Interview with North DeSoto Louisiana LB Justin Gaskin

Written by Charlie Beuttel

North DeSoto High School located in Stonewall, Louisiana is coming off a 9-3 season. However, the Griffins had the talent and ability to win over 10 games last year with two of their three losses coming by seven points or less.

In 2014, North DeSoto made it to the second round of the Louisiana 4A playoffs before losing 34-13 to Edna Karr. The expectations going into 2015 are even higher as North DeSoto returns nine starters on defense and eight starters on offense. The Griffins’ defense held opponents to just under 13 points a game while their offense scored on average 25 points a game.

One of the returning leaders of the defense is linebacker Justin Gaskin. The 5’11”, 195 pound, star had a monster junior year in which he accumulated 144 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. The Class of 2016 recruit attended three camps this summer and has received interest from Louisiana College.

Gaskin has his eye on having another huge year during his senior season and leading the Griffins on a run to the state championship.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Justin to talk about the 2014 season, his recruiting process, and his preparation for his senior season.

Interview
First off, Justin, congratulations a great year. What are your thoughts on the 2014 season?

“It was a pretty good season. We went farther then I expected us to go.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I believe it was pretty good. I think I could have done a few things better to help my team. Overall I played pretty well.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“My toughness. My will, cause I never want to give up.”

Did you receive any individual honors in 2014?

“First-team All-Parish, first-team All-District, first-team All-Area, second-team All-State, and Week 9 defensive player of the Week in Louisiana.”

What is your most memorable moment from last year?

“In the second quarter in the Edna Karr game, they ended up getting to the goal line and I made three tackles on the goal line to keep them from scoring on that drive.”

Did you attend any camps this summer?

“I went to Louisiana-Lafayette, Northwestern State, and Louisiana Tech.”

Did you receive any interest from any schools?

“Just Louisiana College.”

What kind of feedback have you received from college coaches that you have to at these camps?

“My footwork was nice and my film looked good. I looked like a good overall athlete.”

What are you working on the most this offseason?

“I’m working on my speed, strength, agility and reading the formations. I’m working to improve my football IQ.”

Looking ahead to 2015, what game on your team’s schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“The Benton game. That was a pretty tough loss. We were supposed to win last year. We’ll blow them out of the water this year.”

How does North DeSoto look going into the season?

“We look pretty good. We have most of our offense and defense coming back so overall we will look good this year. We look like we have a good team to make a state championship run.”

Do you have any goals going into the 2015 season?

“One is to go undefeated and two is to win the state championship and one personal goal is to get over 150 tackles.”

What do you like most about playing football?

“Hitting people because it’s a great feeling to just hit somebody to release anger.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My little brother, Brealyn, because he goes to all my games. He is my number one fan. We always talk about the games. He plays linebacker on his little league team. I want to be a good role model so he can be a good football player.”

What motivates you to give 100 percent effort out there on the football field?

“The state championship. That’s my number one goal is to make it to the dome and bring home a ring.”

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 52 Justin Gaskin.
Photo credit: Justin Gaskin; Justin Gaskin.