Interview: JUCO Route Paying Off for 2018 CB Tre Artis
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
There is a reason why football is the most popular sport in America. The game is a chest match highlighting physical abilities with determination and hard work needed to be victorious. From an early age, football becomes more than a game for most that put on the pads and helmet. Once high school is completed the fortunate go on to four-year schools continuing to play the game they have grown to love. For others, that will and determination to succeed picks up new roots at the junior college level. For Class of 2018 cornerback Tre’Sean “Tre” Artis, the JUCO route is starting to pay off dividends.
Like a lot of junior college players, Artis’ route has not been an easy one per say. After a solid senior season with Rouse High School (Leander) in 2014, the Texas product wanted to keep playing football. After a short stint at a private school in Kansas, Artis went to Blinn JUCO for a semester but did not play. In the spring of 2016 he transferred to Cisco put opted to avoid a redshirt 2016 season transferring to Los Angeles Harbor.
Artis had another solid season under the lights coming up with 16 total tackles, nine solo, with two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, two passes broken up, and an interception in stats posted through eight games in 2016. LA Harbor had a tough season going 1-9, tough enough to challenge any player’s resolve about risking life and limb for the game they love. But next level programs are starting to catch up with the 6-0, 175 pound, speed burning corner with a 4.28 time in the 40-yard dash.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Artis going over his true freshman season while receiving a recruiting update.
Interview
Tre, how did your senior year of high school turnout?
“I think my senior year was pretty good. We went to the playoffs but lost in the first round. We had lost a lot of key players from the year before. Our defense was better than usual that year. I think I had a good season. I had my first kick return for a touchdown that year.”
After a long and winding road, you ended up at LA Harbor. How many games did you start in 2016?
“I started six games this year.”
Stepping up a level to the JUCO game, how did your game improve against tougher competition?
“I was able to play more man. I was able to understand more of the defensive concepts. In high school I was not grasping the concepts as fast. In college, I can play faster now.”
What are the overall strengths of your game?
“My speed and the way that I think on the field. I feel like I understand the game and play faster than others.”
What type of defense did LA Harbor run this year?
“We had a 4-2-5 base defense.”
At corner, what type of coverages did you have to do?
“We switched it up. I played a lot of man in our regular base. We were taught man a lot. We did a lot of press coverage too.”
You mentioned your speed as a strength a minute ago. What is the best 40-yard dash time you have clocked?
“4.28.”
Wow. Where did you do that?
“At Cisco. That was hand-held.”
What are you working on this off-season to get ready for your sophomore year?
“I’m working on getting stronger. I’m working on open field tackles. I want to get more involved in the defense next year.”
What goals have you set already for your sophomore year?
“Just to stay healthy so I can finish my sophomore year strong.”
I know it is still really early for you, but did you take any unofficial visits during the season?
“I took one to UTPB (Univ. of Texas Permian Basin – Odessa).”
How did that visit go for you?
“It was a good visit and a nice school. They are building some new facilities there.”
How is everything going in the classroom for you?
“My grades are good. I have a 3.0.”
Tre, thanks for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!
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!
Photo credit: lahcfootball2016.shutterfly.com; No. 88 Tre Artis.