Recruiting Update Interview with 4-Star 2020 California CB Darion Green-Warren
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Mater Dei High School went back-to-back in California and with a national championship (MaxPreps) in 2018 earning it the hard way. Playing a national non-conference schedule that included Bishop Gorman (NV) and IMG Academy (FL), the Monarchs ended up playing nine games in total against Top 25 ranked teams; college football programs do not even do that. The defense was locked in allowing just 11.4 points per game taking on some of the nation’s best. Adding to the determined goal of another banner was four-star Class of 2020 corner Darion Green-Warren. Warren contributed 26 stops with 2.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, six passes defended, and one forced fumble in stats posted through 11 games. His play on the field has led to 22 collegiate programs dropping scholarships, a list of the best in the nation.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Green recapping the title run, his improved play on the field, and got an inside look at his busy offseason visiting one top program after the next.
Interview
Darion, what was the 2018 national championship run like for you personally with Mater Dei?
“It was crazy. After the loss (St. John Bosco), it gave us a reality check. It was a fun season. We came out and fought hard as a team in the playoffs. We knew what we had to do against Bosco (playoffs) the second time around. We made the adjustments and we won. It was a crazy experience.”
Which game last season do you consider to be your best and why?
“My best game last season was against JSerra (Catholic). We were coming off the Bosco loss. I had two picks in that game and I did not give up any catches. I did my best in that game stepping up for my team.”
When the 2018 season ended what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a cornerback?
“My technique, I was on top of it. I was physical and helping defense out in the run game. I came in to help with the tackles against the run for my defense and I was doing my assignments all the time.”
What is your focus with your offseason workouts this spring?
“This offseason I am working on technique and getting faster. Getting faster is my main goal, and getting bigger.”
Where are you already seeing the biggest improvements?
“My technique, that has improved. Playing 7v7 is helping covering top receivers. I am staying patient, that is one of my biggest goals with my technique this offseason, and I am getting faster. I feel faster. I can kick into that extra gear now.”
Which camps have you attended this offseason?
“I have been to the Under Armour All-American Camp, the Nike Opening Regional, and to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”
Turning to recruiting, you are a hit on the recruiting trail. How many offers do you have now?
“I have 22 offers.”
Which schools were the last couple to offer?
“Oregon State and Arkansas.”
Darion Green-Warren’s Offer Sheet (22): Oklahoma, Arkansas, Boise State, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, UCLA, Louisville, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas Tech, USC, Wisconsin, and Utah
Are there any schools showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Yes. LSU, Clemson, Michigan State, and Ohio State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits over the past few weeks?
“Yes. I have visited Georgia, Clemson and Florida.”
How did the trip to Georgia go?
“It went really well. They showed a lot of love. I felt that I was a priority for them. They want me bad. It was fun and a great experience for me and my family.”
What about Clemson, how did that visit go?
“It was good. It was exciting being at a national powerhouse for a visit. They showed a lot of love as well. We took a campus and facilities tour, saw a practice, and I talked to a lot of their coaches.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am going to Oregon for their spring game and I might go to Texas for a visit.”
What has you excited about visiting Oregon?
“Oregon is Oregon. I hear it is always fun up there. This will be my first time going there. I want to see how their coaches run stuff and see if it is a great fit for me.”
Have you started thinking about a commitment date yet?
“Yes. I will commit at the Under Armour All-American Game.”
Nice. Through the recruiting process, what will be the characteristics of the program that ultimately receives your signed letter of intent?
“They will have a winning program, and I want to play early. I want the coaching staff to be stable. I know football is a business but I want to go in with a staff and go out with them. Those are the main things for me.”
Darion, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Green-Warren family; Darion Green-Warren at Georgia and Clemson
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