Interview: 2020 Fresno City RB Obrien Selby is a Hidden JUCO Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For all athletes and at every level of their respective game, the proverbial clock is ticking. Time ticking away for most players starts in high school with the need to prove one’s self in order to make it to the next level only to repeat the feat again, if lucky enough, with the hopes of continuing along the journey. Not all talents get to meet the fork in the road where preparation and hard work intersects with opportunity. That is the case for Class of 2020 running back Obrien Selby.
Selby continued his gridiron career at the junior college level with Fresno City College after being an all-purpose back for Springs Valley High School. During his senior season, the then Class of 2017 French Lick (IN) talent amassed over 1,000 all-purpose yards rushing for 974 yards off 187 carries with eight scores and pulled down nine passes for 134 more yards with two addition touchdowns during a 4-6 Blackhawks campaign.
The 5-11, 215-pound, back kept working on his game waiting for that opportunity to once again show his every down abilities and workhorse determination to move the chains but never got to fully display those skills. Still, Selby can play. Off just 40 carries during Fresno City’s 8-3 season in 2019, Selby covered 146 yards with three touchdowns running in a Spread and pro-set scheme. Those programs that have checked in on him have been sold with offers extended from Arizona Christian and Northern Montana with Sterling (KS), Midland (NE), Concordia (TX) showing interest.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the relatively unknown 2020 prospect to learn more about the talents in his game.
Interview
Obrien, Fresno City had a great season going 8-3, 5-0 in conference. Overall, how did the 2019 season go for you and the team?
“The season was a good one. We fought through adversity and grew as a team. For me, my knowledge of the game grew. It was a successful year even though we did not go as far as we wanted, but I grew as a player.”
What type of offense were you guys running last season?
“We were running a Spread and we ran a pro-style set too.”
In high school, what offensive scheme were you working within?
“I ran a T, a Spread, and a pro-style. We had different coaches throughout my career in high school.”
How were the coaches getting you active within the scheme last season? What were some of the designed play calls for you?
“The plays called were to get me out on the edge and some inside stuff. They liked my speed on the edge. We had some plays where I would go out on a seam for a pass, but mostly they took advantage of my speed on the edges.”
You are a downhill runner with a great burst of speed once you get a crease at the line of scrimmage. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a tailback?
“I can go out on passes and I feel like I am effective getting up field. I am always working on my blocking. If someone catches the ball, I am running downfield to block and be active to help the play. With my running style I will make them miss but I can also run through the defenders. Once I hit the hole, I am going. I don’t play around and not one guy will tackle me. I am hard to bring down.”
Is there an aspect or trait to your game that may get overlooked?
“My power and speed. Definitely my speed. I am faster in person. I run with power, that may get overlooked.”
What have you been doing this offseason to stay in football shape?
“Running track for Fresno City.”
Which events?
“The 100.”
Compared to other 2020 junior college prospects out there, what do you feel sets you apart from others?
“My attitude and work ethic. I feel like I am a good person to have in a program, I like the comradery. I am someone who tries to work harder than everyone else. I’m not one to tell everyone what to do, but I am a leader pumping guys up. I do that on the field, but it is also important off the field to keep everyone together with that same energy.”
Last question. When is your graduation date?
“May 22.”
Obrien, thanks for your time today and I’m wishing you success this season in track and with your ongoing recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Fresno City College; No. 8 Obrien Selby in action