Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arizona DB/RB Devon Grubbs Showcased the Athleticism in 2020
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In a four-game 2020 season, Class of 2022 athlete Devon Grubbs (6-0, 195) shot out of the proverbial canon for Desert Vista High School impacting the game in all three phases. On defense, he displayed his overall athleticism playing inside and outside linebacker as well as safety ending 52 plays, 35 solo, with one tackle for a loss, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a blocked punt. Lining up at running back, Grubbs brought the thunder rushing 39 times for 172 yards with a score and secured six passes for 32 more yards.
After displaying all the skills, Arizona, Arizona State, and Northern Arizona have dropped offers with interest spreading outside the Copper State. For insight on his game and recruiting, Grubbs made a visit to the RNG Lab.
Interview
Devon, you were all over the field during the 2020 season playing in all three phases of the game. By the end of the season, where all had you lined up?
I was at running back and slot on offense and on defense at strong safety, inside linebacker, and some at outside linebacker.
On offense, the Thunder were running a power offense, and you were energizing the scheme out of the backfield. With the opportunities given, how did your overall game improve throughout the 2020 season on that side of the ball?
It was a hard season. There was not much room to move. Throughout the season, we were all improving. My game was improving too. We were young this year, we will be better next year.
Going the other way, what were some of the defensive schemes and coverages you guys were executing?
Last season, we were not that big and we were young. Usually, we were in a 4-4 and we went to a 3-4 with a nickel. Our coverages were Cover 2 and Cover 3, that was our base. We didn’t do much man, but we did a lot of zone.
Which parts of your game showed the most growth on defense?
The most growth was definitely with my reads. My run reads coming up and stopping the run from my strong safety position. My man coverage improved. My reads and knowing where the ball was, that helped me get as many tackles as I did. And not being afraid to hit people.
As that do-all kind of back, what have you been working on this offseason?
This offseason, we’ve been working on moving me out to slot more opening up the game and the field for me. My footwork, I can always improve on that and my agility. I have been working on reading the holes, you can always get better at that, and reading blocks.
And with your defensive skills?
On defense, instead of playing as a linebacker I am moving out to nickel and will be at strong safety. Instead of being inside more, I am moving to the nickel and safety. For that, I need better footwork and I need to get better at reading the receivers and slots so I can tell which routes they are running.
How are you working to improve your speed and agility?
I go to the park with a weighted vest and I do ladders, cones, and run with a parachute. I do my footwork on the ladders and with the cone drills – running around them quickening my feet with balance. For straight speed, I use the vest and I do sprints with that and the parachute.
Are you playing 7v7 this winter?
Yes, I am playing with Tucson Turf.
How is that going?
Good. Considering that I have not been able to do much since October, I am improving quickly. I am holding my own against the top players. I started out slow and careful. When we go to New Orleans in two weeks, I am ready to ball out and show what I can do.
Are there any camps this spring or summer you may attend?
My dad and I are talking about going to as many camps as I can this summer.
Which other sports are you competing in for Desert Vista?
Track.
Which events?
The 400, 100, 200, and long jump.
That’s a lot of work. Alright, time to talk recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
West Point, they’ve been showing a lot, Air Force, and I am getting a lot of graphics from Nevada and Texas Tech.
Which schools have offered you?
U-of-A (Arizona, ASU (Arizona State), and NAU (Northern Arizona).
Which schools might you go visit this summer when the dead period is over?
I want to visit a lot of schools, U-of-A, ASU, NAU, West Point – as many as I can unofficially and officially.
Devon, those are all the questions I have for you today. Thanks for your time. Wishing you and your 7×7 team success in New Orleans.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Grubbs family; Devon Grubbs