I got smarter. I also go better at reading guards and tackling.”

Will we see you on offense next year?

“Yes. I will be an H-back and slot. We roll those positions into one.”

Are you staying on defense as well?

“Yes.”

Will you make a move to outside linebacker or are you staying at safety during your junior season?

“I don’t know. It is all up to my coaches. I’d like to stay at safety but wherever they need me I will go.”

What are your off-season goals?

“Just to get faster and improve on my footwork.”

Did you earn any postseason honors?

“No, even though my averages were better than the guys who earned honors.”

It is really early in your recruiting process, but are any teams showing interest right now?

“Not too many teams. Nevada is the main one.”

Are you taking any unofficial visits coming up?

“I think when our 7v7 team goes to Las Vegas we are visiting UNLV.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.0.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Chemistry.”

Are you playing any winter or spring sports?

“I was playing basketball but I cannot right now because I am training for football.”

Last question, what is your favorite thing about playing football?

“Playing with my teammates, getting to know people better, and growing as a person.”

Jonathan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: InsideSoCal.com; No. 21 Jonathan Perkins runs down an Etiwanda running back.