Interview: 2020 California WR Justin Schafer is a Fearless Target for Tesoro
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Receivers at all levels can develop alligator arms in a hurry, especially knowing a premier safety or linebacker is waiting for an opportunity to lay the wood. Among the many physical attributes that makes Class of 2020 receiver Justin Schafer so dangerous for Tesoro High School is his willingness to go anywhere on the field to make a play, and that includes dragging across the box making linebackers and safeties look foolish.
Schafer had a breakout season for the Titans in 2018 hauling in 58 passes for 814 yards with five trips into the end zone. Instead of being satisfied with working the sidelines burning corners, he worked with the Tesoro staff on multiple ways to use his speed and route running to exploit opposing Division II California defenses. Lining up on the outside and on the inside helped Schafer earn second team All-Orange County and first team All-South Coast League honors along with taking home the Team Offensive Player of the Year Award. The 6-1, 170-pound, difference maker is using his skills in other ways now by pulling in national recruiting interest.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s under the radar prospects in the 2020 class covering his talents on the field and growing recruiting prospects off the gridiron.
Interview
Justin, what type of offense do the Titans execute?
“The past few seasons we have run a spread offense. We are going under a reconstruction with our offense this offseason. It is really interesting, we will have more variety in the offense this season.”
How were you used within the offense in 2018?
“At the beginning of the year I was mostly on the outside. But as the year progressed, I moved around. I showed different looks to the defense.”
There is a lot I like about your overall game but perhaps at the top of the list is your willingness to go across the middle and make things happen. What is the mindset for you on a slant or drag route across the box?
“At the end of day, any big hit you can get up from. You have to go make the play. If you get hit so be it. You got to get up and go do it again.”
I like that. You have deceptive speed as well. What is your best-timed run?
“My best laser time is a 4.7. My best hand-held is 4.64.”
To me, you appear faster in game scenarios. Which areas of your game improved the most last season?
“For me, the biggest thing was my confidence competing at that level. I was willing to try more things and be more creative on the field because of my confidence.”
What are the strengths to your overall game?
“My strengths are my agility, shiftiness, and my competitiveness.”
You show great concentration on the ball when it is in the air and it looks like you like to mix it up when you block on running plays, is there any other area of your game that might get overlooked?
“My situational play. As you mentioned, my run blocking is overshadowed. That is something I put a lot of effort into and I know I can still improve on it.”
With the offense changing, will you be used at different positions or in a different role during your senior year?
“Yes. Definitely. I will be more in the slot, going in motion a lot, and giving a lot of different looks to the defense this season.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“My biggest thing is gaining weight and strength in the weight room. I am maintaining and fine-tuning my skills on offense but working hard on gaining weight and strength.”
Have you attended any national camps this offseason?
“Yes. I competed at the Nike Opening Regional in Los Angeles and at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Elite Camp.”
How did that go for you?
“It went well. It was an interesting experience for sure.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Columbia, Brown, and University of San Diego.”
Have you visited any programs yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to UCLA and San Diego.”
How did UCLA go?
“It went well. My teammate and I, Justin Williams, went there. We toured their facilities and the campus with one of the coaches.”
What about your visit with San Diego State, how did that go?
“It was more of a group thing for a Junior Day. I had a great time there. I saw the spring game (2019).”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Yes. I am taking some in Ivy League visits and some Midwest visits to schools like Northwestern.”
Wrapping up. Do you play any other sports for Tesoro?
“I will play basketball again my senior year. I didn’t this year to focus on football but I played my freshman and sophomore years.”
What is at least one thing we need to know about Justin Schafer the football player?
“I am a hard worker, competitive, and I do what it takes to win.”
Justin, it was great learning more about you and your game on the field today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Justin Schafer with T Elite 7v7 and at Pro Football Hall of Fame Camp