Interview: 2021 DB Zamajay Duncan is a Rising Star to Watch on No. 5 JSerra Catholic

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every year among the high school ranks, there is a surprise team or two that exceeds any and all expectations working their way into the national spotlight. During the 2018 season, there may be no bigger surprise team than JSerra Catholic. The Lions are 7-1 overall with their lone loss coming at the hands of conference foe St. John Bosco (35-28), the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, working their way up the national rankings now sitting at No. 5. One of the reasons the Lions are doing so well in 2018 is a stingy defense thanks to rising talents like Class of 2021 athlete Zamajay Duncan.

There are a lot of breakout stars on the Lions roster this season, and each and everyone of them is needed. The Trinity League has had four teams ranked in MaxPrep’s Top 20 this season; St. John Bosco, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, and JSerra. Each and every game is a challenge, and Duncan is one player the Lions’ coaching staff can count on in a myriad of ways to rise above each challenge. The 5-10, 180-pound, defender can play corner, free safety, and in the box as an extra linebacker or walk-down safety. He can also play nickel covering tight ends and receivers out of the slot. His production on the field has led to 26 tackles, 20 solo, a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and one interception in stats posted through six games.

While the regular season may be winding down in California, action on the field is just heating up for the Lions. On Friday, they host No. 3 nationally ranked Mater Dei (6-2), before ending the season with Santa Margarita just to fight through a Southern Section playoff bracket loaded with potential national title winners.

In an RNG exclusive, I caught up with Duncan for a fun interview getting insight on his breakout season and a preview of the Lions showdown against the Monarchs on Friday.

Interview

Zamajay, you are getting a lot of snaps in on the field this season on defense. As a sophomore playing in the tough Trinity League, what adjustments have you had to make to your game this season?

“The big adjustment I had to make was getting my tempo up faster. Everything is faster on the field in the Trinity League. Playing on the varsity level, you have to learn more plays and you have to get to your spots faster.”

Where all are you lining up on the field?

“I am playing corner, free safety, down safety a lot, and rushing out of the box as an outside linebacker.”

Which game has been the most challenging for you this season?

“The most challenging game for me this season was the (St. John) Bosco game. That was a wake-up call to how real the Trinity League is.”

You got the wake-up call against Bosco, how did that experience help make you a better player in the long run?

“That experience made me a better player by learning what I need to do better. Another thing that it taught me was more film study for each game. But, it did let me know that we belong in the Trinity League; I am better for that experience.”

Which game has been your best?

“My best game was probably the Calabasas game.”

Why do you consider that to be your best game?

“I had a pick-six on the first drive of the game covering the transfer from IMG (Jermaine Burton).”

How did the last game against Orange Lutheran go for you?

“Pretty good. We got the win (56-21).”

Who will you be covering in the Mater Dei game?

“I am playing free safety this week, I will be covering the slot. I think my key matchup will be against Mike Martinez (tight end).”

How have you been preparing for the Monarchs this week?

“By watching a lot of film.”

Since you transferred from Mater Dei and have a lot of friends on the team, is there and fun trash talking going on between you and your former teammates?

“Definitely. I’m talking to Bru McCoy a lot.”

Zamajay, thanks for your time today and good luck against Mater Dei on Friday.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: JSerra HS; No. 44 Zamajay Duncan