Interview: Sky is the Limit for 4-Star 2022 Washington OL/DL Josh Conerly Jr.
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Already a beast in the trenches, the future for Josh Conerly Jr. is about molding his raw talents into a dominating force built upon technique. The Class of 2022 lineman was a two-way player for Rainier Beach High School earning All-League and All-Metro honors for the work put in on both sides of the pigskin. The honors on offense for the 6-5, 275-pound, rising talent do not hold as much value without knowing that the 2019 season was his first playing left tackle. As the Seattle area product learns the nuances of his craft while pushing his giftings in the weight room, college programs across the country see him as a difference maker at the collegiate level. The four-star recruit is sitting on 17 offers as he prepares for his junior campaign.
In an RNG first-look, Conerly covers ground on the growth of his game during his sophomore season, his spring workouts, and an update on his potential visits in the coming weeks and months.
Interview
Josh, I want to start today’s interview off talking about your fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. You show speed getting to the second-level on your blocks, but you were running like a tailback on that return. Are you in the coach’s ear about some Wildcat/short-yardage plays now?
(Laughs) “Oh man, not really. I stay in my place. When I was younger, in middle school, I was a running back. I am making the shift now. My freshman year I was running back/tight end-ish, where I am at now, this is where I am and where I will stay.”
As an offensive lineman, you were intent on destroying whoever lined up across from you last season. As you dominated opposing defenders, was there any style or approach that gave you difficulties? If so, how did you adapt and overcome those challenges?
“In my conference, I went against the No. 1 player in the nation in defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (Eastside Catholic). It is always a challenge in my conference. I take every opponent on like I am playing against JT. It does not matter who is watching, who I am playing against, or when. For me, it does not matter the size of the person I am going against, you go your hardest no matter what.”
Did you track your pancakes and knockdowns last season?
“No, I don’t focus on stuff like that, I just play the game.”
Guessing, about how many did you have per game?
“I’d say three to four maybe. My goal is to keep the guy in front of me and open up lanes. If it ends in a pancake, that is great.”
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your abilities as a run and pass blocker?
“This past season was my first year playing offensive tackle; I progressed a lot throughout the year. Run blocking, that has been pretty easy. Playing offense growing up, I had to pick up blocks regardless of the position other than being a quarterback. Pass blocking has been a challenge but I am getting that technique down and learning when to strike. It has been difficult, but at the same time, my offensive line coach outside of the team, he makes it easy on me to learn and love the position.”
Going the other way, how did playing on the defensive front help you as an offensive lineman?
“Playing both sides, you already know what is going on before the ball is snapped. You know calls, when they line up what they are doing, and if they are heavy on the hand or light, you know what is about to happen.”
Have you developed a preference for a side of the ball given you do both at such a high level?
“I like protecting, I prefer the offensive line.”
What have you been working on with your game as a defensive lineman this spring?
“I haven’t been focusing that much on defense. I do work on my pass rush moves. During the season, they will run the ball a lot more. In case they do pass, you have to have your moves ready. Stopping the run, it is easier to do that.”
On the other side of the ball, what has been your focus?
“My pass blocking. I am still getting used to it, and I am making it my life. I am making it normal to do. Last season I wasn’t able to pass block well, but I am pretty good at it now, but not the best that I can be yet. Still working on getting the perfect set. With run blocking, I am working on finishing plays.”
Access to gyms has been difficult for most this spring, but going back the last few months, did you get a chance to max out?
“It has been a while, but I bench I got 275, my squat is 450 – have not tested that in a while, my power clean is around 225, and my deadlift was 415.”
Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have?
“I have 17 offers.”
Conerly’s Offer Sheet: Cal, Boise State, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Tennessee, USC, Utah, Vanderbilt, and Washington State
Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“UCLA and Arizona State.”
Going back to last season, did you get to visit any programs?
“Yes, I went to several UDUB (Washington) games, Oregon State, Oregon, and I went to Washington’s Junior Day. I was planning on going to Oregon’s Junior Day, but I had to participate in state for basketball; a week later everything was shut down. I am going to those three schools again and all the California schools like Cal, USC, and Stanford.”
Are there any other visits you may take?
“I want to get all around the country. I want to visit USC for sure, Cal, Stanford, Oklahoma, Michigan, Northwestern, and LSU.”
When does the team get back together in preparation for the 2020 season, or have you guys started already?
“We have not started practicing. Some guys do 7v7 stuff, but that is for running backs, receivers, and quarterbacks. We’ve been able to get on Zoom for team meetings, but there has not been that many meet ups and practices.”
Do you know when they will clear you guys to start practicing again?
“Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.”
What has you excited about that opportunity to get back into the mix again?
“I am pumped and ready to get out there with my guys; I have not seen a lot of them since March really. I am ready to get ready for the season.”
Josh, thanks for your time today and good luck with your workouts both personal and with the team this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Conerly family; Josh Conerly Jr. at Oregon and Washington