Interview: 2022 Virginia Talent Sage Webb has the Athlete Label Wrapped Up
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College coaches who preach versatility in the players they recruit out of the high school ranks have to love Class of 2022 talent Sage Webb. Webb was the do-everything skill player for Richlands High School bringing a meteoric impact to the field against Virginia competition. On offense, Webb covered 676 yards off 42 receptions with seven scores posted on the board and rushed for 403 yards off 59 totes with five more trips into the end zone. On special teams, the super sophomore took back 18 kicks for 506 yards with another touchdown. The defensive stats for the 6-0, 170-pound, play-maker have not been posted, but he did earn first team All-District Defensive Back honors to go along with his first team awards as a receiver and return specialist.
Webb’s 4.5 laser-timed speed and 4.0 GPA coupled with his play on the gridiron is attracting a next level crowd. Virginia and Virginia Tech, along with other teams up and down the east coast, are showing interest.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Virginia’s top athletes in the 2022 class for an in-depth conversation.
Interview
Sage, you had a ridiculously positive impact on your team in all three phases of the game. Going into the 2019 season did you know you would play such a big role for Richlands?
“I had big expectations of myself and the team. I worked really hard over the summer. I wanted to impact the game as much as I could.”
If you will, breakdown all the positions played last season?
“I played running back, outside receiver, slot, kick and punt returner, and defensive back-corner. I played a little bit of safety on third downs.”
You took the Blue Tornado mascot name to heart using your speed to blow past everyone. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
(Laughs) “40 wise, I ran a 4.5 flat at some camps over the summer. 4.55 to 4.50 laser-timed.”
Nice. How did your overall game improve as a receiver last year?
“Last year, as a freshman I played at 145 to 150 pounds. I was at 160 this season. I added muscle, weight, and my speed improved. I was able to get off jams, my routes improved, and I improved my game throughout my sophomore season.”
Which routes were you running in 2019?
“On the outside, I was running deep routes, slants, go-routes, and comebacks. I was taking what the defense gave me.”
And on defense, how did your game improve?
“The added weight really impacted my game. Being able to jam bigger guys helped. My legs were stronger, the added muscle and weight made a difference. And I knew I could play with the bigger guys.”
What were some of the coverages the defense were executing?
“We prided ourselves on a lot of man. At corner, I was on their best receiver. Whatever side he went to, I went to. I had some safety help from time to time, but usually I was just us one-on-one with their best receiver.”
This offseason, what are you working on with your skills?
“This offseason I am trying to get a max weight and be as fast as I can be while keeping my speed. I want to get my body to the best physical spot. I am doing a lot of footwork drills. I am perfecting my craft overall, and my route running for sure. I am chopping down and getting my routes where I want them to be.”
Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Coastal Carolina, I went to one of their Junior Days last Thursday. I also competed there over the summer at a camp. UVA (Virginia) and Virginia Tech are also showing interest.”
You mentioned the Coastal Carolina visit, have you visited any other schools over the last few months?
“Virginia Tech. I had intentions to go to Navy, Louisville, and UVA, but all the campuses are closed. We’ll see what happens in the upcoming months.”
When everything gets back to normal, are you planning on competing at any camps?
“Yes. I am going to Rivals camp in Charlotte, if it gets rescheduled. I am also going to UVA and Virginia Tech camps. I want to go to Wake Forest, and Navy wants me down there. Ivy League schools are showing interest with my grade point (4.0); Dartmouth, Harvard, and Davidson. I may camp with those schools this summer.”
Sage, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts until we talk again.
Photo credit: Webb family; Sage Webb at Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina