Interview: 4-Star 2021 Arizona DB Steven Ortiz Covers Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When talking about rising Class of 2021 players coming out of the southwest region of the U.S., Steven Ortiz Jr. has to be mentioned. The 5-11, 170-pound, play-maker was all over the field for Desert Edge High School in 2018 coming up with 57 tackles, 29 solo, two tackles for a loss, broke up three passes, picked off five passes, recovered two fumbles, and forced a fumble in stats posted through 11 games. His performance earned off the field recognition being named first team All-State and All-Region while also being nominated for 4A Defensive Back of the Year. Another all-too important accolade earned came in the form of scholarship offers dropped by in-state Power 5 Conference member Arizona and Syracuse. The word is spreading quick about Ortiz’s talents with SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 programs showing heavy interest.
I sat down with the rising four-star ranked talent for an in-depth one-on-one learning more about his game, offseason goals, and recruiting status.
Interview
Steven, before we get to the nitty-gritty of the interview, above everything else the first thing I want to ask you about is the all-pro running back stiff-arm you threw on a guy during an interception return. You jacked that guy. Run me through the play.
(Laughs) “Yeah, that was a home game. I was playing DB. I went into my back pedal while the quarterback rolled out. I was following the guy I was guarding on a go-route and my safety was on the other receiver on a 10-yard out. The QB threw it, my safety tipped in the air and I caught it. I took off to the right and a kid tried to step up on me and that is when I gave him the stiff-arm right before I went out of bounds.”
I liked the play. Alright, back on task. The Scorpions had a very good season making a three-game run into the playoffs. What was the season like for you from Game 1 through the semifinal round game against Saguaro?
“I grew a lot. I started playing safety and then went to corner, that is what the team need me to do. It was fun.”
The 2018 season was highlighted in many ways for you, but the five picks you produced really stood out. What were you doing allowing you to be so successful as picker of the pigskin?
“I got a lot of help from the defensive line, the linebackers, and received helped from the safeties. I read quarterbacks well this season. It really was a team effort. I was happy to make plays for my teammates.”
As mentioned, you lined up at free safety and at corner, how did your overall skills improve throughout the year?
“My man coverage improved thanks to our new DB coach, Coach Walker. Coach Walker has taught me a lot. I do individual work with him after practice and on the weekends.”
One thing I noticed right off the bat with you was your heads-up play, call it a nose for the ball. Regardless of what one calls it, you were in the thick of everything making plays. What are some of the other strengths of your game that may not show up on the stat sheet?
“Hard work in the weight room and in practice. I watch a lot of film. During the season, I watched film while I ate dinner and breakfast. I’d also watch my favorite players, Landon Collins and Jalen Ramsey, to learn more about the game.”
With the notoriety of your abilities on the field rising, you have to keep grinding even harder because everyone will want to take a shot at you trying to prove they are better. What are you working on this offseason to assure you still get the best of receivers and QB in the Scorpions secondary?
“I am working to get into the best shape of my life. The goal is to get bigger, stronger, and faster so I can keep guarding these guys. My other goals are to be a better leader and to lead us to a ring. I love my teammates and coaching staff. We are all getting bigger and stronger for next year. Look out for us, we are coming.”
Are you going to play any other positions in 2019 other than corner and/or free safety?
“I played some nickel-back guarding the slot this past season, I will probably do some of that again in 2019.”
I know you have the two offers from Arizona and Syracuse, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Rutgers, Oregon State, Nebraska, Cal, UCLA, Miami, Florida, Arizona State, and Memphis.”
Did you get to take any unofficial visits during the season?
“Yes. I took a visit to Arizona.”
How did the Arizona visit go?
“It went well. I loved it, and it is close to home. The coach who offered me is really cool. I have a great connection with the Arizona coaching staff.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. On the 16th, I am visiting Rutgers. A member in my dad’s family is having a wedding in the area, I will visit Rutgers then.”
Very cool. In addition to all your offseason workouts, are you participating in any other sports for Desert Edge?
“Yes. I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 400, 4×4, and 200.”
Busy man. Steven, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with your workouts and visit to Rutgers.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ortiz family; Steven Ortiz Jr. at Arizona, and “the stiff-arm!”