Interview: 2020 Georgia CB Ivan Yates Shows No Fear in College Camp Circuit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As sure as the sun rises, the state of Georgia will produce a plethora of top skill athletes for college coaches to dote over year after year – Class of 2020 cornerback Ivan Yates is positioning himself to be one of those recruits. Yates spent his sophomore year frustrating opposing 7A competition as a lockdown corner, and sometimes at safety depending on the scheme and offense. The Lassiter High School standout is drawing SEC, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC interest with an offer extended from SMU last season.
The 5-10, 165-pound, defender has tested his skills at a few camps already this summer traveling from Georgia to California for a Sacramento State camp to show he can cover receivers from sea to shining sea. In a RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the Marietta area product to learn more about his overall game and offseason workouts.
Interview
Ivan, you were all over the secondary last year covering guys across the field. How did your overall skillset at corner improve in 2017?
“I’d say my technique and understanding the game more were my main areas of improvement. I worked on different techniques, I mix them up when I play.”
What cover schemes did the Trojans execute last year?
“We did a lot of man and Cover 4, a zone man – match concept.”
What is your favorites schemes to run?
“I like man. You can’t go wrong with it. I also like Cover 4; you have to react and you can jump routes.”
Was there an area of your game that started off as a weakness during your sophomore year but by the end of the year was a strength?
“My understanding of the game. My understanding of different offensive alignments was weak to start the year but know I can use that knowledge to my advantage.”
You were able to block a couple of kicks last season further showing off your speed, what is the best 40-yard dash you have posted?
“I focus on technique. I don’t do combine training.”
What are you working on with your game this offseason?
“I am focused on fine-tuning my technique. I have been doing a lot of film work to understand route concepts even better.”
Where all will you line up during your junior year?
“I will mostly line up at corner but I will get some action in at receiver.”
Are you excited about playing receiver this year?
“Yes, sir. I am looking forward to that a lot.”
How did Lassiter look during spring ball?
“We looked good. We should be solid. Our coaches are doing a good job of putting the pieces together and putting the players in position to succeed.”
Did any college coaches come by Lassiter to meet with you in-person or watch you practice this offseason?
“We had some coaches come out to our spring practices, but I did not talk to any directly.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I have been to mega camps at Mercer, Lindenwood, and Sacramento State this past week.”
I am impressed that you went cross country for the Sac State camp. How did that camp go?
“It went well. There was some good competition there. It was good to see where my talent was with guys in other regions. I enjoyed it.”
Do you have any upcoming camps planned?
“We are sorting through that right now. I have camp invites from Wake Forest, Mississippi State, and Kentucky.”
What is one thing you’ve learned from camps this summer that will help you on the field going forward?
“That is a good question. I’d say one thing I have learned is how to mix my coverages and not show what I am doing before the snap – disguising my coverages.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered just yet?
“Nebraska, Ohio, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Stanford.”
Which school has offered you?
“Last year I received an offer from SMU under Coach (Chad) Morris (head coach). Coach Morris is at Arkansas now. The new staff has not reoffered me yet.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes, sir. I have taken visits to TCU, Georgia State, and a game day visit at SMU last season.”
What goals do you have for the rest of the summer before the season begins?
“That is another good question. I’d like to continue to hit the weight room to get bigger, stronger, and faster. My focus is to keep preparing for the season.”
What goals have you set for yourself for the 2018 season?
“The ultimate goal is to help my team win a state championship. I’d like to contribute to that by getting 10 interceptions and do whatever I can to help us win.”
Ivan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: etimages.com; No. 2 Ivan Yates in action