Interview: 3-Star 2021 WR DJ Justice Covers Breakout Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When it comes to the world of sports, there might not be a more difficult position for an athlete than playing receiver on a run-heavy team. On those running squads, every wideout with talent can only hope the offensive coordinator opens up the play calling or all they get to do is block downfield for the running backs. At the high school level, game tape for receivers is digital gold but an eight-minute reel full of blocks does not always attract a next level crowd. So, what do you do if you are a receiver with a ticking clock? If you are DJ Justice, you take your skills to Los Angeles’ Bishop Alemany High School.

The Alemany offense was the cure for any receiving ills Justice was missing during his time with a very successful Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) squad (12-2). After a four-reception, 78-yard, one-touchdown season in 2018, Justice opened up the floodgates in 2019 in the Warriors scheme. Connecting with four-star 2021 quarterback Miller Moss, the 6-1.5, 185-pound, target hauled in 43 passes for 707 yards with eight trips into the end zone. Justice’s work helped contribute to an offense that posted 38 points per game on average during a 9-3 run against Mission League competition.

With the increased productivity on the field, college programs started to take notice. Offers have been extended from Arizona State, Auburn, Colorado, Miami, and Penn State with more Pac-12 interest swelling. Planned national camps with Under Armour and Rivals are sure to help bring more exposure to Justice’s talents.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the three-star rated prospect to learn how his game evolved during his junior run with an update on his upcoming recruiting visits.

Interview

DJ, your junior season was an explosive one with Bishop Alemany. What was working for you allowing for the big season?

“My preparation every day. With a new staff, I was adjusting to their style of play. With the new team, everyone was getting comfortable with each other and then the floodgates opened up and we had fun.”

What type of offense were you running with the Warriors?

“Spread.”

How were you utilized within the scheme?

“In the quick game – a lot of screens, over the top posts, digs across the middle, mixed routes. Our coaches are QBs, they know how to get receivers open for their quarterbacks.”

Going from a run-heavy set to a Spread attack had to expand your overall knowledge of the game, and on both sides of the ball. What were some of the things you learned in 2019 that has helped make you a better player overall?

“I knew how to block after being in a run-heavy offense, but I now know how much it means to block in a Spread offense. As a receiver, you have to block in the Spread for the running back. I learned the importance of route running. If you bust your route, the routes will not be open for the QB or for your teammates.”

Which game during the 2019 season was your best?

“I’d say the playoff game against Paraclete was my best.”

Why did you pick the Paraclete game?

“I had five catches for 122 with one touchdown. I had two big third down conversions and I caught a Hail Mary for a TD before halftime.”

With so many opportunities to showcase your talents, where do you feel your game improved the most with the experience?

“My knowledge of the game improved the most. I was running new routes, finding open spots, and getting a better feel for the game. I developed more. There was a precision to my route running and I got faster.”

This offseason what are you focusing on with your workouts?

“I am focusing on speed, strength, and elusiveness. I want to be in the best shape possible when the season begins.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?

“UCLA, Washington State, Arizona, and Cal are showing interest.”

And the offers; which schools have offered you so far?

“Arizona State, Auburn, Colorado, Miami, and Penn State have offered.”

This spring, are there any visits on the schedule?

“This spring I might visit Penn State, Miami, and Arizona State.”

Are you taking the skills to any national camps this spring?

“Yes. I am going to a Rivals camp and an Under Armour camp.”

DJ, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck at the camps and with your offseason workouts.”

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Justice family; DJ Justice at UCLA