Interview: Arkansas 2018 CB Destry “DJ” Stirgus having a Breakout Season for Benton

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On the high school gridiron, there is no better time to shine than during one’s senior season, and that is exactly what Destry “DJ” Stirgus is doing for Benton High School. All the top-level play has already brought in five scholarship offers with teams like Memphis, Louisiana-Monroe, and Missouri taking a closer look. With the Panthers winning ways in 2017, next level interest is sure to pick up.

Stirgus’ junior season was his first at corner ending the 2016 schedule with two interceptions turning one into a score. The entire offseason was dedicated to improving on the field by working off it. From college camps at UCLA and USC to extra time on the field and in the weight room, Stirgus has reemerged as a corner Arkansas quarterbacks do not want to test. His height, size, speed, long arms, and athleticism are ideal as a next level corner. At 6-1, 173 pounds, Stirgus has transformed into a playmaker for Benton coming up with 15 tackles, seven pass breakups, four interceptions and a pick-six through six games this season.

The Panthers opened the season taking a step up from 6A competition to 7A challenging neighboring Bryant High School. The Panthers went toe-to-toe with the Hornets, the No. 4 ranked team in the state, before falling 49-42 in the Salt Bowl. At 5-1, Benton has played their way into one of the state’s best currently ranked No. 10 by MaxPreps. Last time out, Benton took care of a visiting Texarkana squad 38-19 and are now prepping for a tough El Dorado (5-1) squad. All Natural State high school football enthusiasts are already looking ahead to Oct. 20 when Greenwood High School (6-0), the No. 2 ranked team, travels to Benton to face the Panthers.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Stirgus covering his season to date and expanding recruiting opportunities.

Interview

DJ, the Panthers opened the season with a tough 49-42 loss to rival Bryant but have gone on to win five consecutive games. What is the team doing well on both sides of the ball contributing to the streak?

“On defense, our coach wants us to run and rally to the ball. We might not be the most athletic, but we will out work teams. No matter how good or fast they are, if all 11 of us are running to the ball we’ll get him.

“We run a two-quarterback system. Our third-string QB is in, our first and second quarterbacks were hurt. We got one back last week, that should help open up the offense even more. Our starting running back had eight touchdowns in the first couple of games. We ground and pound and we can beat you with the pass.”

Last time out you guys played Arkansas High School (Texarkana), how did the game go for you?

“The game – I loved it. I was on Irijah Price, their best receiver. When they tell me to lock up on someone, I study them. I look for the passes they like, I study everything. I did not know he (Price) had a scholarship to Arkansas until after the game. I locked him up. He did not catch a pass on me. When he caught a pass, we were in a zone.”

How has your game come around this season over last year?

“I expected to have a big season this year. I went around to a lot of camps this summer. All the defensive back coaches I have trained with coached me up really well. Coach Davis, my DB coach, has been working hard with me.”

How are you preparing for each game this season?

“I watch a lot of film. I look for the strong and weak points of their receivers and I study their routes. I can tell when receivers are not running a route, I’ll even tell them I know they are not running a route.”

The Panthers take on El Dorado on Friday, what challenges do they present for you guys?

“They like throwing the ball and they have a solid run game. They have some tall receivers that are athletic. We just need to play our defense. They will be faster and more athletic but we have a good game plan.”

After Texarkana, you guys take on No. 2 Greenwood (MaxPreps), are you pumped for the showdown against quarterback Connor Noland (2018 Arkansas commit)?

“Yes, I am. My dad told me, “DJ you have proven yourself this year. Connor Noland will try you – I want two picks.” I know they will throw the ball a lot, I will get chances. Connor is a great player. It will be a fun game.”

The game against the Bulldogs should be a showcase game for you, what game up until this point has been your best this season?

“Bryant threw to the other side every time, Texarkana was a good game, and Silom Springs – I did well in the second half. I had a pick-six in that game. I don’t get the ball thrown to my side. Greenbrier too, that was a good game as well.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Memphis, Missouri, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe) – I have a game day visit there on Saturday, and SEMO (Southeast Missouri State).”

Which schools have offered you already?

“Arkansas-Monticello, Ouachita Baptist, Missouri Western, Henderson State, and Arkansas Tech.”

Have you taken any official or unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I took one to Arkansas Tech and one to OBU (Ouachita Baptist).”

You mentioned ULM (unofficial), do you have any other visits planned?

“ULM, another one with OBU in November, and Missouri Western but I’m not sure when.”

What has you excited about the ULM visit?

“I am extremely excited about visiting ULM. This will be my first D-I visit. I want to speak to their defensive backs coach, Coach (Lamar) Morgan, their defensive coordinator, Coach (Mike) Collins, and their head coach, Coach (Matt) Viator. I want to see how they run things and find out what they teach their defensive backs.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.2.”

Do you have a score on the ACT or SAT you don’t mind sharing?

“I scored an 18 on the ACT.”

When your time comes to pick a college to attend and a program to play for, what are you looking for in that ideal fit between the two?

“Playing time – I don’t care if I redshirt, I will be 18 on Sept. 8, 2018, but I want the opportunity to compete for a job. I’m looking for a nice campus with nice people and great players to be around every day.”

What is your motivation on the field?

“My dad keeps his voice in my head. I go over a quote of his every day – “you never know how hard you can go until you push yourself.” I pray before every game, and every night, and that quote goes through my head every day at practice and during games.”

DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

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: Stirgus family; DJ Stirgus at OBU

Photo credit: Twitter; DJ Stirgus at a Nike camp