Interview: 2,000 Yard California 2018 RB/SS Recruiting Gem Khoury Bethley Flying Under the Radar

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Under Armour Camp Photo Credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Big stats on both sides of the ball and playing for a winning team does not ensure recruiting success for any high school football player. All Khoury Bethley did was help his Don Lugo High School team to a 10-3 finish in 2016 by rushing for 2,089 yards with 27 scores but few on the recruiting trail are aware of this hidden gem.

Bethley scorched opposing California defenses during the 2016 averaging 8.74 yards per carry. The Conquistadores quickly became a team no one wanted to face in 2016 because of the breakaway speed and playmaking abilities of their rising talent in Bethley. When the 5-11, 195 pound, difference maker was not averaging 161 rushing yards per game and pulling in 11 passes for 240 yards with two additional scores, he was handing out headaches on defense playing safety. If the offensive numbers did not impress, Bethley’s 90 tackles with one pick should help.

The colleges that have taken the time to recruit the Chino area prospect have come away impressed. So far Bethley has six offers coming from New Mexico, Howard, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Hawaii, and Idaho. Interest level for someone with Bethley’s production is growing, and growing quickly. Colorado, Oregon, Boise State, San Diego State, Wyoming, Fresno State, and San Jose State are just a few of the schools to take a deeper look at Bethley this spring waiting to see what he will do during his senior season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top rising talents in the Golden State covering his junior season, off-season workouts, and recruiting process so far.

Interview

Khoury, you blistered every other team the Conquistadores faced last season. Was there at least one of the games played that was a little bit tougher for you to get your game going?

“Yes. Rancho Cucamonga (No. 26 ranked team in the nation – still rushed for 139 yards off 26 carries).”

How did that game help push your game forward?

“That game helped me by challenging me to being more patient. Plays in that game did not open up as quickly as in other games. I had to follow my blocks and allow plays to open up ahead of me.”

Did you expect to have a 2,000-yard and 90 tackle season entering your junior year?

“Actually, I didn’t. I expected the results on the defensive side, but last year was my first time playing running back. It was a blessing.”

Rushing for over 2,000 yards with 27 scores while racking up 90 tackles is amazing. Did you accomplish all the goals you had set for yourself during your junior season?

“Yes. I accomplished all my goals. I went over the goals set. My goals were to rush for 1,000 yards with 20 touchdowns and have a 60-tackle season. I did not reach my interception goal. I only had one interception last season.”

If they don’t throw it your way you can’t pick it off.

(Laughs) “True.”

What goals have you set for yourself entering your senior season?

“I want another 2,000-yard season and on defense I want four interceptions and around 90 tackles. Team wise, I want to win CIF. My main goal is for the team to win CIF this season.”

Between running back and safety, which do you like best?

“I have not decided. I like both. Teams recruiting me have offered me as an athlete. Whatever is best for the team and wherever the coaches see me playing I will do. I do not have a preference.”

Which aspects of your game are you working on this off-season?

“This off-season I am working on my speed. I’m running a lot of hills and building my strength. I’m also working on the mental part of the game. On defense, I am working on reading the quarterback better and on offense, I am working on reading defenses better.”

How are spring practices going for you and team?

“We just finished on Wednesday. It has gone well. A lot of colleges have come up to our school this year. Don Lugo is not used to that. All the Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference schools were here this spring. Spring ball went really-well.”

Will your role on the team change at all during your senior season?

“This season I will play some receiver in our spread offense. The coaches will use me at outside linebacker rushing me off the edge. I will play some free safety too. I will be everywhere on defense. They will scheme for me a lot this year.”

When college coaches talk to you, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“When I hear from colleges, they tell me that they like my aggressiveness coming up to make a play and that I will come up and make a big hit. On offense, they like that I hit the hole hard, that I’m a downhill runner with good field vision, and they like my balance.”

You mentioned this a minute ago, which colleges have been by Don Lugo this spring to see you in person?

“Fresno State, Colorado, UC Davis, Oregon, and pretty much the whole Pac-12 without USC and UCLA. The Mountain West schools showing up were Colorado State, Hawaii, Boise State, San Jose State, and Nevada. Those are the ones that I can remember right now.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have five offers.”

*Offer No. 6 came from Idaho after the interview

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“So far I have been to Fresno State, USC, and I went to UCLA last year.”

Do you have any visits planned for this summer?

“This summer I’m trying to head out to Hawaii for a family vacation and a visit in July. I want to try to get out to Boise State.”

When did you take your unofficial to Fresno State?

“About a month ago.”

How did the Fresno State visit go?

“It was great. I learned everything up there that I needed to learn. I learned about the coaching staff and everything they have to offer there. It was amazing.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“I’m going to a Boise State camp, a USC camp that will have a lot of different college there, and a Colorado camp.”

Have you attended any exposure camps this spring?

“Yes, sir. I went to the LA Opening Regional and the Under Armour All-American camp.”

What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve put down?

“I am in the 4.65 range.”

Do you play any other sports?

“Baseball.”

How is the season going?

“The season is going well. We won league. We have our first playoff game on Thursday.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have taken the SAT, but I have not received my score yet.”

What is your motivation out on the field? What drives you to succeed on the gridiron?

“I lost my mom at the age of six. That has always pushed me. That is why I play and work so hard. I play for her. That is what motivates me. She motivates me throughout the day.”

Khoury, sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing. Good luck with the upcoming camps and the baseball playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Bethley family; Khoury Bethley at Fresno State