Interview: All the Skills are Developing Fast for 2023 California RB/DB Dijon Stanley
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Even if it is a shortened season, all California high school players needed to get on the gridiron this spring. For the underclassmen, any opportunity to get the pads on competing against others while getting reps and instruction in practice is priceless. At Granada Hills High School, Dijon Stanley is making the most of his opportunities. After an offseason of hard workouts and playing 7v7 ball with Formula 4 Speed, the 6-1, 170-pound, rising star is evolving into that dynamic two-way player at running back and safety.
Two games into the Highlanders’ 2020 season this spring, Stanley took a quick break from the action taking us onto the field to talk some football.
Interview
Dijon, how is the 2020 season going for you on the field this season with Granada Hills?
The season is going great. Better than I expected honestly. Our team, we have a lot of underclassmen. This year we are learning, a practice for the 2021 season. We are playing well and everyone is doing a good job.
Where all are you lining up for the Highlanders this season?
Running back, strong safety, and kick and punt returner.
Wow. To prepare for all that you are doing, how did you condition yourself physically over the offseason?
Over the offseason I lifted a lot, ran hills to keep my stamina up for football, and ran track. I played 7v7 to keep my footwork and hands right. I also lifted twice a day.
With which team did you play 7v7 ball?
Formula 4 Speed.
How did Formula 4 Speed help better prepare you for the 2020 season?
It helped me with my footwork, my routes, I played receiver with them, and helped me playing safety. They helped me read coverages better.
What offensive set are the Highlanders executing this spring?
The offense we run is a double-wing. We rarely throw the ball. Pretty much all our plays are running plays with some reverses and sweeps.
How is the offensive coordinator getting you the rock?
Inside and outside zone plays. I like to say I can finish my runs. A person of my size, I may look small but I can finish my runs. I can do it all.
What defensive scheme and coverages are you guys running?
We run more of a Cover 3. I am more of walk down safety; I play more in the box.
On offense, how are you seeing your skills improve as a tailback this spring?
I feel like my vision is better, I am making people miss, and I am finishing my runs. I am not making as many moves. My focus is getting the first five or seven yards; that is okay.
Taking on California receivers, how are your cover skills expanding?
My cover skills have expanded a lot. Last year I was keeping up, but this year I am more flexible. My hips are better, I can get up, and my ball skills are better.
Next up on the schedule is El Camino Real. What kind of game are you expecting on Friday?
A big one. It’ll be a big game. We will run the ball. I expecting 200 yards rushing.
That’ll be awesome. Do you compete in any other varsity sports?
Yes, sir. I run track.
Which events?
The 400, 200, and 100.
What is your PR in the 100?
A 10.8. But I can’t play two sports at a time this year because of the virus. That time came from an unofficial track meet. Hopefully in May I can go a little faster.
Dijon, thanks for updating us on your 2020 season this spring. I’m excited to see how the rest of your sophomore season goes.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Stanley family; Dijon Stanley