Interview: All Eyes will be on 4-Star 2019 California DB Jeremiah Criddell Once Season Kicks Off

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

During the 2016 season, Rancho Cucamonga High School was not only one of the best teams in the state of California but also in the nation posting a 12-1 record awarded with an end of season No. 26 national ranking by MaxPreps. The Cougars had an unbelievable amount of talent in the 2017 class, especially at the skill positions with four-star running back/defensive back Jaylon Redd (Oregon), four-star defensive back/receiver Thomas Graham (Oregon), three-star defensive back Tayari Venable (San Diego State), and three-star defensive back Darren Hall (San Diego State). Despite all the amazing skill position talent on the roster last season, Class of 2019 defensive back/receiver Jeremiah “Jay” Criddell stood out.

The days of wine and roses is not in the rearview mirror for Rancho Cucamonga but still in progress. The Cougars have starting Class of 2018 quarterback Nick Acosta and his 2,288 passing yards with 27 touchdowns back and a pair of very talented running backs in 2018 prospect Justyn Alexander and 2019 rising star Sean Dollars. Lending his playmaking skills on both sides of the ball, again in 2017, will be Criddell.

Criddell played receiver and defensive back for the Cougars in 2016 racking up eight receptions for 69 yards with a score. The 6-1, 188 pound, talent has captured the imagination of college coaches with a very long list of teams ready to see him grab the spotlight as a do-everything defender with a focus on cornerback. Offers have come in from UCLA, Utah State, and Oregon with schools like Cal, Arizona, San Diego State, UNLV, and USC showing various levels of interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star ranked talent covering his sophomore season, off-season workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

Jay, what were some of the changes you needed to make to your game last season playing varsity ball for Rancho Cucamonga?

“Knowing what I am doing on the field at all times. My IQ and understanding of the game needed to improve so I could play as fast as possible.”

Most of your snaps were at receiver, how did your game improve from the start of the season to the end?

“I started seeing stuff faster. I started to understand how to watch film. I become looser out there to the feel of the game.”

Where all on the field might you line up next year?

“I will definitely be playing nickel, cornerback, and some at safety. With our defensive coordinator, versatility is big. We need to be able to switch in anywhere. We can’t be all cornerback. You have to be able to play all three positions in the secondary if needed.”

Will you get some snaps in on special teams?

“I will be on kick return and maybe in some at punt return. I think JaCari Williams will be the primary punt returner.”

There is a lot of hype already focused on Rancho for the 2017 season. Are you already getting excited about excited about the upcoming season?

“I am more than excited. I am ready to put the pads on and show to everyone what I am about. Day by day I am working hard and taking every day as an opportunity to get better. I keep pushing myself to get better getting ready for the season.”

What are you working on this spring?

“In past years I played defense, I have come to a conclusion about my downfalls. I am working on speed and my eyes. I am shoring up my technique this spring. I can always rely on that on the field.”

Are you playing any 7v7 ball, if so, with who?

“I am with Ground Zero right now. This is my first year with them. They make me feel like I am at home.”

How is 7v7 action helping your game?

“It is helping a lot. I am going up against the best receivers out there. With our team, we are playing straight man. Either you win or lose. If you lose, everyone knows about it. It helps me putting it in my head that I have to be a better athlete than the receiver regardless of who it is I am going up against.”

Have you participated in any exposure camps this spring?

“Yes. I have been to all the exposure camps – Nike, Rivals, and I was at the Under Armour Camp.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you ran this spring?

“I ran a 4.6 (laser timed) at the (Los Angeles) Nike Opening.”

How did the camps go?

“I have showed scouts that I can be aggressive and I can use my feet. I can use my size to breakup passes. I bring a big presence to the field.”

Have you lined up any college camps for the summer yet?

“I have. I will be at a USC camp. I’m trying to make way over to the Washington camp too. I’m planning on going to the May Madness camp and then I will go visit Washington. I want to show my face to the coaches up there. They have sent mail and a lot of love. That is a big school in my recruitment. I want to show my face up there.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes, I have. I have been to UCLA and USC. I’m going to Oregon this weekend for their spring game. I went to SDSU and UNLV too.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“It went really well. I loved how their DBs have fun. They play like a unit. They are always lifting each other up. The coaches are hyping practices and are on it. I love the vibe there.”

How did your visit to USC go?

“USC went well also. I saw a lot of guys that I have looked up to. Iman Marshall is one that I looked at when I was there. I try to match his style. He is physical and fast but plays with technique. I love the campus there.”

What has you excited about the Oregon visit this weekend?

“I want to see the campus and their facilities. I want to learn more about the school. I want to see behind the scenes. I want to see how the players treat each other. I want to see how Thomas (Graham) likes the school (2016 teammate).”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?

“I want to get up to Washington, I’m trying to get to USC, and maybe Nebraska. That’s it for now.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I get a lot of letters from North Carolina, Iowa, Arizona State, Washington, and Nebraska is showing a lot of interest.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have three offers from UCLA, Oregon, and Utah State.”

Are you playing any other sports for Rancho?

“I am running track.”

Which events?

“I am trying to get my speed down. I am trying to run the 100 and maybe the 200. I might do hurdles too.”

What are your personal goals for the off-season before you enter your junior year?

“I want to mentally be prepared for the entire season. I want to be ready for 10 games plus. I want to be able to come in every practice ready to play ball. I want to help lead the team and have every one feed off my energy. I want to work until uncomfortable is comfortable.”

Jay, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit to Oregon this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Under Armour All-American Camp; Jeremiah Criddell

Photo credit: Criddell family; Jeremiah Criddell at SDSU

Photo credit: Criddell family; Jeremiah Criddell at UNLV