Interview: 2020 California WR Destin Harston Posted Big Season for Los Osos

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Stats can be deceiving if one does not have all the data to process the information. On the surface, Class of 2020 receiver Destin Harston had a solid season pulling in 42 passes for 669 yards with six touchdowns, but, if you did not know that Los Osos started the season as a Wing-T offense with a run-heavy approach the numbers posted are not as impressive as they really are. The Rancho Cucamonga area talent has the size (6-2.5, 185), speed, hands, and talent that is starting to draw recruiting attention his way.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2020 class to find out how his junior season played out on the field and to learn more about his offseason workout goals.

Interview

Destin, you put up big numbers in 2018 as a receiver. What offense do the Grizzlies run and how are you utilized within the scheme?

“At the beginning of the season we were in a Wing-T offense. But then the coaches found out we had more dogs on offense in the empty and spread. When they found that out, we started to run the spread. We started changing the offense. We run empty and spread mainly now. Most routes I run are crossing and deep routes. Sometimes I go against linebackers in the slot. We throw it deep over their heads.”

You worked over Baseline League competition in 2018 using your speed and athleticism, what are some of the other key traits of your game that allowed you to be so productive?

“My reads and finding open spaces in the coverages. We have a lot of talented DBs that we went against that cover well. You have to run crafty routes to get open.”

What do you consider to be the strengths of your game as a receiver?

“My speed, that is my No. 1 thing. I am a big body; most corners are smaller than me. I can use my body to get open. My hands are a strength as well. I do not drop balls.”

Was there one area of your game that was a weakness to start the year but by the end of the season you had made it into a strength?

“Yes. My blocking. My blocking got a lot better this season.”

Which game during your junior year was your best?

“My best was probably the Damien game. I had three catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. The Kaiser game was a good one too. I had nine catches for 150 and two touchdowns in that one.”

What will you focus on this offseason to help push your game forward?

“I need to improve on my routes and coming in and out of my breaks better. I am slow coming out of my breaks. I will work on all my routes – posts, hitches, and my release off the press.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Fresno State, Boise State, and San Jose State.”

Do you play any other varsity sports for Los Osos?

“Yes. I play basketball.”

How is your basketball season going?

“It is going very well. We just played some big games against Mater Dei and St. Anthony’s. We did not come out with the win but we learned a lot.”

Last question – for fun. Which bowl games you are excited to see upcoming?

“The Oklahoma verses Alabama bowl game is the main one I am worried about.”

Do you have a prediction on which team will win?

“I am going with Alabama.”

Destin, it was great talking to you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts and with your basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Los Osos High School; No. 4 Destin Harston in action