Interview: Former Orlando Area Standout CB James Julius Shutting Down Receivers for Grossmont

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

No matter what region of the country we may live in or what our occupation may be, at one time or another we have all experienced the struggle life presents. That will and motivation to overcome obstacles, along with watching superior athletes in action, is what brings all of us to the yard or TV set as fans. We all know the humbling experience of defeat but each of us is searching for the thrill of the victory.

The thrill of a personal victory is finally around the corner for James Julius.

The junior college path gives second or even third chances to all who are willing to put in the time and work to take advantage of the opportunity presented. After becoming a highly recruited cornerback out of Evans High School in the 2013 recruiting class, Julius has found his way back to the sport he loves. What comes next is up to him.

Julius’ future was as bright as anyone in his peer group as National Signing Day approached in 2013. With offers on the table from Boise State, Boston College, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Memphis, Citadel, South Alabama, Bowling Green, Florida Atlantic, and Florida International, the- now 5-11, 180 pound, Florida product was set to sign with Pitt. A change in the coaching staff sent everything spinning eventually seeing Julius sit out the 2014 campaign. In 2015, Julius took a redshirt season with Hutchinson Junior College transferring to Grossmont in the off-season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Julius to get caught up on his JUCO path, off-season workouts, and expectations for his freshman season of collegiate football.

Interview

James, you sat out a season and then had a redshirt season to refine your skill set at Hutchinson. When you put on the pads for Grossmont’s first game this season, what strengths will you bring to the field to help the Griffins’ defense?

“I like to play press and bump and run coverage. I’m good at putting my hands on the receivers and redirecting them. I like to be physical at the line. I have good hips and I can flip my hips. I can adjust to a receiver and I have good recovery speed. I’ve been blessed with good hips and speed.”

You mentioned your speed, have you ran a 40-yard dash this off-season?

“No sir.”

When did you last run a 40?

“In high school.”

What was the best time you posted?

“4.4.”

We covered your strengths, what are some of the things you have been working on over the summer and during fall camp to get ready for the season?

“Staying square in my back pedal. I can cut out more routes if I do that. If I do that, it makes it harder for receivers to get up. Once you open up, you open up the gate for them to get open. I’ve also been working on my off-man. Off-man is the harder part. That shows your technique, fundamentals, and all of that stuff if you do it right.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“My team goals are to go to the state championship. I want to lead the state in interceptions. I want 10 this year.”

Good luck. Once you get four or five they will stop throwing your way.

(Laughs)

I know we will see you at corner, might we see you anywhere else on the field this season?

“Returning punts and kicks. On defense, I can play any position in the secondary. I should be in the nickel on third and long to cover the slot receiver. I try to do it all. Whatever role they need me to play, I will be able to adjust and play.”

You’ve been out of circulation on the recruiting trail but that does not mean a couple of schools are not showing interest. Are there any schools keeping an eye out on you?

“I know there are a couple of schools looking at me. Ole Miss is one.  My brother (Jalen Julius) plays there (cornerback). One of my close friends plays at Auburn, actually I have two friends there, Tony Stevens (wide receiver) and Woody Barrett (quarterback). There are various schools that have come to our school too.”

Where are you with your studies in school? Are you a qualifier?

“Yes sir, I was a qualifier out of high school. I’m working to finish strong. My GPA is a 2.5.”

You’ve been through the recruiting process before. This time around what are some of the factors that will inform your decision on the four-year school you commit to when the time comes?

“Family atmosphere is important. Do the coaches really care about the kids? Do they push you to your limit? Does the team run a scheme that fits me on defense? I feel like I can play in any system, press or man. That’s about it to tell you the truth. I just want to be in a system where I can excel.”

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

“I know we play Fullerton (Oct. 15), I have a couple of friends there. I am ready for the first game against (San Diego) Mesa (Sept. 3). I’m just excited for the season to be here. I have not played in a while.”

What will that first play for you be like knowing you are finally living your dream playing college football?

“I got goose bumps when you said that. I’ll probably get goose bumps on the first contact. Then it will be fun. I want to have fun with it. Being here, the fun in football has come back. I have been enjoying every moment of it. I have that love for the game. It will be a great feeling playing in that first college game.”

James, good luck with your season.

“Thank you sir.”

Photo credit: grossmont.edu; Grossmont Griffins on defense.