Interview: 3-Star 2019 Washington WR Jonny Barrett Talks 1,200-Yard Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you follow high school football in the state of Washington, then chances are you know the name Jonny Barrett well. The 6-3, 180-pound, receiver exploded onto the scene last season scorching opposing 4A defenses for 1,205 yards off 78 receptions with 20 touchdowns scored, and all in just 10 games. After the Mount Si High School standout earned first team All-League, Seattle Times All-Area, and a three-star recruiting ranking recruiting interest is starting to pick up. An offer is on the table from Montana State with schools such as Cal, Oregon State, Princeton, Eastern Washington, and Arizona showing interest.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the gifted receiver, who also carries a 3.9 GPA, to learn more about his game and recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jonny, from watching your reel, I could make a million-dollar bet with confidence that you also play basketball. Would I win my bet?
“Yes.”
You play receiver with an awareness more commonly found on the court. How much does your basketball skills play into what you do out on the gridiron?
“It definitely helps. It helps me have quicker feet, with my explosiveness, jumping, hands, and going up for balls.”
With your skillset in mind, how did you start to separate yourself from others during your junior season with your play on the field?
“I outsmarted a lot of opponents. My QB (Cale Millen) and I, we would take advantage of the mistakes DBs made. We had good timing and I am a great route runner.”
What were some of the factors contributing to your increase in production from your sophomore to junior season?
“A lot of offseason work. During my sophomore year, there were three other receivers ahead of me. The seniors helped me learn a lot. A lot of it goes back to throwing sessions with my quarterback.”
Will you be used in a different role on either side of the ball during your senior year?
“You will see me at receiver, but I will probably play some safety on third and fourth down.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I’ve been working on my speed, having quicker feet, my route running, gaining separation from my defender, and getting bigger.”
You played 7v7 ball with Heir Football this spring, how did that help improve your game?
“The competition helped. I’ve gotten faster from playing against great competition. Reggie (Jones) has a lot of great workouts. I have kept my speed up this offseason because of 7v7 ball. My QB is on the team, that helps me keep my timing with him.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“I went to the Nike Opening in Dallas.”
How did the Nike camp go?
“I didn’t get a lot of reps. There were a lot of receivers there.”
What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve ran this offseason?
“My best is a hand-time 4.58.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Princeton, Cal, Oregon State, Arizona and Eastern Washington stopped by on Wednesday.”
You mentioned a couple of schools that have stopped by, which other colleges have come by school to meet with you this offseason or watch your workout?
“There have been a lot of coaches at our school this spring; USC, Arizona, Oregon State, Oregon, Hawaii, and Montana State.”
What are the various college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They tell me they like how smooth I am, that I have great hands, and they like my route running.”
Is there an aspect of your game that gets overlooked?
“Because I am tall people think I am slow, but I am quicker than what people think.”
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
“I am planning on going to Cal and Princeton. On June 2, I am going to the Portland Showcase and I may go to an Oregon State camp.”
Some fun questions to wrap up. Which opposing stadium is the loudest, and perhaps the most fun, to play?
“My stadium is the loudest. Our stadium does not have a track around it so it gets loud. East Lake (Sammamish), they always have great crowds. I do like beating Skyline in their huge stadium.”
Is there a game you already have circled on the schedule, if you do, why do you have that team in your crosshairs?
“Not really. If I had to pick one, I’d pick Woodinville. They beat us last year. Our conferences separated, but we still play them. Woodinville will be fun to beat this year.”
On the field, are you a talker?
“No. Never.”
Jonny, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming college camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Twitter.com; No. 88 Jonny Barrett in action