One to Watch Kansas: Interview with Bishop Miege Class of 2017 SS/WR Djimon Colbert
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
The Winnetonka Griffins, from Kansas City (MO), had a disappointing 2015 season as they finished with a 1-9 record. One of the highlights of this young team was the play of junior athlete Djimon Colbert who excelled at wide receiver and safety.
The Class of 2017 recruit had 524 yards receiving at the wide receiver position but played most of the season at the safety where he registered 75 total tackles and two interceptions. The 6’1”, 205 pound, playmaker received several individual honors after his stellar junior campaign including being named Offensive Player of the Year for his team and being named first team All-Conference, first team All-District, and second team All-State for his great play on the defensive side of the ball.
Colbert has already received four college offers, including one from Kansas, and has received interest from three other schools including Kansas State. The junior star has also taken unofficial visits to both Nebraska and Iowa.
At the end of the first semester of his junior year, Colbert transferred from Winnetonka to Bishop Miege in Overland Park (KS) where he will complete his high school career in 2017.
In an exclusive Recruiting News interview, I sat down with Djimon to talk about his junior year at Winnetonka, his transfer to Bishop Miege, and his recruiting process.
Interview
Djimon, what are your thoughts on the 2015 season at Winnetonka?
“We just had a bunch of young guys come in and we lost a lot of seniors. They wanted to play but they didn’t know the system that well to apply it on the field. We couldn’t find a playmaker on offense in time. They started using me on offense at the end of the year and that’s where we put up the most points.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in your junior season?
“I thought I did pretty good on the defensive side. I love making tackles and becoming more physical.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“Ball awareness and playing the ball in the air. I had a lot of pass breakups and made tackles when my team needed it.”
Do you have any college offers at this time?
“I have four offers; Kansas, Iowa, Iowa State, and Nebraska.”
Do you have any schools that you are receiving interest from that you haven’t received an offer yet?
“Illinois, Wisconsin, and Kansas State.”
Have you gone on any unofficial visits?
“Yes, Nebraska and Iowa.”
How did your visit at Nebraska go?
“I liked their facilities. Their weight room is brand new. They just built a new sports science building. Their coaching staff is cool.”
How did your visit at Iowa go?
“They were the first school to offer me. I felt at home there. I have an old teammate there. The people are awesome there. I hear a lot of good things about Iowa from my old teammate.”
How did your transfer from Winnetonka to Bishop Miege come about?
“My parents came to me with it at the end of November. I transferred to get ready for college both academically and on the field. At Winnetonka, I didn’t feel like they were going into the right direction. At Bishop Miege, they get the work done both on and off the field. They want to be great.”
What is your favorite thing about playing football?
“I’ve been playing a long time. My family is happy watching me play. It can give me a free education and I can use it to get a degree.”
What is your current GPA?
“3.1”
Have you thought about what you want to study in college?
“Engineering but I’m not 100 percent sure what kind yet.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“My dad, Travis Colbert, he introduced me to it at a young age. He is there to push me along and he is always there for me.”
Do you have any personal or team goals for your senior season at Bishop Miege?
“I want to push myself to get better. I’m going to work out with wide receiver Jafar Armstrong and we are going to push each other. I also want to get my education and hopefully get a state title.”
Photo credit: scout.com; Djimon Colbert