Interview: Eric Fuller Jr gives Hawkins Arguably Best High School Receiving Corps in the Nation

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

National player recruiting rankings are not always what they are cracked up to be but serve a purpose in helping get an overall idea on how different talents across the country stack up against one another. Hawkins High School already had one of the best one-two punches in the nation on the outside with Class of 2017 five-star Joseph Lewis and Class of 2018 five-star Jalen Hall but arguably but their grouping went into the stratosphere with the addition of 2018 receiver Eric Fuller Jr., a four-star currently ranked No. 3 in the country (247Sports).

Fuller wowed California opposition during the 2015 season playing in all three phases of the game. On defense he came up with 39 tackles, 21 solo, a fumble recovery, forced a fumble, defended five passes, and picked off six for Paramount High School. On offense, he had eight carries for 131 yards (16.4 yards per carry) and hauled in 21 passes for 369 yards scoring eight touchdowns. When teams would kick Fuller’s way, he had 195 kick return yards off eight attempts and further flashed his play making abilities as a punt returned taking three punts back for 95 yards with a score coming from 69-yards out.

In the off-season, Fuller transferred from Paramount to Hawkins setting up a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators to try to stop.

Colleges near and far have come to the Los Angeles area to see Fuller in action and to extend scholarship offers. The 5-9, 160 pound, speedster has nine offers from teams like USC, UCLA, Louisville, Fresno State, BYU, Boston College, and Michigan. More offers are sure to come with college coaches setting their schedules to come see Hawkins play as often as possible throughout the 2016 schedule.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Fuller after his college camp circuit had been completed getting an update on his recruitment and off-season workouts.

Interview

Eric, you made a big move from Paramount to Hawkins in the off-season. How has that move gone for you so far?

“It’s going even better than what I thought. I thought I’d transfer in and it would take months and months to adjust. It took a couple of weeks. My teammates are all motivated. They are not there just to be there. I have no choice but to work with them to get better.”

You bring a lot of talent and experience with you from last year. In an overview, how did your sophomore year go for you on the field?

“It went well. It was a good one but I feel like I could have done more.”

What were some of the things you got better at as a wide receiver last year?

“The majority of my improvement came with my route running. I’ve gotten better at a lot of the little things. I feel like I should have had a lot more receiving yards. I’m the first one to practice and the last one to leave. All the small things that count and I’m ready to show what I can do this year.”

What is one thing you do well right now that makes you hard to cover or stop?

“I believe it is my get off. Getting off the line is what makes the route. That sets the whole route for me.”

Did you earn any individual honors last season?

“I was first team All-Conference but I’m not sure what other honors I received.”

Have you set any personal goals for yourself for your junior season?

“I want to get at least 1,000 yards. My mindset every time I get the ball is to get into the end zone.”

With Hawkins, how will they utilize your skill set on the team?

“They will rotate me in the slot and I’ll play some corner. I should play some at running back and some at quarterback. I’m ready to play anywhere as an athlete to make plays.”

Are you excited about the roles you will be taking on with the Hawks?

“I’m real excited to play with the top 2017 and 2018 wide receivers. It is real exciting. I can’t wait for the season to begin.”

Will you be on special teams as well?

“Most definitely. I will be at punt return this year.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“One of the major things is staying healthy, gaining weight, and my speed.”

Your speed shows well on film. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve ran this off-season?

“This off-season, at Redondo Nike Opening Regional, I ran a 4.41. Next year I am hoping for a 4.3.”

Have you gone to any college camps this summer?

“I went to USC, UCLA, and Arizona.”

How did the UCLA camp go?

“There were a lot of top guys there. I competed well. UCLA’s coach called my coach, said he loved me and offered a scholarship.”

When you got that offer after showing out at the camp, how did that make you feel?

“That was big. I was seeing a lot of guys I was working with picking up offers. I knew I deserved an offer. UCLA called and offered. That was big for me.”

How did the USC camp go?

“There were some Georgia commits and Texas guys there. I made a name for myself going up against them. Coach (Clay) Helton (head coach) and Coach (Tee) Martin (offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach) offered me in his office. That was big too.”

How many offers do you have in total now?

“I have nine offers.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this off-season?

“With B2G (7v7) we went to Chicago for a tournament. We went to Notre Dame and Michigan while we were there. Michigan likes me a lot. They offered me.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned before the season starts?

“No, not before the season starts.”

Which schools are recruiting you hard right now but have not offered you yet?

“My coach is telling me Boise State and Oklahoma are showing a lot of interest.”

When you have talked to the various college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They like that I am explosive, athletic, and love my speed.”

Are you in a rush to commit?

“No. I’m planning on waiting until my senior year.”

How did you finish in the classroom last year?

“I had a 3.8 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

Have you started thinking about what you might want to major in once on campus?

“I want to go for a mechanical engineering degree.”

Let’s wrap up with some Hawkins 2016 talk. How does the team look in your opinion?

“From my eyes, I think we have the guys to go to state.”

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

“Yeah, Crenshaw (Oct. 28) and Mater Dei-San Diego (Sept. 16).”

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

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; Eric Fuller at a USC camp.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 1 Eric Fuller in the open field with Paramount (2015).

Photo credit Fuller family/Adidas tournament; Eric Fuller playing 7v7.