Interview: 2023 California RB/DB Will Stallings is That Difference Maker on Both Sides of the Ball
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you’ve been around the game of football for a minute, we all know the type of guy. That guy who already has the physical build of an NFL player coupled with that mean-intense look letting you know you don’t want to cross him, especially once the helmet is on, but is as nice as can be off the field. That guy for California’s Pittsburg High School setting the tone on both sides of the gridiron is Will Stallings Jr.
On the offensive side of the ball, the 6-0, 210-pound, talent is a Mack Truck ready to deliver punishment but with the speed to leave linebackers and defensive backs in the dust. Flipping the field, Stallings’ athleticism allows him to play in the box, safety, and at corner. His speed allows him to cover and close on the ball with the best of them, and he hits like an old school strong safety ready to knock a dude into next week.
With four offers on the table and an entire college football landscape in need of seeing his play on the field, Stallings stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Will, the Pirates have started out the 2020 season this spring 1-0. How is the team looking?
We are looking really good. We had a good overall game. But there are some things to fix on both sides of the ball. We will fix it. For our opener, we had not played yet but they had. They were more prepared. This next game should be better. We should do really well this year.
Where all are you lining up this season for the Pirates?
I am lining up at running back, strong safety, and on special teams.
What defensive scheme are you guys running in the secondary this year?
It is a little bit of everything, man, zone, we are blitzing, and doing combos. We are doing a little bit of everything.
Through the long offseason, what did you do to prepare for the 2020 schedule?
This offseason I was waking up at 5:00 a.m. to work on speed, strength, and football movements. I was focused on reading my keys and knowing the route tree. I played 7v7 this offseason; they had a program to sharpen my skills. Working with their coaches, they were teaching me things I did not know before.
With the Pirates, what offensive scheme are you guys running?
Like before, we do a little bit of everything. We spread it out and we pound it with the backs. Our receiving corps is pretty outstanding. Defenses have to take it both ways.
For your roles on offense, what did you do to prepare over the fall and winter months?
The same things as with defense, but for offense I did more work. My dad and I would go to the field and work more on speed and explosion, and my footwork and field vision. We went to different 7v7 workouts and I trained with some pro guys who showed me things they learned. I took that and kept working with it.
Nice. Now let’s get back to the present. How did Game 1 go for you overall?
For me personally, I think it went very well but I can do better. It has been a minute. I can improve. There are some things I need to work on in practice.
What do you need to work on in practice?
For example, on defense, knowing when we are blitzing and how my coach wants me to do that. It really is better communication with my coaches. I think I did something right but I didn’t. I just need to communicate better.
Where are you seeing the differences in your skills on offense?
Oh, that’s a good one. From last season, I’ll say my field vision has improved, my speed, my burst through the hole, reading my offensive linemen and my keys. I am understanding the offense entirely.
And on defense?
On defense, I’m reading the receivers’ routes better and my run keys.
Even though you guys are in-season, camps are starting up. Are there any you may go to this spring and/or summer?
When everything opens up, I will attend some college camps and national camps.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
UDUB (Washington), Oregon State, and Cal.
How many offers are you holding?
Four.
Stallings’ Offer Sheet: Arkansas State, Charlotte, Nevada, and Pittsburgh
Which program was the first to offer?
Charlotte.
Getting that offer from Charlotte, what was that like for you?
It was exciting and a dream come true. I prayed for it… I can’t put a lot of words to that.
When visits get going this summer are there any schools you’d like to go see?
Yes, there are a couple. Every school that has offered and any school that has interest in me.
Will, I thank you for your time today. Wishing you and the Pirates success the rest of the way.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Stallings family; Will Stallings Jr