Interview: Arkansas Legacy 2022 CB Cameron Sidney is Ready for Varsity Role with Mater Dei
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Tough to lay too high of expectations on incoming sophomores getting their first full taste of varsity football, but there is something unique about Class of 2022 cornerback Cameron “Cam” Sidney. The 5-10, 165-pound, athlete played both ways for Mater Dei High School’s freshman team getting meaningful snaps at receiver. On defense, he impressed against other rising Trinity League talent picking off passes all over the field taking two back to the house. The transition for Sidney to the high school level will be easier after practicing throughout the 2018 season with the Monarchs’ varsity squad, the same group of guys that just went back-to-back with MaxPreps’ national titles. With another loaded Mater Dei team ready to take the field in 2019, Sidney is ready to make his mark as one of California’s top rising talents.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the southern California talent going over his skills on the field, offseason workouts, and his camp performance with the Arkansas Razorbacks that landed him his first college scholarship offer.
Interview
Cam, your game reel shows your understanding of the game is way above your grade classification. Over the years, how have you developed such a strong football IQ allowing you to be even more productive on the field as a cornerback?
“Honestly, my IQ has gotten better playing both sides of the ball. Playing both sides has helped me a lot. I was a receiver before high school. I know what receivers and quarterbacks are looking for against a defense. That helps.”
Your speed is such a big part of your game, what is the fastest timed run you have posted?
“My fastest 40 is a 4.6. That was laser two weeks ago at an Arkansas camp.”
That’s fantastic. Most corners are hopeful for at least two interceptions in a season but you had a couple of fantastic pick-sixes last season. Do you have a favorite interception return for a touchdown from the 2018 season?
“My favorite was against Servite on a slant. I picked it, and that put us back in the game. We were losing momentum before that play.”
When the 2018 season had finished, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on defense?
“On defense, my IQ and my aggressiveness. I love hitting. I did not have to do that much hitting last year, but I love it. With my technique, my eye discipline is great. I can read the quarterback quicker than other defensive backs and I can read the field better than others.”
What have you been working on this offseason to prepare for the 2019 schedule?
“I am working on Mater Dei’s defense. I understand the system, but I am working with older guys seeing how they play to learn more.”
How did spring ball with the Monarchs go for you personally?
“It was great. It wasn’t really a big surprise for me. I practiced with varsity throughout my freshman season. Everything was the same, which was really nice.”
The Monarchs are always loaded with so much talent. Given you are going up against five-, four-, and three-star players every day, what is a typical practice like for you?
“A typical practice is a whole bunch of competition. I am always trying to prove myself out there. I am always working to get better. It is great, but I don’t think about the stars. I just go out and compete.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“Corner.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes, sir. I played with Premium.”
How did playing with Premium help you expand your talents?
“It helped a lot. 7v7 helps me know the players I will be facing during the season. The coaching helped as well. 7v7 helps me with competition. I will have a sense of how the receivers play on the field when I face them this season.”
You mentioned the Arkansas camp a few minutes ago, how did that camp go for you?
“It was great. I liked it. There was good competition there. I liked the coaching a lot. Their coaching helped me a lot. The technique they go over helped me a lot.”
Not a lot of California players go camping with the Razorbacks, how did you pick Arkansas for a college camp?
“My dad (Shannon Sidney) went there in college. He brought some kids from out here to go compete out there. We showed them what it is like for Mater Dei kids from California at that camp.”
Did you enjoy your visit to Fayetteville?
“Yes. It was really nice.”
Going into recruiting, have you received that first big offer yet?
“Yes. I have an offer from Arkansas. I received it at the camp.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Going away from football here. What are your favorite subjects in school?
“I love English and I like science a lot. Those are my two favorite subjects.”
When you are not doing a football related activity, what are you doing for fun?
“I usually stay at home. I am a home body. I watch TV or Netflix. If I am not doing that, I am playing football with friends.”
Is there a current or former college or NFL player you watch reel on to learn more about the position?
“I watch Brendan “Bookie” Radley-Hiles (Oklahoma). He inspires me to play cornerback. I like the way he plays and I like his aggressiveness. He does not let his height show on the field.”
Cam, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you continued success with your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Sidney family; Cam Sidney in action