Interview: Rising 2021 California ATH DJ Justice Talks Playing WR and FS for The Dons in 2018
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The axis where the world of high school football and college football recruiting intersect along the recruiting trail is at potential – that is, what is the potential of said player once he gets on campus. As the 2018 season is sure to show, Class of 2021 athlete DJ Justice is full of the key word – potential.
In the offseason, Justice made the move to Cathedral Catholic’s varsity squad going through spring practices at receiver but has excelled to a point on the field where the Dons’ coaches are comfortable seeing him split time at free safety, a switch for him from previous years getting time in at cornerback. The extra opportunities on the field, coupled with a tough 2018 schedule for the Dons, should help college coaches see the potential in the emerging 6-1, 175-pound, athlete.
Cathedral Catholic is once again loaded with talent and have a tough schedule that will allow the team to prove they are not only one of the best squads in San Diego but in all of California by season’s end. The gauntlet includes an opener against La Costa Canyon with teams like Serra (Gardena), Helix (La Mesa), Madison, and St. Augustine. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Justice for an update on fall camp with a look ahead to the 2018 schedule.
*Click link for Feb. 15, 2018, RNG interview with DJ Justice
Interview
DJ, how did your spring and summer workouts go?
“They were great. We’ve had a lot of workouts this summer. We are weight lifting in between our two-a-days, I have gotten a lot bigger. I have done a lot of work on my routes; they are way more precise now.”
You mentioned your route running, what else was the focus of your summer workouts?
“My focus was mainly on getting off line quicker, getting off the press, finding the lane in Cover 2 and 3, and run blocking. We have a strong running offense, you have to block on our team as a receiver.”
Where did you see the biggest growth in your skillset this offseason?
“My strength. I was not as strong last year. My bench has gone up 45 pounds. My routes have improved. Before I was learning them, but they were not precise. I know how to get open now as well. My agility is better along with my cuts going into the season.”
When did the Dons start fall camp?
“We started with pads last week on Monday. We have been doing conditioning since the second week of July.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking good. A couple of publications have us as the No. 1 team in San Diego. I think we have a very good chance of winning CIF this year.”
Where all will we see you on the field in 2018?
“My coach on defense has moved me to free safety. I am behind a senior, but we are splitting reps. You will see me there a lot as well this season.”
Are you liking playing free safety?
“Yes! I played corner before, but I feel like I am better at ball hawking. Playing free safety is better for me than playing corner.”
What goals have you set for your sophomore season?
“For this season, I want 10-plus touchdowns five-plus interceptions, and I mainly just want to win CIF and have a good season as a team. I hope to gain five to ten pounds this season as well.”
Which college camps did you attend this summer?
“I went to a USC camp in June.”
What were some of the tricks of the trade you learned at the college camps that will help you on the field going forward?
“I learned a lot about what college coaches look for with character from players. Learning from the college level players and coaches, I learned more about the routes and the mindset you have to have when you are on the field.”
I know it is still very early in your process, but are you receiving any interest at this time?
“I was invited to Notre Dame’s camp. I spoke with one of Missouri’s coaches and one of Montana’s coaches when they came up to our school as well as Utah State and San Diego State. I got to meet the USC coaches during their camp.”
Back to football, the Dons open with La Costa Canyon this year; have you guys already started preparing for that game or are you still doing install on offense and defense?
“Yes, we are already preparing for our opening game. We have been working on offense against their defense. On defense, we are running against their plays. We are ready.”
You get Serra in the Honor Bowl on Sept. 1, are there any other games on the schedule you have circled?
“Helix. We are ready for that game as well. They are supposed to be a powerhouse this year. I have a lot of brothers from Premium (7v7) on that team. It will be a fun game.”
DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of fall camp and the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Justice family; DJ Justice August 2018