Interview: 3-Star 2021 DE Justus Boone is Tearing Up 5A South Carolina Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The rise in recognition of the play of defensive end Justus Boone began during the 2018 high school football season with Laurence Manning Academy. Even then, Boone was a defensive play-maker helping his 3A squad to a 6-5 record. But an offseason of workouts later and with the addition of about 40 pounds of muscle, Boone is not just a play-making end, he is a dominating force now tearing apart 5A South Carolina offenses.
Sumter High School flew through the 2018 season (10-1) before dropping their second-round playoff showdown against Byrnes. This season, the Fighting Gamecocks are once again one of the best in-state with a No. 4 ranking (MaxPreps) carrying an 8-0 record into their regular season finale against Irmo. One big difference between the two campaigns is Boone. Boone is showing that anytime-anyplace mentality working his craft to 42 stops, 21 solo, with 14.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hurries, and a forced fumble in stats posted through seven with teams running the other way and dedicating two to stop him.
Boone’s ability to influence games has moved his recruiting status up collegiate boards. In addition to his three-star recruiting status, he holds nine Division-I football offers.
For an overview on the Gamecocks’ run to date and his recruiting process, I caught up with Boone for a fun interview.
Interview
Justus, the Gamecocks have been perfect to this point with an 8-0 record. How have you guys done it?
“We’ve been consistent. We are going hard in practice, doing our jobs, and playing our roles.”
The defense has been salty. What is working for you guys on that side of the ball?
“The defense has been physical and going hard. We’ve been putting it all on the line in each game this season.”
How are your skills on the field being utilized this season?
“Lining up at defensive end, I am asked to murder whoever is in front of me and to keep outside containment. Sometimes I am lining up at outside linebacker if we are going against a Wildcat set or against a power running team. Then, I go down as hard as I can against the run. The goal is to get our offense back onto the field.”
Your ability to get into the backfield is fun to watch. What are some of the moves or strategies you are using to create chaos?
“One of my favorites, I like to take my hand in their hand and bull-rush them back. I am not as big as every tackle I am going against. I use a lot of moves, like the swim move or I duck around them. I like overpowering them when I can.”
Where are you seeing the growth in your overall game this season?
“I am being more physical than last year, my get off, and my stats have all improved. My discipline has improved this season. I am not jumping off-sides; I think I have only done that twice this year. I am playing each game like it my last.”
What kind of blocking schemes are you seeing from offenses?
“Recently, I am seeing double-team on top of double-team. I don’t think I will get another one-on-one situation again this year.”
Putting it all together, which game has seen you turn in your best performance?
“My top game was probably against Rock Hill.”
How did that game make the top of the list?
“I got to the QB quite a bit. I did not do everything I was supposed to do, but I pass rushed well; I got three sacks, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“UNC (North Carolina), Duke, and Louisville.”
The offers have been rolling in, how many do you have?
“Nine.”
Boone’s Offer Sheet: Appalachian State, Charlotte, Florida, NC State, South Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and West Virginia
Have you had a chance to visit any programs over the last few months?
“Yes, sir. I have visited South Carolina, Wake Forest, Appalachian State, and Clemson.”
If you will, tell me about the South Carolina visit?
“It was good. The atmosphere was amazing. I talked to the players and coaches, and I was on the field for warm-ups.”
And the Clemson visit?
“Clemson is Clemson. It went great as well.”
Upcoming, are there any planned trips scheduled?
“It is possible that I may be going to UNC this weekend for their game against Virginia. I am trying to make a trip to Mississippi State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Louisville as soon as I can. I am going to Florida on the 9th.”
That will be fun. Last question for you. What does the team have to do to remain undefeated and make a run in the playoffs?
“We have to do the same thing we’ve been doing all season, go hard in practice and in the games, do our roles, and take our practices as serious as we can.”
Justus, it was great covering ground with you today on your season and recruiting. Wishing you and the Gamecocks success the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; Justus Boone pre-snap (2019)
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