Interview: Standout 3-Star 2021 ATH JD Sumlin to Work His Magic with Alemany

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Throughout the 2019 season, as Sierra Canyon was eating up California squads on the way to a 14-2 season, if a first down, touchdown, or defensive stop was needed JD Sumlin was magically there. The 5-11, 190-pound, all-purpose back steamrolled to 990 yards off 136 totes with 14 scores and secured 49 passes for 528 yards with three more touchdowns going up on the board. On defense, he ended 21 plays, 15 solo, with five passes broken up and one tackle for a loss. When the 2020 season gets going in California, the three-star Class of 2021 recruit has curious collegiate scouting eyes up and down the west coast watching. Sumlin has offers from BYU, Dartmouth, and Navy with interest coming in from every angle.

The California 2020 high school football season is set to begin in January, and Sumlin will be doing it with a new squad, Alemany High School. For an update on his new roles and recruiting process, Sumlin sat down for another RNG interview.

Interview

JD, last season you were a beast for the Trailblazers leading the team in rushing and was third on the team in receiving. How were the coaches at Sierra Canyon feeding you the rock leading to the amazing season?

The coaches prepared me to fight in the big games and to show up big. They believed in me and gave me the ball to help the team, that is what I tried to do.

Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as an all-purpose back?

I felt like I could do more than just run, I could also catch and go to the slot and run the ball like an every down back. I can do it all. That makes me different than other backs, you can put me wherever.

You also got snaps on defense. If you will, tell us the positions played and your role(s) within the Trailblazers scheme?

I played corner and a nickel. Usually I was at nickelback in a dime. They had me guard the slot in man. We’d take a linebacker out in that coverage. We’d put all our athletes against their athletes. When I was at corner, I did some zone and man.

This offseason you transferred, which team will you be playing for during the 2020 season?

Alemany.

What style of offense do the Warriors run?

We run a complex offense. Alemany has a lot of athletes. We will be fast-paced running a Spread with a Wing to mix it up. Sometimes we will have two running backs back there; it is a good offense.

How will you be utilized within the new offensive scheme?

This year I am playing running back, receiver, slot, and I will be in the wing too some this year. I will be an all-purpose versatile player.

What positions will you be playing on defense?

A stop the run and cover corner and strong safety.

With some time before the California season begins in January, what is the practice schedule with the Warriors right now?

At first we were working out, then the season was pushed. We started back up this week, but doing a social distance practice.

As you continue to prepare for the 2020 season, what goals have you set for the fall and winter months?

I want to accomplish getting my body 100 percent ready being the strongest and fastest I can be. I will continue to focus on my body and on becoming quicker, a better player, and ready for the season so I can kill it.

Let’s get a quick update in with your recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?

Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, San Jose State, Cal-Poly, Boise State, San Diego State, and UNLV. I have some more Big Sky, Mountain West Conference, and some Pac-12 schools showing interest.

How many total offers do you have now?

Three; BYU, Dartmouth, and Navy

Once campuses open back up, which programs would you like to visit?

I am planning on visiting some Mountain West schools like Boise State, some Pac-12, and Big Sky schools.

JD, thanks for your time today. It was great catching up. Keep up the hard work with your workouts this fall.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Sumlin family; JD Sumlin