Interview: 3-Star 2021 LB DJ Herman is a Technician in the Box for Bishop Gorman
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watch, read, and destroy – that is the play of linebacker DJ Herman. The three-star Class of 2021 linebacker had a breakout junior season with Bishop Gorman during the Gaels 11-2 run into Nevada’s regional round of the playoffs. Playing in the first half only of most games due to blowouts, the 6-2, 230-pound, defender racked up 51 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, a QB hurry, two picks, two passes broken up, and forced two fumbles. The result of his efforts has brought forth offers from Arizona State, Northern Arizona, and Yale with schools spanning the Pac-12, Big Ten, Mountain West, and Big 12 showing interest.
In an RNG first-look, Herman went into the Lab for a deep one-on-one conversation.
Interview
DJ, the Gaels played a college style schedule last season taking on teams up and down the west coast. How did your junior season go overall?
“It was great. We traveled all over the country, Hawaii and Utah. We played nationally ranked teams to make yourselves and team better. I grew and matured as a player last season. I started as a sophomore at linebacker and tight end but my junior year was a breakout season at linebacker.”
What front did the Gaels run last season?
“A 3-4.”
As an inside linebacker, what were your responsibilities in the scheme?
“Mostly as a run stopper and I assisted on passing downs. We only gave up one rushing touchdown all year.”
That’s impressive. I did not know that.
“Thank you.”
Several things jump out about your play on the field, and one of them is that you do not take false steps. You read, react, and destroy. What are some of the other strengths to your game?
“I am a run stopper, that is my go-to on the field. If you run against us, you are not going anywhere. I have a personal coach, Coach Brown, who has trained players at USC, Washington, Fresno, and UNLV; he helps me. He helps my knowledge of the game. Knowing the offenses, what they are going to do next, reading my keys, and being a leader on the field are the strengths to my game.”
How did your overall game improve as a linebacker last season?
“Experience. My sophomore year was more of a tight end year for me. Going into my junior year, I improved with my gap responsibility reading keys.”
Last season, in which game did you turn in your top personal performance?
“Either St. Louis (HI) or Servite (CA).”
What did you do well in those games to make them your best?
“Knowing what the offense was doing. I was pursuing and gang tackling. I forced them out of their game plan and forced them to the other side. Following those games, Lone Peak and other teams schemed against me.”
Are you taking on any new roles in 2020?
“I’ve been elected a team captain. I plan on leading my team back to state championship. We lost in the regional, we want to get it back in 2020.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“Pass coverage is a big one. I am also working on my tackling. My hips are kind of tight; I am opening up my hips and training with Coach Brown and EA.”
Going into recruiting. After the season you produced in 2019 which schools are showing interest?
“UCLA, Michigan, Oregon, Utah, Florida, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, San Diego State, and Hawaii.”
Which schools have offered you?
“Arizona State, Northern Arizona, and Yale.”
Going back a few months to the present, have you visited any programs?
“Yes. I went to Utah for their game against UCLA, UCLA for their game against Arizona State, Arizona State for the Arizona game, and I went to USC for the Utah game.”
Wow. You got a lot of great college football games in last season. When things get back to normal, are there any planned visits you may take?
“We were going to a Rivals camp in Dallas. While we were down there, I was going to visit Texas A&M, TCU, and Oklahoma. The following week, I was supposed to be in Tampa for a 7v7 Adidas National Tournament. We were going to visit Florida then. Next week we were supposed to be at Arizona State’s spring game. Everything else is on hold for now.”
DJ, I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success with your workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Herman family; DJ Herman