Interview: Breakout Season Planned for 2022 California DB/WR Michael Sutton-Shy
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The big breakout year for Class of 2022 two-way athlete Michael Sutton-Shy had to be slightly delayed during the 2020 season with an abbreviated high school football schedule in California. Still, the 5-10, 170-pound, developing talent laid the foundation for that spotlight grabbing senior year after hauling in 14 passes for 247 yards with three scores and putting an end to 25 plays, 12 solo, with two tackles for a loss, a sack, two quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and one pass broken up. Adding to the excitement of it all, Sutton’s junior season was his first at the varsity level and first playing receiver and linebacker. His efforts on defense brought first team All-Sunset League honors.
In an RNG first-look interview, Sutton stopped by the RNG Clubhouse covering ground on his junior season and summer workouts.
Interview
Michael, you got a lot of snaps in going both ways during the 2020 season. Looking back, how did the season go for you personally?
I think it went very well. That was my first time playing receiver and linebacker. I racked up yards, got touchdowns, held my own and rushed the edge and got a sack. Also, that was my first time starting on varsity.
Impressive. Which positions were you playing in 2019?
At Los Alamitos, I was playing safety on the JV team.
Starting on defense; you were that hybrid guy in the box playing that outside linebacker role and more showing a whole lot of grit and toughness. If you will, breakdown your role(s) and responsibilities within the defensive scheme.
They had me as more of a rusher going off the edge and putting pressure on the QB. My coaches wanted a linebacker-end to get to the QB. They also had me in pass coverage in the flats. I have great tackling skills, they wanted me to take on the running backs too.
What will you be doing on defense in 2021?
This year I will playing both free and strong safety.
Going on the other side of the ball; you were lining up on the outside and inside. Which routes were you running in the scheme?
I was running hitches, tunnel screens, corners, posts, and a lot of deep stuff. Goes too.
How did your talents as a receiver grow over the five-game spring schedule?
My yards after the catch. At first, I was struggling a little bit with that. I’ve always been a defensive player, it was new. My pass catching and contested catches improved a lot.
What have you been working on as a receiver this summer?
I have been working on my speed, coming in and out of my routes, my breaks and cuts. I have also worked on being more aggressive with my catches and selling my routes.
For your role on defense, what have you been doing to sharpen up the fundamentals?
I have been working on my breaks, backpedals, fluid hips, and attacking the ball.
You’ve mentioned working on speed, what have you been doing to increase your athleticism and agility?
A lot of ladder work, sprints, and running hills. I go to a hill in Long Beach to run. I do some speed training, working on my “W” drills, and explosiveness too.
Have you been to any camps this spring or summer?
Yes. I have been to UNLV, two Redlands camps, an Under the Radar camp, Rivals, and I was accepted into The Opening. My sister is being recruited for softball, we had to be in Colorado that week, so I could not compete at The Opening regional. I’ve also been invited to the Natty in the Bay.
The UNLV camp, that was a big one. How did it go for you?
It went very well. I showcased my footwork and did well in the one on ones showing my press and off technique, and being able to attack the ball.
At the UNLV camp, which position(s) did you compete at?
I played both as safety and corner.
Going into the 2021 season, which programs are showing recruiting interest?
San Diego and Utah.
Have you taken any visits this summer?
I will be going to Utah on July 26.
Very cool. What personal goals have you set for yourself this summer before the 2021 season begins?
To get my 40 time up, sharpen my receiver skills, and routes. I am gaining weight and muscle. I am also trying to get a 4.0 GPA this year.
Michael, thanks for your time today. Wishing you a successful trip to Utah.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Sutton-Shy family; Michael Sutton-Shy