Interview: 3-Star 2022 California WR Juan Wilson Jr. Talks Transfer to Warren and Club Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Playing behind four-star Class of 2020 receiver Chad Johnson Jr., Juan Wilson Jr. got to laydown the foundation of his abilities with Los Angeles’ Cathedral High School but did not get to put on the entire show. Throughout the offseason, the 5-10, 163-pound, target has worked on his game showcasing what he can of the skills any way he can. He posted a 4.48 40-yard dash at a Winner’s Circle Camp and has been hauling in touchdowns for a full-padded club team playing in Arizona in preparation for a junior season with Downey’s Warren High School. Before suiting up for his first game with the Bears, Wilson will be walking onto the field with offers from Arizona State and Nevada.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Wilson sat down to talk about all the blood, sweat, and tears put into his game this offseason and how he is already seeing the results of his efforts.
Interview
Juan, during the 2019 season the Phantoms were using you in a myriad of ways in the Spread. What kind of role have you been preparing for this offseason on offense with Warren?
I am in the Spread again. At Warren, I will be some on the outside and in the slot.
Working on receiver specific drills, what have you been doing to improve your route running this fall and winter?
I have been working with a personal trainer working on my releases, breaking down the routes, and moving my body weight more efficiently from side to side.
Have you been doing anything specific for your catching abilities?
Yes, I have been catching tennis balls and sometimes I use the JUGG machine. With my catching drills, I am catching the ball at different angles – down, up, to the outside, high, low and away – all angles.
What workouts have you been doing to add more power to your game?
A lot of strength training. I have been getting results in San Pedro working on my deadlift, power clean, and squats to get stronger.
With your speed and agility, what kind of workouts have you been doing?
I have been working with a speed training coach. I have been running hills, pushing a sled at the park sometimes, and running sprints. When I run sprints, I do max out on sprints and explosion workouts.
Have you 40 this offseason?
Yes, I ran a 4.48 at the Winner’s Circle Camp.
Wow. Great job.
Thank you.
Are you taking on any new roles for the 2020 campaign?
On special teams I will be at kick and punt returner, on offense at outside receiver and slot, and on defense playing nickel.
Playing defense this season? Are you excited about lining up on the other side of the ball?
Yes, I am. I have not played defense since my freshman year.
When you watch college and/or NFL games, what are you watching and trying to pick up to learn more about your position?
I see how they read defenses and run routes. Amon-Ra St. Brown (USC) my favorite receiver. He is powerful and quick off the line. I try to mimic the things he does.
What has been the Bears practice schedule this winter?
We don’t know if we will have a season right now. We are hoping for a season in March. All practices have been shut down. Playing club ball last week, I caught a touchdown pass.
Where were you playing club ball, and was this full pads football?
Yes, it was full pads. The game was in Arizona.
How many games have you played so far?
Two.
From those two games, and after all your offseason workouts, where are you seeing the improvements on offense?
Last year they were throwing short routes to me, but I am going deep this year. I am way better now. The game is easier for me this year.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
I am receiving interest from UCLA, San Jose State, San Diego State, UNLV, Utah, Oregon State and Boise State.
Which schools have offered you?
Arizona State and Nevada.
Which schools have you visited so far?
UCLA, San Diego State, Nevada last month, Arizona State, San Jose State, UNLV, and LSU.
When visits get going again in the coming months, which schools might you go see?
Utah, Oregon State, Oregon, and Boise State.
Are you competing in any other sports for Warren coming up?
I don’t know if we will have a track season or not. If not, I may run track out of state in April and May.
Where might you go?
To Arizona, Virginia, or Florida.
Would you transfer schools or are you doing this as a club sport kind of thing?
AAU track.
Juan, you have a lot going on, is there anything else you have coming up?
I am getting ready for the SAT in March. I am on pace to be an early graduate.
Nice. When the 2020 season gets going, what goal have you set?
I am hoping I can help Warren win a championship. I love Coach (Kevin) Pearson.
Juan, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time. Good luck with club football until the season begins.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Wilson family; Juan Wilson at Nevada and playing padded football (winter 2020)