Interview: 2021 All-American Washington ATH Julien Simon Talks Football and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season on the gridiron for Julien Simon could not have gone any better if scripted. The 6-2, 215-pound, all-around athlete showcased his skills on both sides of the ball for Lincoln High School earning a trophy case full of post-season honors for his work. The recognition has transcended the field in other ways with eight offers already on the table for the rising Class of 2021 star.
Line him up and watch him go; that could have just of easily been the game plan for Simon during his sophomore season with the Abes. On offense, Simon shredded defenses for 294 yards on the ground off 37 totes with a score and hauled in 22 passes for 284 yards with eight touchdowns going up on the big board. Defense turned to be an equal opportunity to shine stopping 57 plays with eight tackles for a loss, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Local Tacoma and national media found Simon’s spotlight honoring his efforts with first team All-American All-Purpose Defender by MaxPreps, All-USA Today All-Washington team, All-Area, and various All-State teams. Colleges took quick notice with offers coming from USC, Oregon, Florida, Colorado, Georgetown, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Utah, and Washington.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the nation’s top Class of 2021 talents getting insight to his game and rapidly rising recruiting process.
Interview
Julien, the Abes had a really nice season overall going 8-3. The offense was tough to line up against averaging 41 points per game and you were a big part of that. What made the Abes so explosive on offense this last season?
“Honestly, it was a talent thing. We had a lot of talent across the board at all positions. We had key offensive linemen like Giovonni White, big household names that made us better. Our offense was a key to the team success.”
The defense was equally as good shutting teams down holding the opposition to 15 points on average, another big part of the game you had a hand in, what were you guys doing so well on that side of the ball in 2018?
“Our defense, our game plan and our coaches, they did a great job of game planning for us. They held us to a standard. We went back and studied day in and day out, that and with our talent, it showed in every game.”
In total, where all did you line up during your sophomore season?
“I played receiver the first half of season and then they moved me to running back, and then I bounced between both positions. It did not matter to me where I was lining up on offense. On defense, I was at nickelback. I also had the opportunity to play outside linebacker, safety, and sometimes I played at corner. They were using my talents everywhere.”
You had a pretty sick pick-six lining up over the slot but jumping another receiver’s route. Walk me through that play if you will.
(Laughs) “Yeah, that was crazy. I was just trying to make a play on the ball. I knew where the ball was going, that goes back to the game plan. I knew their offense inside out, I knew where the ball was going to be when it started. I thought maybe I would make a tackle, but he tipped it up, I got it, and I was gone from there.”
Watching your game film, you are obviously a hard-nosed runner. What is your mentality when you carry the rock?
“Since fourth grade when I first started playing running back, my brother would tell me I was garbage if one person took me down. I never wanted to be terrible so I always run hard; that is all that is.”
How did your game improve on offense in 2018?
“My technique improved a lot. My coaches taught us off the ball techniques, coming off the ball as a receiver to get open and make different type of cuts on different routes.”
What about on defense, how did that area of your game get better?
“To be honest, I did not think I would be playing defense that much in 2018. This year I realized how good I could be. That might be the best spot for me, I don’t know? I have the grit and determination to be better. Our coaches did a great job forcing us to know the plays and learning better technique. What the coaches taught us, that made my game skyrocket. The year before I was awkward, I changed a lot this year.”
Which position do you like playing best?
“That is a hard one. I am being heavily recruited as an athlete… honestly, anywhere a coach needs me. It is hard question to answer. Wherever a coach needs me to play. I will play defensive end if needed.”
What all will you work on this offseason?
“I will definitely work on my speed. I think that is vital. Speed is the big part of the game. I am running track to help with my speed. I will also work on getting stronger, improve my technique, and take in all the coaching I can.”
You just mentioned track, are you playing any other sports?
“Basketball.”
How is the basketball season going?
“It is going good for us. We are No. 4 in state now. I think we can make a run in state. We are known for football and basketball at Lincoln. I consider myself as one of the top performers on the team.”
Have you gotten a poster dunk on a guy yet?
(Laughs) “Not yet.”
With track, which events do you plan on running?
“I will run the 200, and if my start improves the 100 as well.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“That I know of, I am receiving interest from UCLA. Coach (Justin) Frye (OC), he came to our school and talked to me. Notre Dame, I talked to them at school as well. They told me I need to work on my speed. Cornell, they are showing interest. I have not taken the SAT yet, they are waiting on my test scores. LSU, Arizona – I am receiving a lot of interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have eight offers.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I have visited Washington a couple of times, Oregon twice – when they played Washington. I loved Oregon. They showed me love. I have an offer from there. I have built a good relationship with them, and I like what they are building there. Over the summer I went to Alabama. Being able to get that experience at Alabama around Coach Nick Saban, it was good for me. That helped me realize my potential. The possibility of ending up at a place like that was an eye opener for me.”
How did the Washington visit go?
“It is always a good time there. They always show me love. Coach (Jimmy) Lake (DC) is the recruiter for our area. He always shows me love. It is a great experience being there. I feel like I see and/or do something new each time I am there.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take?
“I might take a visit to Arizona this month.”
Nice. Last question. Sometimes players are overlooked as student-athletes. How do you view yourself as a student-athlete?
“I am a student, not just a football player. I get good grades. That is why a school like Cornell is after me. I am a student-athlete going after a degree. I want to further my education. At the end of the day that is what it is about.”
Julien, it was great talking to you today. I appreciate you sharing about your season, workouts, and recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Simon family; Julien Simon at USC