Interview: 4-Star 2023 Washington CB/ATH Jasiah Wagoner is an Impressive Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Let’s start with the stats on defense at corner; 36 tackles, 25 solo, four tackles for a loss, a sack, four interceptions, five passes broken up, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Now let’s add playing receiver three games into the 2019 season; 11 receptions for 200 yards with one score. Finally, special teams; eight kicks returned for 171 yards and one 26-yard punt return. Great all-around season, right?
The details; all posted by Jasiah Wagoner during his freshman season against 3A Washington high school squads. The 5-11, 160-pound, do-everything skill player wowed all with his game, speed (4.47), and his maturity, earning four-star recruiting status in the 2023 class. College programs are becoming aware with four offers dropped and interest on the rise.
In an opening visit to the RNG Lab, Wagoner recaps his play on the field as a freshman, his offseason preparations, and early recruiting process.
Interview
Jasiah, I am one of many who were truly impressed with your freshman season with the Sentinels. Going into the 2019 campaign did you have any idea that you would be counted upon the way you were in all three phases of the game?
No. Honestly, I did not think I would end up there (Spanaway) or play varsity my first year. I am happy with how the season went.
Being a freshman, at the beginning of the season did quarterbacks and offensive coordinators try to pick on you?
I would say yes. In our first game, they went 10 plays in a row to my side; I had nine tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups.
Love it. After picking off four with one pick-six, and a near second pick-six, at what point did they stop coming your way?
I’d say around midseason, somewhere in the middle of the season.
Most corners do not like to get their facemask dirty, but you are different. How did your run stopping abilities come around last season?
I think it was preparation during the offseason, trying to get bigger. And in youth football I played middle linebacker, I have always been a good tackler.
At what point during the season did you start to see your reps on offense pick up?
During the third game, we changed to a Spread. I was in the slot more after that.
Going into the offseason, what has been the focus of your workouts at corner?
Technique wise, understanding leverages and how to play man more.
What about on offense?
Getting chemistry with my quarterback and my route running.
What have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
I was training with a guy on the military base, the hardest workouts I have ever done. I’ve done a lot of speed and agility trainer out here.
What’s the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
I ran one 40 at the military base, it was a 4.47.
Wow. Impressive.
Thank you.
Where all will we see you on the field during the 2020?
I think I will play more on offense, I should be getting more targets with Spanaway this year. I will be at punt and kick return as well and I am staying at corner but I’ve also started playing nickel.
That’s great for you in more ways than one getting that experience and getting to showcase your talents at another DB position to college coaches.
Yes, sir.
With the 2020 season in Washington starting next year, throughout the rest of the fall and winter months what are you focusing on and what goals have you set for yourself?
I’d like to gain a couple more pounds, increase my endurance, strength, speed, and stay sharp on my corner skills.
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Spanaway?
I was in the middle of track season, thinking about playing basketball or wrestling this season.
Going to close our interview talking about recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Utah, Notre Dame, and UDUB (Washington).
How many offers do you have now?
Four.
Which program was the first to offer?
Oregon.
Wagoner’s Offer Sheet: Oregon, Penn State, UNLV, and Washington State
Very cool. Jasiah, I appreciate your time today and wish you success this fall and winter preparing for your sophomore season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Wagoner family; Jasiah Wagoner
Photo credit: Earny Ugrind Photography; Jasiah Wagoner