North Carolina Football: Interview with Clayton 3-Star DE Donovan Spellman
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Donovan Spellman is ready for his junior season to start at Clayton High School after COVID-19 delayed the season until later this month. During his sophomore season in 2019 the star defensive end racked 54 total tackles including 37 for a loss, 17 quarterback hurries, 5.5 sacks, and eight pass deflections.
This 6’4”, 213-pound, tackle machine has tremendous speed, quick hands, strength and the ability to play in pass coverage or rush the passer. The Class of 2022 prospect currently has one college offer but is also garnering interest from several big-time programs including Penn State and Coastal Carolina.
With two seasons remaining at the high school level, it will be exciting to watch Spellman come up with huge defensive plays for Clayton High School.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Donovan to talk about his sophomore season, his preparations for his junior season and to get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Donovan, how would you describe how the COVID-19 situation has affected high school football in your state?
It made some players depressed and others more active. It made us look at football differently because it could be gone in a snap. We should never take it for granted. However, I never gave up and kept grinding and our first game is in two weeks.
What have you been working on the most during the offseason?
My speed, defending the run, dropping back into pass coverage and rushing the passer. I got bigger and stronger during the offseason.
What game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing and why?
The game against Cleveland; it’s going to be a good game to play.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My pass rush. I’m fast off the ball and I have good coverage skills. I also have quick hands.
What has been the most memorable moment in your high school career?
My freshman year I played linebacker against Heritage and caught an interception and trucked over a wide receiver.
What is one area of your game that you have seen the most improvement in over the course of your high school career?
My run progression and strength.
What do you like most about playing defensive end?
Putting an offensive lineman on an island, because I can’t get blocked one versus one. I have quick hands and don’t need to bull rush unless I have too
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Von Miller and Chase Young.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My max bench is 250. My max squat is 395.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
No, sir.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My mom, because she keeps me going and motivates me to keep going in life. She is helping me get to the promised land which is the NFL.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Science, because I like to learn about nature, animals, and the elements.
Do you have any college offers?
Morgan State.
Are there any more schools showing interest in you?
California, Penn State, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Air Force, Central Michigan, Yale, Navy, Miami of Ohio and many others.
What are your goals for your junior season?
We have seven regular-season games, so I have a goal to get 14 to 16 sacks.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Clayton DE Donovan Spellman