Interview: 4-Star 2020 DB Jared Greenfield Covers Oregon Visit and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season was a big one on the gridiron for Bingham High School seeing the Miners post a 10-2 record making a semifinal run into the Utah playoffs before a heartbreaking 28-21 loss to American Fork. The fantastic season was a compilation of talented players stepping up with a team first focus, and one of the standouts who grinded it out in all three phases was Class of 2020 athlete Jared Greenfield.
Greenfield was ever present on the South Jordan gridiron racking up over 600 return yards with four scores and 300-plus receiving yards with six more trips into the end zone. Where the 6-1, 183-pound, talent truly enforced his will was on defense taking his game to four-star recruiting status after a 12-interception sophomore campaign. As the Miners were holding teams to 14 points per game on average, Greenfield put an end to some 45 plays with 28 passes broken up, and picked off three passes.
After earning first team All-State honors as an athlete and second team recognition as a defensive back, college programs took notice. Offers have been extended from teams like Oregon, Cal, Nevada, San Jose State, BYU, and Washington State with national recruiting interest growing. That interest should expand even more showcasing his all-around talents for California powerhouse Narbonne (Harbor City/LA) during the 2019 campaign.
To learn more about Greenfield’s game, transfer to Narbonne, recruiting process, and weekend visit to Oregon, we sat down for an in-depth one-on-one.
Interview
Jared, you were all over the field last season for the Miners in all three phases of the game. When the season had ended, where all had you lined up in 2018?
“I lined up pretty much everywhere. They really do a good job of developing their players. Their game planning is pretty advance, which makes them a top team. They lined me up at receiver, kick returner, strong safety, but more at cornerback.”
Of all the positions played, which do you feel is your best, or which is your favorite to play?
“Safety is my favorite to play, you get more picks. Safety is definitely more fun to play.”
With the heavy workload, how did you prepare for each game last season?
“We spent a long time in the film room. It wasn’t hard for us to be prepared for the games with the work we put in on film study.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game on offense?
“I think I have very good ball skills. If the QB is throwing it up, I am going to go get it.”
And what about on defense?
“On defense, I feel like I read routes well. I am pretty good at seeing the whole field. I can get sideline to sideline pretty fast. Playing man is a strength, I take pride in that.”
When did you transfer to Narbonne?
“I transferred in October 2018.”
I know you haven’t put the pads on yet, but what do you see as the differences between Utah and California football?
“This is in-depth. California is a faster game. In California you can be at safety at 5-10, 160-pounds. In Utah you have to be a bigger sized safety. Everyone is bigger. There is more of a power game in Utah. California is more finesse with the offenses. In California, the offenses try to get up the field as fast as you can. They will pick you apart and then take a shot downfield.”
Where all might you play for the Gauchos during your senior year?
“I will play safety, some at receiver, and some as a kick returner.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my speed and I am working on improving my ball skills. I have always worked on my ball skills. The rest of my workouts are aimed at preparing me for college.”
You are playing 7v7 ball with Premium, how is that helping?
“7v7 is basically putting everything together for me in the offseason. In-season, you can put them into a game one week at a time. With 7v7, you put it in for a tournament in a series of games. 7v7 is good for defensive backs to work and improve on their game.”
Are you going to any national camps and/or combines this offseason?
“Yes. I am going to the Nike Opening on May 10 and I plan on attending and Adidas camp in the Bay area.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“My best is a 4.62 at last year’s Nike Opening.”
Turning to recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“I have seven offers.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Florida, Ohio State, Texas A&M has come to my school a couple of times to talk to me, Arizona, Utah, North Carolina has talked to me a couple of times at school, and UCLA.”
Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I was at Oregon yesterday, Ohio State last year, and I have been to Stanford.”
How did the Oregon visit go?
“It is really a place that catches your eye. When you get past the awe of being there, you have to focus on what you want out of a school. For me it was a welcoming experience. What they did for me, after we took a tour, they took me to the academic part – that is when you have to know what you want out of a school. It was a good experience for me. They broke everything down, what they need me for if I were to go there and which position I would play.”
What are you looking for with any given school during the recruiting process?
“What I want out of a school, what I am looking at is academics and playing time.”
You mentioned they talked to you about which position you would play, where do they see you fitting in on their roster?
“They see me playing safety. They see me as a cover safety.”
Do you have any other big visits planned?
“Yes. I will visit Cal when I am in Oakland for the Nike Opening. I am going to Florida and Washington sometime soon. Premium is going out of state for a tournament, I think we are going to Tennessee then and some other schools during that trip.”
Jared, it was great covering ground on and off the field with you today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Greenfield family; Jared Greenfield at Oregon (Feb. 16)