Interview: Overlooked 2019 LB DeJon Pratt is Ready for another Nevada State Title Run
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2017 season did not start out the way Desert Pines had hoped, falling into an 0-2 trough in ugly fashion, but something clicked in Week 3 of the season for the Jaguars running a 10-game winning streak all the way to a Nevada 3A state title. The Jags defense was stifling holding the opposition to an average of 11 points per game thanks to dynamic defenders like DeJohn Pratt Jr.
In the Jaguars 3-4 scheme, Pratt was that hard-nosed outside linebacker displaying his abilities in stopping the run, bringing pressure from the outside, and covering as needed. He finished his junior campaign with 53 solo tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, two picks, and two defensive touchdowns scored. That knack that Pratt has of being around the ball has helped draw an offer from Portland State with interest coming in from Fresno State, Dixie State, San Diego State, and Minnesota.
Ahead of the Jaguars seeking another Nevada state title, but now at the 4A classification, I sat down with the 6-2, 225-pound, athletic defender going one-on-one over his offseason workouts and the Jags fall camp with a recruiting update.
Interview
After winning a 3A state title in 2017, what was the mindset of the Jaguars during offseason workouts?
“We knew that we were moving up a level, and we knew we’d have a lot of guys back. We worked on perfecting our craft to achieve the same goal, a state championship. We knew what we had to do. We had a lot of players playing 7v7, linemen going to camps – everyone was perfecting their technique this offseason.”
Is there anything you guys are expecting to be different with the move up from 3A to 4A?
“Not really. It will be tougher, we have to work harder. We plan on studying even more and staying focused throughout the season.”
How is the team looking in fall camp?
“We are a stronger version of last year. We are faster, bigger, and stronger this year. I am confident in us.”
Going into the offseason, what were the big parts of your game that you wanted to improve upon before your senior year?
“Before I played safety, so I was good at covering. I focused on filling holes and reading plays and my keys better to play the run even better. I worked to balance out my game.”
In fall camp, where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your overall game as a defender?
“Filling holes. I feel like I struggled with that some last year. I did not read my keys as well last year.”
What are the strengths of your overall game?
“I feel my speed is an advantage. I am good at open field tackles and coveraging.”
Where all will you line up on the field this season?
“I am playing outside linebacker, some at rover, and some at fullback in certain formations.”
Did you get to showcase your abilities at any camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to the USC Rising Stars Camp, a Weber State padded camp, and a UNLV camp.”
Of the camps attended, which was your best?
“I believe my best was at USC.”
What did you do well at the USC camp?
“I feel like I had a lot of good one-on-one reps and I did well in the drills.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you ahead of your senior year?
“Coach Roy Manning from UCLA, Coach (Joe) Dale from Weber State (safeties), and Coach Skip (Tim Skipper – defensive coordinator) from UNLV, those are the three main ones I am hearing from right now.”
Which school has offered you?
“Portland State offered me.”
Did you take any unofficial visits this offseason?
“Yes. I’ve been to Minnesota, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, UNLV, and Utah State.”
Nice. Done with recruiting, let’s turn towards the season. The team opens the season on Friday against Durango, what kind of game are you expecting from the Trailblazers?
“I am expecting them to come hard. They have wanted us for a couple of years. They have a lot of confidence, we have to be ready to play.”
The Jaguars have a preseason No. 3 ranking, how is that motivating the team?
“It is motivating us because we are working to be the best. We know about (Bishop) Gorman, Liberty, and Arbor View, we want to prove we belong with the big dogs. We don’t let the rankings get ahead of us.”
What are some of the games you are excited to play this season?
“I am excited for Durango, Liberty – one of the greatest teams in Vegas, and Legacy is a powerhouse team in our conference.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“For my senior year, I want to lead the state in tackles – at least 100 tackles, three interceptions, but my main goal is to win state – that is my team goal. That means a lot to me.”
Last question. Who is DeJon Pratt as a student-athlete?
“I am a hard-working go-getter. In school, if I want the grade I go get it. I work hard for all the things I want, I have that same mentality on the field.”
DeJon, it was great talking to you today. Good luck on Friday and good luck with the entirety of the 2018 season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: reviewjournal.com; No. 8 DeJon Pratt scores a touchdown
Photo credit: nevadapreps.com; No. 8 DeJon Pratt vs. Sunrise Mountain (2017)