Interview: 2019 ATH Daniel Fortune Shinning in All Three Phases of the Game for Cajon

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On one of the more prolific offenses in the nation, Class of 2019 scat-back/slot receiver Daniel Fortune is a do-anything play-maker for Cajon High School helping push the well-oiled machine to an 11-1 season. The Cowboys have averaged 54 points per game on the season and have upped their game in the playoffs scoring 58 points on average. If that is not enough, he is also a big key to the Cowboys’ success on defense and on special teams.

When people talk about next level-elite speed, Fortune deserves to be in the conversation. Most 5-11, 190-pound, people do not move around the gridiron with speed, quickness, and a God given fluidness as Fortune. He is having a breakout season on offense with 446 yards on the ground off 63 totes with six scores and has pulled in 19 passes for 375 more yards with seven more scores going up on the board. As a junior, Fortune was all over the field tallying 84 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and five sacks with one pick but has moved to corner and nickel for his senior year forcing opposing quarterbacks to go the other way with the pigskin. He is still filling up the stat sheet with 18 stops, two tackles for a loss, two sacks, and two picks.

Another area where college coaches see his ability to influence the game at the next level with his 4.49 speed is on special teams. Fortune has returned 10 kickoffs 287 yards the other way with a 90-yard score. Teams wanting his abilities on the roster next year includes Utah and Iowa State with interest coming in from San Diego State and Washington State among others.

With the Cowboys blazing a trail towards the CIF Division III Championship Game with Capistrano Valley up next, I got a few minutes with Fortune covering his season with an overview on his recruiting process.

*Click link for Aug. 13, 2018, RNG interview with Daniel Fortune

Interview

Daniel, before we start talking about your season running the rock and playing defense, I have to ask about your 70-yard touchdown pass to Josh Gibson. Break the play down for me.

“At practice, we talked about running a trick play in the game. I asked if I could throw the ball and Coach (Nick) Rogers said okay. We ran it in practice, (laughs) it was a horrible pass. We get into the game and they call the play. It was a swing play and I threw it, and he caught it.”

Was that your first passing touchdown?

“Yes.”

Watching you carry the ball, your speed and quickness looks video game-esq. Compared to last season, how has your game improved running the ball this year?

“I have worked on all my little mistakes from last year, I have come out harder this year.”

You made a lot of big plays out of the backfield and lining up in the slot in the aerial attack this year, how did your game improve as a receiving threat in 2018?

“Real good. At first, my route running was not there, now it is. I feel like it has gotten a lot better.”

Where all did you play in the Cowboys secondary this year?

“Nickle back and corner.”

Looking back on the season, how would you grade your overall performance on defense?

“I have had a pretty good season. I need to work on some things, I’m always trying to get better.”

So it seems, you guys have stepped your game in the playoffs with big wins over Paloma Valley and Paraclete. In your opinion, how is the team looking?

“We look really good. Even from League, we look a lot better. We were playing as individuals, now we are playing as a whole, as a team.”

You guys square off against Capistrano Valley (9-3) on Friday. What kind of game are you expecting from the Cougars?

“I am expecting a pretty good game. We will have to come out and ball. It will be a good game.”

You have the two offers from Utah and Iowa State, which schools are showing interest?

“New Mexico State, Portland State, and San Diego State.”

Have you taken any visits during the season?

“Yes. I took one official visit to Utah (Oct. 21).”

How did the official visit go?

“It was nice. I loved it.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Not yet. I am focused on the playoffs.”

Daniel, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Capistrano Valley.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fortune family; Daniel Fortune at Utah (Oct. 2018)