Interview with 3-Star Do-Everything California 2019 ATH/WR Willie Harts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Pittsburg High School was one of those teams no one wanted to take on during the 2017 season. The Pirates posted a 9-3 record with their only losses coming to fellow California powerhouse teams Centennial, De La Salle, and Narbonne. On a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, Class of 2019 athlete Willie Harts stood out. With primary positions at receiver and free safety, the 6-0, 160 pound, speedster also logged in time at quarterback, running back, and cornerback. The finished product produced 139 rushing yards with two scores, 19 passes pulled in for 342 yards with seven more touchdowns, and 31 tackles along with three interceptions. Offers have come in from Nevada, BYU, Fresno State, and San Jose State with interest growing.
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with the three-star recruit learning more about his overall game, offseason workouts, and recruitment to date.
Interview
Willie, you were all over the field last year including playing some quarterback. What was the experience like for you playing quarterback?
“It was fun. I have played quarterback all my life. The transition came in high school away from quarterback to other positions. I was used to it – it was fun for me last year.”
You played quarterback, receiver, and safety last year, did you line up anywhere else on the field?
“I lined up at running back and, every once in a while, they’d put me in at zone corner.”
Of all the positions played, which do you like the best?
“My favorite position… I don’t have a favorite. I started off at quarterback, but I will play anywhere now that I know what my talent is.”
That begs the question, what is your talent?
“Coaches describe me as a D-I player. It is God’s gift given to me as an athlete on the field.”
You guys played some really tough teams last season, of all the game played which was your best?
“My personal best was our state game against Narbonne. I had two touchdowns. Before we scored our first TD, I got the pick to lead to that TD.”
How did you prepare for each game last season with all the responsibilities upon you with the various positions?
“Each game I prepared by meeting with the coaches. I talked to all the coaches. I practiced, I learned every play, and knew where everyone would be on the field.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2018?
“You will see me more at cornerback and inside receiver, and all the regular positions I play.”
How are you preparing for your senior year this offseason?
“I am focused on gaining weight. I am lifting more weight and practicing more. I’m getting ready for the season.”
Which parts of your game do feel are strengths?
“My best strength is my speed. Everyone tries to keep up with me but I have breakaway speed.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“The best one I ran was in eighth grade, I ran a 4.59. I ran 4.64 at the Nike Opening Regional.”
Is there one area of your game you are intently working on this spring?
“I am working on technique with my feet, and my hip motion to move quicker and plant better.”
You mentioned the Nike Opening, have you attended any other camps and/or combines already this spring?
“I’ve been to the Nike Opening in Santa Clara and the Under Armour All-American Camp.”
Which camp was your best?
“I’d say the Under Armour was my best.”
Do you have any upcoming camps set?
“I’m planning to take a trip to So Cal for a USC and I’m planning on going to a Cal camp. We have the first two camps planned out, we have not planned the rest out yet.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“UCLA, USC, Cal, Washington, and Arizona.”
Which schools have offered you?
“Nevada, BYU, Fresno State, and San Jose State.”
Which visits have you taken so far?
“I have been on visits to Oregon State and Oregon. I just went to San Jose State a couple of weeks ago.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am planning to visit USC, UCLA, Cal, Fresno State, and Nevada.”
Are you participating in any other varsity sports for Pittsburg?
“Track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, 4×2, and spring medley.”
That’s a lot. What are your best times in the 100 and 200?
“My best in the 100 is a 10.72 and my best in the 200 is 22.0.”
Some fun questions to wrap up. What was your favorite play from last year that shows your abilities on the field?
“My first touchdown in our state game. I was supposed to go down. It was a busted play, but I scored. I’m still not sure how I made that play.”
What was the funniest thing an opposing player said to you last season to try to throw you off your game?
“The funniest thing an opposing player said… he said one of my teammates said he was better than me. I said, ‘yeah that is why he is on my team’.”
What is Willie Harts like off the field and away from sports?
“I like to hunt. I love the outdoors. I love being out in nature. I’ve been hunting since I was four. That is what I do in my off-time.”
Willie, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!