Interview: Former SDSU WR Jabril Clewis Taking on Leading Role with Grossmont JUCO
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
When Jabril Clewis finished his senior year on the gridiron, all the momentum in the world was on his side. The rising star from Patrick Henry High School had wrapped up an impressive campaign on the field hauling in 54 passes for 725 yards with nine scores. He even helped out in the run game coming up with 54 yards and a touchdown and took a punt return back to the house. Things got brighter for the home town star when he verbally committed to San Diego State. But then basketball season came around sending his immediate future into unknown territory.
A knee injury during basketball season sidelined Clewis as a medical redshirt with San Diego State in 2014. During the 2015 season, the 6-2, 215 pound, talent with 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash took another redshirt to get back to 100 percent so he could start working his magic in the passing attack once again.
Another change came in the off-season when Clewis decided to wipe the slate clean by transferring to Grossmont junior college starting his collegiate career anew making him one of the more seasoned receivers in the 2017 class who could have an immediate impact at a four-year school next year.
As the 2016 season nears, all eyes will be on Clewis to see how the former three-star recruit (ESPN) responds to his first official college action with Grossmont. The time on the practice field is there along with the knowledge of how to play the position after two seasons with the Aztecs. The Griffins have an influx of new talent making them a contender in the National Southern Conference this season shinning an even bigger spotlight on southern California junior college football.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Clewis covering his time with SDSU, his off-season workouts, and his expectations for his first season playing college ball.
Interview
Jabril, what did you work on last season during your redshirt year to prepare for the 2016 season?
“One thing was to get back into the mode of high intensity practices. I worked on getting back onto the field and getting my knee where it needs to be to play at a high level. I also worked on things to be a great receiver – my route running, finishing plays, and things like that. The main thing was getting back out there running, jumping, and cutting. That was the big thing for me.”
You are 100 percent healthy now, right?
“Yes.”
How has summer workouts and fall camp gone with Grossmont so far?
“They’ve been good. It is always going to be tough going into a season. There are a lot of things going, but it has been good so far. I feel myself getting stronger and becoming a better player. I have taken things from State (SDSU) and applied them here. I’m using all of that knowledge to further my game to become a better player.”
Are you challenging for a starting spot in fall camp?
“As of right now, I am starting based on the practices.”
When the season for Grossmont kicks off and you are lined up on the outside, what talents and abilities are you bringing to the field to help your team score the ball?
“I think there are a few things I do well. Being a deep threat is one. My ability to stretch the field is one of my best qualities. Also being able to go across the middle making the tough catches and the contested catches. I’m improving on everything. My motor is another. I make sure I am always going 100 percent on every play. I don’t take any plays off. I’m giving the team all I can. Just being a great teammate. I’m not very vocal and I’m not emotional at all on the field. Being tempered with my demeanor keeps me from getting to high or too low. My temperament keeps me in a steady range to stay focused on what I have to do during the game.”
We know that you will be lining up at wide receiver, will we see you anywhere else on offense, defense, or on special teams?
“For sure I will be at wide receiver. Special teams – I’m not sure yet. I hope to play some special teams and do some returns this year. That is up to the coaches to decide but I need to show them that I can do it. We’ll see.”
What are your goals for the 2016 football season?
“One goal is to win, everyone wants to win. I hope that our team is a very good team this season and we can compete for a championship. Another goal is to execute everything I am asked to do. I want to look back on the season and see that I was able to do and complete everything asked of me. I want to make sure I accomplish everything on the field from blocking to catching the expected passes – things like that. Another goal is to get a scholarship and transfer by the end of the season.”
You’ve been through the recruiting process before. Coming out of high school you also had offers from Utah, Nevada, and UNLV. When your time comes to commit to a school potentially as a member of the 2017 class, what will be some of the things that are important to you when you are narrowing down your list?
“For me, I know that environment will be a big thing. Can I see myself in the environment and thriving? Will I like it and not have my reservations about the school? How is the campus life? What is it like interacting with teachers and students? Another thing would be the team, not necessarily the wins and losses, but interacting with my teammates. Are there great guys on the team? Guys that are not selfish or bad people? Overall I guess being in the environment for an extended period of time and seeing myself there and enjoying it. If I can get all of that, that would be a big thing – a good thing.”
Have you maxed out on any of the football lifts this off-season?
“I have not maxed out this summer or during the spring. At one point last year my max on bench was at 300. I’m not sure where I am at right now with any of my lifts.”
You’re a qualifier, obviously, out of high school but how are your grades so far in college?
“I don’t know what my overall GPA is right now. I do know this past spring I had a 3.5 or a 3.6. I passed both of my summer classes with B’s.”
What are you wanting to major in once at a four-year school?
“Geography.”
That’s different. I can’t let this one pass by me. Why geography?
“In high school, my senior year, my school offered this GIS (Geographic Information Systems) course. It is more GIS that I am interested in studying. They offered it at my school. At first no one really wanted to take it. I thought I might as well. Why not try something new? I took it and I really liked it. I did well in the class. I knew then that this is something I would like to continue learning about. I also like to study population geography and I like studying different societies.”
Very cool. Switching to Grossmont, how does the team look in fall camp?
“I think we look great to be honest. I really like the defense. I probably shouldn’t say that going up against them, but going up against them, our defense looks really good. We should have a great season if everything continues.”
I know you are still relatively new to Grossmont, but are there any games you or your teammates are getting excited to play this season?
“I have a couple. Our first game against (San Diego) Mesa (Sept. 3) is one I am looking forward to playing. My brother goes there and one of my former teammates from high school goes there too. I talk to my brother about it. He plays wide receiver too. I always try to help him with college and football too.
“Another game is against Saddleback. I have a friend who coaches there. He is a teammate from high school who coaches there now. We always talk about our teams. It will be fun to see him. Those two games stick out because of personal ties.”
I must say that the ativanshop.com drug is serious, and tranquilizers all causes of dependency and addiction, so I decided not to take a long time course. I have used only in extreme situations, when there was not a single way out.
Jabril, thanks for your time today and good luck with your season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: aztecsfight.com; No. 1 Jabril Clewis pregame with Patrick Henry.
Photo credit: foxsports.com; No. 1 Jabril Clewis postgame interview.