Interview: Rising 2019 California DB Dominic “Dom” Brown has Sights Set on Standout Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For every high school senior playing a team or individual sport, this is the biggest season of their life. One last chance, one last ride to leave a legacy of greatness before going on to the next chapter in life. For all-around athletes like Dominic “Dom” Brown, the 2018 high school football season has dual-purpose with the goal of leading Oxnard High School to a state title while proving to college scouts that he is the high-caliber player that can make a difference on their roster for years to come.

Brown started building a reputation for himself during his junior season after coming up with 22 tackles, 15 solo, and three interceptions in five games played after having to sit out due to CIF transfer rules. Brown is that rare corner with size that frustrates opposing California quarterbacks and receivers on passing downs. At 6-3, 180-pounds, and with some speed, Brown has developed into a corner Pacific View League teams do not want to test.

The 2018 season looms larger for Brown with interest coming in from Pac-12, Big 12, and Mountain West Conference programs. College scouts checking in on Brown will get to see more of him and in a variety of ways this year with him lining up at receiver and at free safety depending on the opposition and the defensive package.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized catch-up interview, I sat down with Brown after the Yellowjackets crushed in Week 1 of the 2018 season for a team update, an update on Brown’s growing talents, and received a recruiting briefing.

*Click link for May 28, 2019, RNG interview with Dom Brown

Interview

Dom, all the hard work for the Yellowjackets in the offseason paid off in a big opening win over Granada Hills Charter (56-6), how did it feel to be back on the field in action?

“It felt good. My team was hungry because of last year, not getting to go to the playoffs. We had that in the back of our heads. We wanted some pay back, we got a big win.”

You played corner and receiver last season, where all are you playing on the field in 2018?

“This year, I am still at corner and receiver, but I am moving around playing some free safety. I played some in the first game.”

How are you liking playing free safety?

“I am getting the hang of it. It is new for me.”

I understand that the starters sat out the second half in the big win, but how did the opening game go for you in the time given?

“It went well. The big thing was making plays in the run game as a blocker, that was something I wanted to work on this year. I put it on my tape.”

From fall camp and Game 1 of the season, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game?

“Being a leader this year is a big difference. My man to man and press man has improved a lot after playing with Premium (7v7) this spring. My footwork and speed have gotten better. I am very confident in man coverage now.”

You guys get a big test on Friday against Quartz Hill, for your personal matchup, what kind of game are you expecting?

“I am expecting a back and forth game. They beat us by two points last year; we missed a field goal. They did lose last week, but to a good team. I am sure they want to come back for a big win this week. It should be a very good game. They have talent on that team.”

Looking ahead, are there any other games on the schedule you are pumped to play?

“Yeah. Westlake (Aug. 31) and Camarillo (Sept. 7).”

What goals have you set for your senior year?

“My goals are to have over 40 tackles in the open field, five picks or more, and being a great leader on the team.”

Going back to the summer, did you get a chance to attend any college camps?

“Yes. I camped with Cal-Lu (Cal-Lutheran) for a satellite camp – Texas and Washington were there, an APU (Azusa Pacific) camp – Arizona, UCLA, Oregon, Nebraska, and I went to the USC Rising Stars Camp.”

Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?

“It had to be the USC Rising Stars Camp, I got one of the DB MVPs at that camp.”

That would qualify. What did you learn at the camps this summer that will help you this season?

“Compete. No matter who is around, compete. There were a lot of people there, you had to fight for your reps and compete all the time.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you heading into the season?

“San Diego State, Arizona, Wyoming, Washington State, Iowa State, Fresno State, Boise State, Utah State, Oregon, and San Jose State are all showing interest.”

Is there an area of your game that college coaches might be overlooking?

“My football IQ and my quickness.”

What are college coaches looking at when they scout you?

“My height and length, my ranginess, and how I can play the ball – my instincts.”

Dom, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Quartz Hill.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Dom Brown