Interview: Versatile 4-Star 2018 Texas Defender Jarell Cherry is Up to 14 Offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

College coaches are always looking for that versatile playmaker that can bring an impact to the game in ways that will offset an offense’s game plan. If Carter High School’s Class of 2018 standout can continue is upward trajectory on the gridiron, expect one lucky collegiate defensive coordinator to find multiple ways to infuse his skills into every game plan.

Cherry has been busting helmets against Texas 4A varsity competition since his freshman season when he had an estimated 45 tackles with seven sacks. During the 2015 season, the sophomore was named second team All-District at defensive end seeing his arc rise in 2016 being named the 6/4A District Co-Defensive Lineman MVP of the Year. Even with offenses running away from the 6-3, 230 pounder, Cherry was still able to rack up 58 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, and had two passes defended during his junior season.

To date, 14 colleges have extended an offer to Cherry seeing him as a rush defensive end, outside linebacker, and/or a weak-side end depending on the defensive front. The list of teams wanting a shot at gaining his national letter of intent includes Alabama, Texas, Baylor, Ole Miss, LSU, Michigan, Texas A&M, Colorado, Oklahoma State, UCLA, Louisiana Tech, and SMU.

Cherry has an added advantage over some of his peers. When the time comes to take on the run at the next level setting that edge, Cherry has that area of the game well covered dropping down playing tackle for the Cowboys as needed. Even at 230 pounds taking on blockers 60 to 70 pounds heavier, Cherry holds his own stopping the run and supplies pressure up the middle collapsing pockets on passing downs.

In a Recruiting News Guru one-on-one interview, I sat down with one of the prized prospects in the Lone Star State covering his junior campaign and recruitment thus far.

Interview

Jarell, you’ve been grinding at the varsity level since your freshman season. How has your game come along over the past three years?

“My game has come along with experience from that young age to now. Playing as a freshman and sophomore has prepared me each year for the next helping me get better. The game is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical. You have to get something from the experience year after year.”

You have the ability to play end and outside linebacker, which position do you like best?

“I do like digging my hand into the ground as an end. In college they will have me in a 3-4 dropping back into coverage. I’m looking to move to a more athletic position.”

You play a lot of tackle in Carter’s defensive front, how has playing in the middle of the trenches helped your game?

“Playing end and tackle has helped me get better with my hands. Playing in the trenches has helped me work on getting the man off the block to make the play. Going up against a bigger guy in the trenches has helped me get better.”

Where will we see you on the field in 2017?

“I will be at outside linebacker, some at defensive end with my hand in the ground, and as a stand-up end. I will not be in as much at tackle. I might do some shooting through the B gap.”

Will you play any offense?

“No, sir. If anything like that is needed, coach knows I am athletic and I will do anything for the team.”

What areas of your game are you going to work on this off-season?

“I’m a pass rusher, I will focus on that. I will focus on redirecting better and planting my foot to make plays. Once I get in the open field, I have to have good feet to put myself in the best position to make plays.”

Do you know your weight room maxes?

“Yes, sir. My bench is 320, squat 475, deadlift 435, and my power clean is 245.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you laid down?

“A 4.64 at a Texas Tech camp over the summer.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Washington and Georgia are the two schools I am interested in but have not offered. The process is taking its time. Ohio State too. I have been in contact with them but they have not offered. I understand the process with all of the teams.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 14 offers.”

Are there any of the schools that have offered you in regular contact above the rest?

“There is not much of a difference in the contact between each school. The process has been even between all of these schools. Everyone wants me to come for Junior Day. I try to keep everyone on the same basic page.

“One team that has been contacting me strongly is Kansas State. Bernard Goodwater (Carter Class of 2017 RB) signed with KSU. He is like a brother to me. That is a big boost for KSU. He has talked proudly about their program.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. I will be taking visits to Texas, Baylor, and I’m heading back up to Oklahoma. I will go to Texas A&M and LSU’s Junior Days. That is all that I have planned so far.”

What are you looking for in the school you commit to or sign with when the times comes?

“I’m looking for comfortability. I want to like the place I will be living for the next four to six years. I want a good program that has my major in business or in engineering.”

I know you participate in track, which events do you run?

“I run the open 200 and the 4×2. We had our first meet on Saturday. I ran my open at a 22.8 for first run of the season. I throw the shotput too.”

What is your goal in the 200 for this season?

“If I can get a low 22 or a run a high 21 that would be great. If I can push myself that far.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a weighted 2.8 and an unweighted 3.2.”

What is your favorite part about playing football?

“Rushing the passer and hitting the quarterback. There is nothing better than using my athletic abilities to the max and taking someone out.”

Jarell, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits and with the rest of your track season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: scout.com; No. 44 Jarell Cherry pre-snap (2016).

Photo credit: wfaa.com; No. 44 Jarell Cherry pre-game warmups.

Photo credit: Inside Texas; Jarell Cherry at Texas (2016).