Interview: Big 9-Offer 2022 WR Zyion Claville Burning Louisiana Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There was a big streak going down the field on Friday nights in Shreveport fall 2020, and that unstoppable force was Zyion Claville. Claville not only was a nightmare for corners and defensive backs in the red zone because of his 6-3, 175-pound, frame, but he can scoot with the best of them posting a 4.48 time in the 40-yard dash. The Huntington Raiders used their standout Class of 2022 receiver to the tune of 22 receptions for 414 yards with five scores in stats posted through six games. The wave of enthusiasm from the collegiate level cannot be ignored with nine offers now in Claville’s hands.
For an offseason update interview, Claville stopped by the RNG Lab for a quick talk covering a lot of ground, per usual.
Interview
Zyion, I have to start off talking about your speed. On game film, it looks like you have crazy speed. How fast are you?
My best time in the 40 is a 4.49 and 4.48.
Wow. Where did you run that at a camp or at school?
At school.
Are you participating in any other varsity sports for the Raiders?
Yes, sir, basketball and track.
Which events in track?
The 4×1.
Back to the 2020 season, you were lighting up defenses with your speed, athleticism, and hands. What were some of the routes you were running?
Most of the time I was running go routes, hitches, slants, posts, and digs.
How did your overall game improve during the 2020 season?
I feel like I was able to create more separation. My release and get off was different, I was separating quickly. I was better at being able to take on contact and with my run blocking. All throughout the offseason and during the season I worked a lot on my run blocking.
In which game did you turn in your best performance?
I wanna say the first game of the season against Benton, but I had a lot of good games.
Why that one?
In our first game, I was coming off an injury. I wanted to show everyone that the injury was nothing. I had 150 yards with two touchdowns off six catches.
That works. Besides your speed, what do you feel are the strengths to your game as a receiver?
I am very aggressive, I can separate from defensive backs, and my route running. My routes are crisp and I can run any route.
When you pick up action during the 2021 season where all might we see you on the field?
I will be playing some slot, outside receiver, I will be on defense some too, and on special teams at kick returner.
What have you been working on with your fundamentals this spring?
This spring I have been working on balance, strength, of course, and working on my stride. I have also been working on running quicker routes with more moves to it; not just a basic route.
How are you adding more speed and agility to your skillset?
I have been doing balance workouts, stride, band work, resistant band work, squats, and leg workouts.
Looking ahead to the summertime, are there any college camps you may attend?
I plan on going to a lot college camps.
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Mississippi State, Missouri, Houston, and Oklahoma State.
How many offers are you holding?
Nine.
Which were the last few to offer you?
Western Kentucky, New Mexico, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, and Purdue.
Claville’s Offer Sheet: Kansas, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, New Mexico, Purdue, South Alabama, Tulane, Virginia, and Western Kentucky
When visits are allowed again come June, are there any programs you’d like to go see?
Yes, sir, Western Kentucky and Louisiana-Monroe.
Zyion, thank you for your time today. Wishing you success with your track season and with the possible college camps this summer.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Huntington HS/Claville family; Zyion Claville