Interview: 4-Star 2022 Alabama SDE Justice Finkley Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
From the early start to the 2020 high school football season, the Hewitt-Trussville squad looks like they are on a mission. With a 3-0 record, in two games played (one forfeit), and a No. 2 state ranking (MaxPreps), the Huskies are lighting up the scoreboard on offense and are stifling on defense holding down squads to 16 on average. With talent across the board on the roster, it is hard to miss the play of Justice Finkley on defense.
Playing around 6-2, 240-pounds, a season ago, even then Finkley was a difference-maker for his team. In the squad’s 10-game season, he amassed 64 tackles, 32 solo, with 16 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, and jarred the pigskin loose twice. After getting after it in the offseason, the four-star prospect is now tipping the scales at 260 pounds with more tenacity in his approach. Having the full attention of SEC programs, 23 offers have been extended to the Alabama product also racking them in from Big Ten and Pac-12 schools. With blowouts orchestrated, Finkley has not played fully in the Huskies games but has tallied nine stops, six solo, with a tackle for a loss, a sack, six quarterback hurries, batted down a pass, and forced two fumbles.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Finkley updates us on the start to his junior campaign with a rundown on his recruiting process.
*Click the link for the previous RNG interview with Justice Finkley
Interview
Justice, what did you work on with your game this offseason as a defender?
Speed and versatility.
Two games into the 2020 season, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your play on the field from the end of the 2019 campaign to now?
Last year I was known for my explosiveness and being quick off the ball. This season I have noticed that I am even faster, especially when I am hunting down the ball carrier.
How are you being utilized on defense this year within the Huskies’ scheme and what are your job responsibilities within the position(s)?
In our defensive scheme, I am being used as a strong side defensive end. My main responsibility is keeping outside containment, so on passing downs I am not really allowed to come inside unless I have help with the outside.
What goals have you set for the 2020 season?
My goals are to show my versatility and athleticism in every game regardless of the competition. I want to look and play like a D-I athlete every game.
After a 3-0 start, how is the team looking overall?
This past Friday we beat Spain Park 45-14. The defense set the tone.
Are there any big games and/or rivalry games you have circled this season?
Thompson.
Let’s get a quick update in with your recruiting. How many total offers do you have now?
Twenty-three.
Finkley’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Howard, Indiana, Kentucky, LSU, Louisville, Maryland, Mercer, Michigan, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Penn State, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Toledo
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Florida, Howard, Stanford, Georgia, and Alabama.
Before the campuses were shut down in March, going back to last season did you get to take any unofficial visits? If so, which programs did you visit?
The last program I was able to visit was Tennessee for their Junior Day.
Did you take any virtual visits this summer? If so, which programs did you visit?
I took one virtual visit with Stanford.
Once campuses open back up, which programs would you like to visit?
I definitely want to visit some of the schools that have offered such as Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Howard.
Thanks for your time today, Justice. Wishing you and the Huskies great success this season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Finkley family; Justice Finkley