One to Watch Interview with Speedy 2021 California CB Lovewyn Don-Willies
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season on the gridiron for Class of 2021 cornerback Lovewyn Don-Willies proved to be a big push forward with his skills. The Orange Vista High School talent helped his Coyotes squad to a 9-4 run by ending 20 plays with seven pass breakups, a forced fumble and recovery while blocking a punt and field goal attempt. The 5-10, 171-pound, speedster, clocking a hand-timed 4.43 projected to be around a 4.5 laser-timed, is starting to be discovered by college football programs. Interest has come in from UTEP and University of San Diego with visits that were planned to Arizona State, Arizona, New Mexico and New Mexico State with his 7v7 team before the NCAA’s dead period began weeks ago.
With an all-too important senior season ahead, I sat down with one of the rising corners in California’s 2021 class for more information on Don-Willies skills on the field.
Interview
Lovewyn, how did the 2019 season go for you with the Coyotes?
I thought we could have done better, but in all it went well. The new defensive coordinator taught us a lot, and our new offense did well. It was our first time running the Spread.”
Lining up at corner, how did you overall game improved last season?
“Our defensive coordinator taught me a lot about zone coverage. My man coverage was dominate; he worked with me on my hands, Cover 2 and Cover 3 reads, and my field positioning.”
As mentioned, looks like you guys were running some Cover 2, what other coverages were you executing besides Cover 3?
“It all depends on the team we played. We did some man, Cover 2 and Cover 3. It all depended on the offense.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game as a corner?
“ProWay (7v7) has helped me work on my technique, ball skills, getting my head around, getting out of the breaks faster, and making a play on the ball.”
Speed is such a big part of your game. You have a 4.43 40-yard dash time listed, where did you drop that fantastic run?
“I have a new 100 time in track, an 11.1. My 4.43 time in the 40 was hand-timed by coaches; we are guessing that to be a 4.5 laser-timed 40.”
Once the 2020 season gets going where all will you line up on the field?
“This season I will be returning the ball on special teams, staying at corner, and I might play some receiver and running back.”
Going into the weight room, what are you maxes?
“Lifting is important to me, my squat max is 380, bench is 230, and my clean is 225.”
This spring with most options limited, what has been your daily workout routine to stay in shape?
“I’ve done a lot of weighted vest workouts, lifting weights in the garage, and cardio work keeping my tempo up. And I have done a lot of ball skill work.”
Are there any camps you may attend this summer?
“Redlands, USC, and UCLA camps.”
Last question. My virus buster; what have you been doing for fun to balance out everything happening this spring?
“I love playing football. My brother and I, we play basketball and football, and get right in the gym.”
Lovewyn, thanks for your time today and good luck with you workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Don-Willies family; Lovewyn Don-Willies