Interview: 22-Offer 3-Star California ATH Shoes Brinkley Updates Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The blazing 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash Shuayb “Shoes” Brinkley has on-hand at anytime was put to great use a season ago with Philly’s Northeast High School. Brinkley was an all-purpose back for the Vikings rushing 51 times for 358 yards with four scores and hauled in 12 passes for 181 yards three more times crossing the end zone. On defense, the 5-10, 187-pound, play-maker tallied an estimated 37 tackles with five interceptions. Over the offseason, Brinkley took his talents from Pennsylvania to national powerhouse Mater Dei in California. The change in scenery will bring a new focus on the field, one at free safety, and has brought more recruiting attention his way. From late March to September, the three-star recruit has seen his offer sheet expand from 16 to 22.
In an RNG update interview, Brinkley fills us in on his acclimation with the Monarchs and dives into his current recruiting status.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Shoes Brinkley
Interview
Shoes, we last spoke early in the spring time when your transfer to Mater Dei was still fairly new. How has the acclimation to the Monarchs gone for you over the spring and summer months?
I feel like it has been seamless, I fit right in with the team. We’ve been working out and bonding, everything has gone smooth. I love being there.
With this time preparing in meetings and doing whatever workouts that are possible, do you have a better idea of how they will use you within the offensive scheme this season?
Yes. I will primarily be on defense and in the return game with some snaps on offense.
Which positions are you playing?
Free safety, return specialist, and some slot and running back, but my primary position is free safety.
What have you focused on with technique work this summer on defense?
Footwork, pressing, and my coverage. I have been working on tracking the ball in drills, I want a lot of picks this year.
What kind of strength and weight lifting program are you executing?
We lift at Mater Dei. We are doing Olympic weight training stuff right now and have a well-rounded weight lifting program doing a little bit of everything.
How have you been adding even more speed and agility to your overall talents?
I do a lot of running. I try to go on regular runs every day. We practice every day, so I am not running too many sprints.
Last we spoke, you dropped a 4.4 working with your trainer. Have you had a chance to run another 40-yard dash since then?
No.
With the Monarchs, what is the practice schedule going forward?
We were doing Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. We start school in-person next week. I am not sure which days we will practice after that. We are off this week in preparation for the transition.
Going into recruiting. Before we get deep into the schools coming after you, with the odd situation all seniors are going through, how are you approaching the recruiting process?
I am approaching it differently than a lot of guys. Some are rushing forward but have not seen the place where they have committed yet, I don’t want to do it that way. I want to visit the school first if I can. I want to do it the way it has been done. When I commit, I want to be all in not just to hold a spot down. Because of this, I will more than likely commit later.
Are you going to put out a Top Schools List, if so, when might you do it?
I might do that a week before I commit, but I also might wait until after the season. As of right now, I am not sure but I will probably drop a Top 3 a week before I commit.
A minute ago, you mentioned you will more than likely commit later. Is that closer to National Signing Day in February, before or after?
Our season is beginning in January. A lot of schools want to see you play the big programs in our league like (St. John) Bosco. I am guessing it will be around signing day. We will see how it goes.
As you prepare for your senior season, which schools are showing interest?
A ton: TCU, Cal, USC, UCLA, there’s a lot, Kansas State, Colorado, and Oregon.
Nice. How many offers do you have now?
I have 22 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Colorado State, Liberty, and UNC Charlotte all offered on the same day.
Brinkley’s Offer Sheet: Akron, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Fordham, Hawaii, Illinois State, Kent State, Liberty, Marshall, Massachusetts, Morgan State, Nevada, Old Dominion, Toledo, and William & Mary
Last question for you. This summer, did you get to take any virtual visits?
Yes, I took a couple. I took visits with Florida Atlantic, Colorado State, and Hawaii.
Shoes, thanks again for your time today. Wishing you success preparing this offseason for your senior season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Brinkley family; Shoes Brinkley