Interview: 2020 Recruit Joe Gonzales is a Rising Two-Way Washington Athlete to Watch
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2018 Washington high school football season had ended, Lake Stevens had a certified two-way rising star on their hands in Joe Gonzales. Gonzales helped the Vikings to a 14-1 record against 4A competition by securing 32 passes for 332 yards with three touchdowns and racked up 21 tackles with two tackles for a loss, a sack, and two interceptions. The 6-2, 175-pound, talent is also a high achiever in the classroom with a 3.97 cumulative GPA. The hard work on and off the field has led to an offer from Cornell with interest brewing across the country.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Washington’s top two-way skill players to learn more about his play on the field and recruiting process off of it.
Interview
Joe, you were extremely active in the secondary for Lake Stevens last season. Looking back, which game was your best on the defensive side of the ball?
“I think the game I contributed most was the Woodinville game (playoff win). I had two picks that turned the game around (won 28-14). I had a lot of fun in that game and I made a lot of plays.”
Was there a receiver/quarterback duo that presented a challenge for you during your junior season? If so, how did that challenge make you a better player?
“I think someone who gave us trouble was the Curtis quarterback (Kyle Russell). He was talented. He could throw and run. Me having to defend him against the run and with him throwing, it was hard to defend the receivers as well. He made me hone in my game.”
You were a threat on offense with 32 receptions for 332 yards. How did that part of your game improve last season?
“Something that improved was my route running, getting faster, and my footwork to get separation from defensive backs.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game on offense?
“My strengths are my hands. I have always been good at catching the ball. With my football IQ, I was smart enough to sit in the hole and read the defenses to get open.”
Are you doing anything differently next season on the field? Will we see you at receiver and free safety again in 2019?
“I will contribute more than last year. I am still playing receiver, but I might also play some outside linebacker in a hybrid position for our defense. I will go down and help in the box if needed.”
What all are you working on this offseason?
“My training. My main goal is to get bigger, stronger, and faster. I am working with Reggie Jones and Heir Football (7v7). I am going to a lot of camps this summer. I am working on my footwork, technique, reading the offense and reading the quarterback.”
You just mentioned camps, which camps are you thinking about attending?
“Some of the camps I might compete at this summer are Cornell, Dartmouth, and Yale in June. I am going to an academic clinic with a bunch of colleges there – a mega camp kind of thing. MIT, Amhurst, and a bunch of other academic-minded schools will be there.”
You have the offer from Cornell, which other schools are showing interest?
“Schools showing interest are Dartmouth, Columbia, Brown, Harvard, and Yale. The coaches at Yale have been talking to me for a while. Last weekend I went to Eastern Washington on a guided tour. I talked to the coaches during the visit as well. MIT has been talking to me and Holy Cross.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I have taken visits to UCLA, Eastern Washington and Simon Frazier.”
Do you have any planned visits ahead?
“Some visits I might take, I am going to the East Coast this summer. I will visit Yale, Cornell, and Dartmouth.”
Joe, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Gonzales family; Joe Gonzales at UCLA