Interview: 3-Star 2022 California RB Jabari Bates Ready to Follow Up National Championship Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are many great reasons St. John Bosco was named MaxPreps 2019 High School Football National Champions, and one of them was the immense amount of talent on the roster. In all three phases of the game, and going three-deep in spots, the Braves roster was loaded with three-, four-, and five-star recruits. Rolling to a 13-1 record playing what was effectively as close to a collegiate schedule as a high school team can get, making an impact was not easy but Class of 2022 running back Jabari Bates did. The three-star recruit was part of a three-headed monster rotation at tailback covering 455 yards off 65 totes with six scores while securing four for 44 yards.
After a year-plus time put into offseason workouts, the 2020 season is finally kicking off in California. Bates (5-8, 165) is expanding his role with Bosco this year stretching his versatility in the slot and at receiver while taking back kicks. In the season opener at home against Sierra Canyon, he’ll be taking the field for his junior campaign with six offers in hand.
Interview
Jabari, you were a key player for the Braves during the national championship season in 2019. How did that experience help guide your offseason workouts?
It really helped me in a big way. Knowing I was a big part of it, I knew I had to come in this year working even harder as one of the top guys. I knew I had to help the younger guys get ready, help them build confidence.
What have you been doing to add more strength and power to your skillset this offseason?
Bench, squat, and working out with others. Doing all the basic workouts.
And what about for your speed?
Speed drills, hurdles, and working with track coaches.
When the 2020 season gets going, what are some of the ways the coaches will be getting you the rock this year?
This year is way different than last year. Out of the backfield, on inside and outside zone plays. They are using us as outside and slot receivers. I will be running, fades posts, and deep outs this season.
From a skillset look, what have you been working on with your fundamentals to prepare for all of this?
I have been working on my hands, my catching, my footwork, stopping on a dime on my routes and coming out of my breaks faster.
The Braves got a scrimmage in over the weekend, who did you guys play?
Yes, we scrimmaged against Damien this past Saturday.
Getting the pads on with your teammates against other live competition, how did it go?
It went well. This was something I had been waiting on because of the virus.
How did it feel to be back on the field with your team finally getting to play the 2020 season?
It was good to be back on the field. It was fun.
When is the Braves’ first game of the 2020 season?
This Saturday verses Sierra Canyon. It is a home game.
What are you ready to showcase this season?
I’m just trying to go out there and show how much my mentality has changed – that I am stronger and faster. My goal is to be the best on the field. My other goal is to score a receiving touchdown, a kick return touchdown, and rushing touchdown.
Let’s wrap talking about recruiting. Which programs are showing interest ahead of the season?
UNLV, Cal, San Diego State, and Notre Dame.
How many offers are you holding?
Six.
Which program was the last to offer?
My latest was from San Jose State.
Bates’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, and San Jose State
When the dead period is over in June, are there any schools you’d like to visit?
I was supposed to go see Notre Dame. I want to visit Arizona State and all the schools that have offered me.
Jabari, it was fun catching up with you today. Wishing you and the Braves success this season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Bates family; Jabari Bates