Interview: 3-Star 2019 Minnesota Golden Gophers RB Commit Cameron Wiley Updates Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Anytime a college football program can get on a rising star recruit early in the process the better. Minnesota did exactly that with Class of 2019 running back Cameron Wiley keeping the three-star rated recruit away from 12 other scholarship offerees. As one might guess, the 6-2, 195-pound, back is a key part of Desert Pines offense helping the team to a 5-2 record thus far against top 4A Nevada competition. To learn more about his season and growing relationship with the Gophers staff, I sat down with Wiley for a quick one-on-one update.
*Click link for May 10, 2018, RNG interview with Cameron Wiley
Interview
Cameron, how is your senior season going overall?
“It has been a good season. We are young and still building but making progress every day.”
The Jaguars are 5-2 on the season with big wins the last two times out against Mojave and Legacy. With two games left on the regular season schedule, how is the team looking heading towards the playoffs?
“We are looking good. We will be ready for the playoffs. We have some minor adjustments we are still making, moving guys to new spots. We are working to become one on the field.”
What are the strengths of the team this year on both sides of the ball?
“On defense, that is the core of the team. They make the noise that gets the crowd going and the coaches going. On offense, it all starts with the line. If they do well, we all do well and we flow.”
How has your game improved this season as a tailback?
“My acceleration and leg drive has gotten better – no more ankle tackles. My ability to cut has gotten better and my field vision has gotten better.”
Which game has been your best thus far?
“I’d say the Bishop Manogue (Reno) game was my best (won 33-20). I rushed for 190 yards with one touchdown against them. I kept the team positive throughout the game. We were up 14-0 and then they tied before halftime. I had some big runs in the second half to help get the victory.”
On July 14, you verbally committed to Minnesota, how is that relationship developing over the months?
“The relationship is developing well. Coach (P.J.) Fleck (head coach) and Coach (Kenni) Burns (running backs) keep in touch with me every day. They always tell me to keep positive, be a strong leader, and a positive role model. I would not trade it for anything. I am 100 percent committed to Minnesota.”
When do you visit Minnesota next?
“I am going up there in December.”
Are you helping recruit other players to join you in Minnesota?
“Yeah. I put a buzz in with some of my teammates. They have offered one of the sophomores on our team and Darnell Washington (TE/DE), he’s my best friend, and Gabriel Lopez (DE/TE).”
Your commitment has not stopped other schools from offering you with hopes of landing you if possible. Which schools other than Minnesota are still in regular contact with you?
“None really. I get text messages from UCLA, Oklahoma, and Arkansas every now and again but that is about it.”
Wiley’s reported offer list: Minnesota, Duke, Nevada, UNLV, Southern Utah, TCU, Oregon, BYU, Kansas, Arizona, Hawaii, Washington State, and Utah
There were a lot of fantastic college football games yesterday with some major upsets, which games did you get to watch and what stood out to you as a fan?
“I watched all of the Minnesota game against Ohio State. Speaking from a Minnesota viewpoint, they are a young team. When people try to bash them, they are missing out. Minnesota is an up and coming team. They have a lot of freshmen on offense. Minnesota was in the game against OSU the entire way (lost 30-14). I feel positive watching them. The 2019 class will make a big impact.”
Cameron, great catching up with you today. Good luck with the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Wiley family; Cameron Wiley at Minnesota.