Interview: Prodigious 2020 California LB JD Hernandez Updates Offseason and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are very few linebackers who can do or have done what JD Hernandez has accomplished on the field. A solid goal for any high school linebacker is 80 tackles in a season. If possible, hitting the major milestone of 100 tackles is ideal – JD threw down the water bottle during the 2018 season and said, ‘watch this.’ The Class of 2020 talent posted a 168-tackle campaign with 95 solo stops, 14 tackles for a loss, 10 QB hurries, picked off a pass, and even broke up two passes. When needed, he was a short-yardage back for Sierra Canyon High School and snagged one pass for a 19-yard score. Hernandez’s amazing season against Division III California competition helped the Trailblazers to a championship in a 12-4 season. The hard work put in also garnered post-season honors that included Division III Defensive MVP (state), first team All-League, and first team All-CIF.
With interest building from Mountain West and Pac-12 schools, and high school fans wondering what the slimmed down 6-1, 215-pound, helmet cracker will do next, I caught up with Hernandez for an in-depth look at his offseason workouts and 2019 goals.
Interview
JD, you were a tackling machine last season. What was working so well for you allowing you to be so productive?
“It was my mental approach to the game. I was watching film, studying, being coachable, and listening. My teammates helped me a lot; everyone was doing their job. When everyone is doing their job, it helps me out. It made my job a lot easier. Being surrounded by great guys and coaches, that takes the pressure off.”
It is obvious you like to hit and bring the pain. Beyond that, how would you describe your playing style as a linebacker?
“I am physical but I am also mental. I like to study the game. I love watching film. My tendencies are playing my responsibilities. I take pride in being a leader on defense. That is how I see myself, as a leader. Playing wise, I am a physical and a technical player. Having those two things are the things that drive me and make me the player that I am.”
After 168 stops registered, what goals have you set for your senior season on defense?
“My goals are to exceed those numbers. I want 180-plus. I want to get All-State honors and Division II MVP honors – we have moved up a classification this season, and I want to continue earning the respect of my teammates and coaches. I don’t want to be on a team where I am not loved. I want to play my game and not go out of my element.”
What have you been working on with your mechanics and technique to ensure you meet your goals?
“I have done a lot of speed work and my eyes have improved. My lateral movement and footwork have improved as well. That will put me in position to make more tackles and meet my goals this season.”
You got a few carries last season as a short-yardage back. Will we see you doing more of that during your senior season?
“I will do whatever the team needs. I am not the guy who wants or needs the ball. I am a team player. I want to do whatever will help with team success. I am guessing I will line up some here and there at running back. I want to be a factor on special teams too.”
Did you seek out any extra training this offseason?
“Yes. I worked out with Formula for Speed.”
How did Formula for Speed push your game forward?
“They’ve been improving my footwork, balance and speed, which is a huge difference on the field. It helps me get to the ball quicker. They have helped me disguise my coverage a little better and have turned me into a better overall athlete on the field.”
Did you take your skills to any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to two APU (Azusa Pacific) camps, a UCLA camp, and two Cal-Lutheran camps (Texas and Oregon).”
Of them all, which was your best camp performance?
“I would say the Cal-Lutheran camps. Those were the last two camps of the summer for me. I felt most comfortable at those camps. The first couple were iffy. I was getting used to my new body with my weight. I shinned at both Cal-Lutheran camps.”
With recruiting, you have an offer from Northern Colorado, which schools are showing interest heading into your senior year?
“I am receiving interest from a lot of Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference schools. The schools showing interest are UCLA, USC, Washington, Colorado, Fresno State, San Diego State, Boise State, and San Jose State.”
JD, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and cannot wait to catch one of Sierra Canyon’s games this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: sierracanyonathletics.com; No. 20 JD Hernandez in action (2018)