Los Angeles Valley JUCO LB Jonathan Charles Talks 2015 Season and UAB Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The inevitable happened on Wednesday when sophomore Los Angeles Valley College linebacker Jonathan Charles verbally committed to a Division-I program. Luckily for the Blazers, it was to University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Head coach Bill Clark and staff have landed a dominating linebacker who at 6’2”, 240 pounds, can play the middle or the strong-side putting a stop to the opposition’s running attack and cover tight ends in the passing game. Charles helped the Monarchs to a 9-2 overall record and a dominating 42-27 Golden State Bowl win over San Bernardino, the school’s first bowl game in 19 years.

Charles, an Orlando area product who played at West Orange High School and Agape Christian Academy, rolled through his senior season earning first-team American Pacific All-Conference honors coming up with 96 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and four pass breakups.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jonathan after he verbally committed to the Blazers to get the inside scoop on his commitment to UAB.

Interview

Jonathan, first, congratulations on your commitment to UAB today.

“Thank you.”

What influenced you to commit to UAB today?

“Coach (Duwan) Walker (defensive coordinator) has been texting me for a long time, we’ve been going back and forth. I felt that they really need me and they believe in me. I click with them. It felt right to commit to UAB.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I texted Coach Walker and then I called Coach Clark and committed.”

What was Coach Clark’s reaction when you told him you were committing?

“He was happy. He said a lot of good things. I told him thank you. He was excited, and I’m very excited too.”

I know you’ve been texting and talking with Coach Walker for some time now, but have they talked about how you will fit into their system? Do they see you in the middle or on the strong-side?

“They told me both positions are open for me to win the job.”

Looking back, how did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed to Coach Clark? Were you nervous or excited?

“I was nervous. I got chills right now still. I’m excited to go forward and just very happy and grateful for this opportunity. I’m thankful that I’m playing D-I ball at UAB with Coach Clark. I’m ready to put in some work in and get ready for next season. There is always more work to do to get better.”

Silly question, but is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“Yeah. I can see myself playing in the first game next season in a UAB uniform. I’m really relieved.”

When will you take your official visit to UAB?

“Sometime in the beginning of January. We have not set an official date yet.”

From that response you’re enrolling in the summer right?

“Yes.”

Switching to your sophomore season, overall how do you feel the year went for you on the field?

“I feel like it was different, not what I expected. We had to fight every game. It brought us closer and made us a stronger team. We came in with six offensive linemen. We came together and worked hard. It was crazy we made it through with that few linemen. It was a wonderful season.”

For you individually, how did the season progress? Do you feel like you became a better linebacker by season’s end?

“Yeah, I got better. I worked a lot in the offseason. I watched film and worked on things that needed to be tweaked. I feel I had a great season, I was named first-team All-Conference.”

Los Angeles Valley ended the season on a high note beating San Bernardino in the Golden State Bowl. It had to be bitter sweet, but what was that final game like for you knowing that would be your last in a Monarchs’ uniform?

“It was great. It was a dream. I’m grateful. I enjoyed every single moment of the game against a great team like that. They have good running backs and a quarterback. They were an explosive team on offense and we came together and held them. Great way to end the season.”

Jonathan, thanks for your time today and good luck at UAB.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jonathan Charles

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; No. 18 Jonathan Charles playing for LA Valley.