Interview: 5-Offer 3-Star 2022 Arizona WR Elijah Barclay Covers Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Talent travels in football, and that skill showed at California’s powerhouse Mater Dei High School in 2019 came through at Salpointe Catholic during the 2020 season for Elijah Barclay. In stats posted through four games against Arizona 5A defenses, Barclay averaged 22.1 yards per reception securing 15 passes for 332 yards with six trips into the end zone. In part-time duty on defense, the 6-2, 180-pound, athlete lined up at corner registering six tackles with an interception.
The play and upside of the three-star Class of 2022 recruit has brought five offers to the party with heavy interest rising among Pac-12 programs. To talk about it all, Barclay sat down for another RNG interview.
*Click link for the May 2020 RNG video interview with Elijah Barclay
Interview
Elijah, you had a unique opportunity during the 2020 season to play against Arizona competition after playing for Mater Dei during the 2019 season. Making that switch, how did the season go for you with the Lancers?
It went really well for us. It was weird at first because of the virus, that messed our season up for a little bit. But it got going and everything got back to normal.
What offensive set were you guys executing?
We were running a Spread, that helped us a lot.
They had you lined up out wide, what routes were you running?
Mainly goes, posts, and hitches.
Looks like the corners going up against you had a hard time keeping with you, especially on fly or go routes. Between the competition you’ve faced in California and Arizona, what are some slight differences in style and/or level of competition?
Cornerbacks in California were bigger and stronger. Out here, I was able to dominate more. The Phoenix teams were good competition, that was like playing California teams.
Your speed and concentration show on game film, what were some other areas of your game you were able to showcase during the 2020 season?
My hands. I did not drop one ball during the season; I caught everything. My route running improved a lot during the offseason and after practicing with my quarterback.
Did you get some snaps on defense? If so, at which position and how did that go?
Yes, I got some snaps at corner. It went really well. I got a pick and a couple of good tackles on defense.
The Lancers are about a month into the offseason, what have you been working on getting ready for the 2021 season?
This offseason I have been working on getting some more weight on me and getting bigger. I have been lifting almost every day. I am starting speed training with one of our weightlifting coaches at school too.
Will your role and/or positions change next season?
They may move me around on offense and defense. I will play some slot and on defense I might move me to safety.
Are you planning on competing in any other varsity sports with Salpointe?
Yes. Track.
Which events?
The 100 and 4×1.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Colorado, UNLV, Maryland, just got a letter from UCLA, and Oregon State.
How many offers are you holding?
Five.
Which program was the last to offer?
I just got Arizona.
Barclay’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois State, Purdue, and TCU
Nice. Which programs might you visit once the dead period is over?
TCU for sure, Arizona, I like Purdue, Hawaii, UCLA, and Oregon State.
Elijah, it was great catching up with you today. Congratulations on a successful 2020 season. Keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Willhoite Photography/Barclay family; Elijah Barclay