Interview: 2023 Arizona WR Deric English is Too Talented to Stop

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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There is no answer for a player like Deric English. At 6-4, 210, all defenses can do is commit two to three guys his way and hope for a pass that is a little bit off the mark. Despite drawing double and triple teams trying to limit his impact, English still earned second team All-State honors in 2020 at receiver with an estimated stat line of 30-plus receptions for over 700 yards with 14 touchdowns during the Lions’ 3-6 campaign. Getting the ball to him how they could, the coaches at Mountain Ridge High School fed English the rock out of the backfield 10 times for 100 more yards.

After breaking down Arizona 6A defenses, teams are heading to the Glendale talent seeing the skills. Three offers have dropped with interest rising.

In an RNG first-look confab, English goes into detail on his big year and growing recruiting options.

Interview

Deric, even in a shortened season you put up impressive receiving numbers. When you took to the field for your sophomore season, what was your motivation for success?

Going out with a young team, we were ready to fight for each other. I was really close with everyone on the team, that helped me have no fear in the games.

What style of offense were the Lions running in 2020?

We were running a Spread. We threw a lot after bringing the DBs up with the run, and we loved throwing it.

What were some of the routes you were running?

Usually I was running posts, corners, streaks, and I did have a lot of underneath routes too.

How were defenses trying to play you?

I was usually triple covered by the end of the game with the corner, free safety, and outside linebacker. Especially when I was singled up on one side.

In which ways did you see your overall game improve?

Definitely my speed. I got a lot faster during the season, my route running, and my jumping. Everything athletic wise had an upgrade on it.

When you entered into the offseason, which areas of your game did you start focusing on to improve for the 2021 schedule?

My strength is the main thing, and route running. Route running can always be improved in every little spot.

Your game footage shows the wheels, how fast are you? Have you posted a 40 this offseason already?

Yes, sir. I ran a 4.54.

Nice. What have you been doing to increase your speed?

A lot of footwork and leg workouts. I am building my legs up to get them stronger. I need to get moving fast.

Camp season is underway, have you gone to any yet or do you have any coming up?

Yes, sir. I went to a camp in Las Vegas, the Best Coast Camp. That is the only one so far.

Are you playing 7v7 this spring?

Yes, sir. I am playing with the ACA Dolphins. We are rolling pretty good right now.

How many tournaments have you played in already?

So far, I have played in two; two Red Zone tournaments in Arizona. We have two coming up in Mesquite and one in Texas.

Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

Arizona State is one of them, Cal, and Michigan State.

How many offers do you have?

I have three; NAU, Morgan State, and U-of-A.

Which program was the first to offer?

Morgan State after my freshman season.

Getting that first offer, what was that like for you?

It was crazy for me. After talking about it, and then it really happened, it was crazy. It made me feel good and I wanted to keep going harder after receiving the offer.

When visits start happening again, are there any teams you’d like to see in-person?

I’d like to see ASU and I’d like to see Arizona again.

Deric, it was great getting time in with you today. Keep up the hard work this offseason. Let’s catch up again soon.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: MDB Photography/English family; Deric English