Interview: Do-Everything 2019 Defender Jerome Wilson Updates Offseason Workouts and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Line him up and watch him go, that may not be the defensive philosophy for Etiwanda High School’s defense, but that would work just as well with Jerome Wilson Jr. on the field. The Class of 2019 athlete was all over the field during his junior season stopping the run, rushing the passer, and covering receivers out of the slot as a true outside linebacker. Even with teams hoping to avoid his area on the field, the 6-3, 205-pound, defender still put an end to 63 plays with eight tackles for a loss, a half-sack, and four passes broken up. Wilson’s talents have not been lost on college recruiters, thus far Washington State and Utah have offered with other top schools like Arizona, Arizona State, and Boise State, among many others, taking an interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with one of California’s more versatile defenders covering his game on the field, recruiting prospects, and offseason work.

Interview

Jerome, you were a true outside linebacker/safety in the box type last season coming off the edge, coming up in run support, and dropping back into coverage. Of the three facets of the game, which do you do best?

“Of the three, I am really good with covering at outside linebacker. I’d say my best quality is me being physical at outside linebacker.”

Was there an area of your game where you were challenged early during your senior year but by the end of the schedule you had made a weakness a strength?

“During the season, every week we’d change up the game plan. On Monday our coach would give us a new game plan, I learned how to learn the game plan faster.”

How did your overall game improve last season?

“It improved with my mentality. During my sophomore season, I was an underclassman; I had more confidence as a second-year starter knowing I could hold my own on varsity.”

Which game was your best?

“My best game, the Damien game. In that game, I was physical and I think I had 10 or 12 tackles, two passes broken up, and a sack. I was going crazy in that game.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“This offseason, I am working on my hips, my speed – getting faster, and my eye discipline.”

Where all will you line up on the field during your senior year?

“You’ll see me basically doing the same stuff, playing some backer, safety, coming off the edge, and I may play some offense.”

Where will we see you on offense?

“At receiver.”

Are you excited to play receiver this year?

“Oh, yeah. I played receiver my freshman year. I’ve been waiting to get back there.”

Which position on the field is your favorite?

“My favorite… to be honest, I don’t have a favorite. I like being in position to make plays. Against a run team, I want to be at outside linebacker and against a passing team I want to be at safety.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes, sir. I played with Rharebreed.”

How did playing with Rharebreed help improve your game?

“It helped me with my eyes. It helped me reading the quarterback and routes better. It helped me be more patient and helped me to know when to pull the trigger on picking off a pass.”

Have you been to any camps this offseason?

“This offseason I went to Rivals, Under Armour, and the Nike Opening Regional.”

Which camp did you have your best performance?

“The Rivals was my best. I had two picks. That’s a good day in my book.”

At the camps, which position did you compete at?

“Outside linebacker.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Stanford, Washington, USC, Iowa State, Cal, Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, and San Diego State.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Utah and Washington State have offered me.”

Which schools have come by Etiwanda to meet you this offseason or watch you workout?

“Last week, Hawaii, Washington State, Washington, Iowa State, and Cal came by our school.”

When you have talked to various college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your skillset?

“They like seeing I can play multiple positions. They like that I am playing safety but they are recruiting me as a linebacker.”

Which schools have you visited?

“In 2018, I have visited Stanford, Washington, USC, UCLA, and San Diego State.”

When did you visit SDSU?

“I visited SDSU on April 29.”

How did that go?

“That was a real good visit. They showed a lot of interest. They are supposed to come by this week to see me.”

How did the Washington trip go?

“That trip was really good. I had never been to Seattle before. The coaches were great and they have a great business school.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Nothing set in stone yet, but I am thinking about visiting Washington State and Utah.”

Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I am going to camps at Redlands – Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, and Arizona. I’ll be going there a lot this summer.”

When do the Eagles start spring ball?

“We started last week.”

How is the team looking?

“We are looking really good. Our defense is looking fast. We have a new defensive coordinator, he is really helping our defense out. Our offense is looking good as well. We lost two quarterbacks, but I think this year we will be fine.”

What can the fans expect of the Eagles during the 2018 season?

“They can expect a better record than last season and the best out of me on both sides of the ball and out of the coaching staff. I think we can do some damage this season.”

Jerome, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wilson family; Jerome Wilson at Stanford and Washington