Interview: Rising 2021 Alemany WR Jashawn Todd Covers Fall Camp and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season was a big one on the field for Alemany High School. The Warriors made a move at the top after a 3-7 record in 2017 hiring head coach Casey Clausen. The differences on the field were immediate, especially on offense going from a 21-point per game scoring team to 27 points and in the win loss-column adding four more wins and a two-game run into the playoffs on the list of accomplishments. One of the beneficiaries of the changes was Class of 2021 receiver Jashawn Todd. Todd (5-10, 165) used his speed and athleticism to create 379 receiving yards off 26 receptions with four scores and carried the pigskin 10 times for 45 yards with four more trips into the end zone. The offseason has brought more change and a stricter program to his workouts with Slim Body Fitness preparing for his role on offense at receiver and an added position at free safety.
With the 2019 set to begin on Aug. 16 with a showdown against Utah’s Jordan High School, I got a few minutes with Todd covering ground on his skills and goals for the upcoming schedule.
*Click link for Jan. 22, 2019, RNG video interview with Jashawn Todd
Interview
Jashawn, your sophomore season with Alemany as a receiver was a success. What was working for you allowing you to showcase your skills as a growing playmaker?
“Being on the field with a group of guys who are not selfish allows the offense to open up. I was able to get open and showcase my talents because of my teammates.”
They line you up on the outside and on the inside, what are some of the routes the coaches send you on to utilize your abilities?
“They like to get us on quick routes like posts, outs, and quick screens to get us the ball so we can make a play.”
Your quickness and speed in space was a difference maker. What is the fastest-timed run you’ve posted?
“My fastest 40-yard dash is a 4.6, but I have not run it recently.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on this offseason?
“I have been working on scanning the defense before a play working against man or a zone. I have been working on looking at alignments and getting in-and-out of my breaks on routes faster.”
Where are you seeing the improvements in your overall game?
“I go 100 percent on every route. I am in the best shape I have ever been in.”
Are you playing any defense this season?
“Yes, sir. I am playing free safety.”
How have your workouts gone as a defensive back?
“They have been great. I have been getting into the mix more than last year. I know this will be a good defensive year for me, as well as on offense.”
How have the spring and summer practices and workouts with the Warriors gone?
“I think this will be our best year so far that I have seen since I have been there. We have a great bond. Everyone loves each other. We give each other a high-five or a “great job” after each rep picking each other up.”
Will your role with the team change at all during your junior season?
“Yes. I will get some Wildcat action this year. I will be at running back and Kevin Green will be at quarterback in our goal line package.”
What extra training have you been doing outside of school workouts?
“I have trained with Slim Body Fitness in the Valley and I run hills in Santa Clarita.”
How has training with Slim Body Fitness helped you prepare for the 2019 season?
“They have brought my wind up; I am better conditioned. I am more explosive with my power this season.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team in the offseason?
“Yes. I played with Formula for Speed.”
How did that extra work on the field help push your game forward?
“It keeps me in the mix going against the top guys in the area. We were competing against the best talent and at the highest level. They helped me a lot. My wide receiver coach, Coach Chris, he teaches us tricks to get in-and-out of our breaks so we are not taking too much time for our quarterback in the pocket.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Over the spring I talked to Washington State, Cal, Oregon State, and Washington.”
Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes. I went to Arizona, Arizona State, and UCLA.”
How did the ASU visit go?
“It was fun. The coaching staff was great. They have a nice environment out there.”
What about the Arizona trip?
“It was great as well. I like the player comradery there. It is like a family out there.”
And UCLA?
“That was great. They treated us very well. I like their practices. Their practices are up-tempo. I also like how they react to the ball. They have a nice campus at UCLA.”
Back to football. Which games are you excited to play this season?
“I am excited for our first one against Jordan (UT). I had to sit out five games last season, this will be my first season opening game with Alemany. I am also excited to play Chaminade and Oaks Christian.”
What goals have you set for yourself this season?
“I want to get over 800 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.”
Jashawn, it was great covering ground with you today on your skills and offseason workouts. Good luck this year on the field.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 15 Jashawn Todd
Pingback: Interview: 2021 California WR/APB Jashawn Todd Shows Out at National Combine - Recruiting News Guru