One to Watch Interview with 2022 Cathedral ATH Juan Wilson Jr.
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When a high school team is as loaded as Cathedral High School with upperclassmen skill talent, it is rare for underclassman like Juan Wilson Jr. to break the threshold with valuable game experience, but Wilson has done it. With senior four-star talents like Chad Johnson Jr. and Darius Wallace and Class of 2021 standout Asontt Williams needing to be fed the pigskin, Wilson (5-9.5, 152) has worked into the rotation as a rising play-maker with 16 receptions for 102 yards and six carries for 27 more yards. Where his potential can really be seen right now is on special teams. He has taken 12 kicks back for 242 yards, and had a 90-plus yarder called back due to penalty, and has one punt returned for 42 yards with one special teams touchdown. Wilson’s potential has started drawing next level interest leading to a big offseason for the Class of 2022 prospect.
The Phantoms (5-5) went through another tough season playing top caliber California competition colliding against the likes of Cajon, Loyola, Bishop Amat, Serra (Gardena), and St. Francis only to get another high-profile team in Tesoro in the opening round of the playoffs. For an update on his season and with a look ahead to the playoffs, Wilson and I sat down for a first RNG interview.
Interview
Juan, the 2019 regular season had to be an amazing one for you getting opportunities on the field on offense and special teams to expand your game. Before we get into the physical part of your game, what all did you learn this season?
“I learned that blocking is very important for a receiver. Running backs need it downfield and so do my receivers. I am a lot better at that now. I am a blocking machine. I can get open against zone defenses running routes, I learned better how to do that this season. My route running has improved a lot and how to read the defense – the corners, linebackers, and safeties.”
What style of offense are the Phantoms running?
“We run a Spread offense with four receivers and one running back.”
How are you being used within the offense?
“The coaches have me lining up in the slot, sometimes I go outside. I am getting jet sweeps and quick outs.”
What are some of your favorite routes to run?
“My favorite is a 10-yard out. I know no linebacker can compete with my speed on a 10-yard out. The corner route is another one, especially going against a Cover 2. That is a perfect zone beater.”
As a receiver, having chemistry with your quarterback is important. How have you built up that bond for on the field success?
“I showed my coaches, teammates, and my quarterback they can trust me. Earlier this year we had a fourth and 2, I took it for 30 yards across the middle in my first game against Banning. Later in the game against Banning, we had a third and 13, I got 22 yards in a critical moment to keep our drive going and I had a big kick return in that game. My quarterback knows he can trust me. My team knows they can depend on me for a big-time play. Sometimes they call me Mr. Clutch in practice when we are all joking around.”
Nice. Your developing speed really shows on special teams, how fast are you? Do you have a posted timed run?
“I ran track last season. In the 100, I ran an 11.2 and I ran a 23-flat in the 200.”
Do you have a top play or most memorable moment on the field from this season?
“Yes. We were down against La Mirada with 1:27 left; they just scored. I scored on a 97-yard kick return, but it was called back because of holding. That would have been a game winner but I showed up for my team when they needed me.”
As your talents grow, are colleges showing interest?
“Yes. I am receiving interest from UCLA, San Diego State, San Jose State, and UNLV.”
Have you visited any schools from the summer to now?
“I have visited San Jose State, UNLV, UCLA, and San Diego State; all four for games this season.”
Tell me about the San Jose State trip.
“I loved San Jose State. The student section was great. Coach (Aric) Williams (DB) said he wanted to see me in person. I love what they are doing at San Jose State. I love their offense. I see myself fitting into their offense.”
And UNLV, how did that visit go?
“I loved UNLV. Vegas is fun. The crowd was loud for the Boise State game. I met some of the players and coaches during the visit. UNLV was a great visit.”
Are you planning on visiting any schools coming up?
“I plan on visiting Fresno State for the Nevada game. I also plan to go back to all those schools showing interest in me at some point.”
Closing question. You guys earned a spot in the playoffs taking on Tesoro (8-2). What kind of game are you expecting from the Titans on Friday?
“We are expecting a tough game. They are a tough team. We are focused after losing last week to St. Francis. We will win this one for sure and advance to the next round.”
Juan, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the rest of the team success in the playoffs this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Wilson family; Juan Wilson Jr. in action and at SJSU and UNLV