Interview: Banning 2017 RB Joel Villarreal has Eyes Set on 2,000 Yards

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

All of the talk and high hopes teams and players have over the off-season are about to take a direct hit with reality when high school football games across the country start kicking off at the end of the month. Puffed chests and big talk will either swell or wilt once the games are live exposing players off-season workouts, character, and determination for a standout 2016 season. One of the many ready to impress yet again rising above expectations is Banning High School’s Joel Villarreal.

Villarreal was an all-purpose back for the Pilots in 2015 ending his junior campaign with 1,410 yards on the ground off 210 carries with seven scores. In addition to being a workhorse in the run game averaging 6.4 yards per carry, Villarreal also hauled in 12 passes for 131 yards with one more touchdown.

Varsity level work is nothing new for the 5-9, 180 pound, go-getter. He played two varsity games during his freshman season and helped carry the rock throughout his sophomore year while getting snaps in at linebacker. Now Villarreal has his eyes set on blistering southern California opposition for 2,000 yards during his senior season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Villarreal covering his growth on the field as a running back, off-season workouts, and got a recruiting news update.

Interview

Joel, you seem to have a knack for getting to the second level consistently. What are some of the things you feel you do well on the field?

“I can read the defense well and I feel like I can hit the holes fast. I’ve been working a lot on my pass protection and catching abilities this off-season.”

What else have you been working on to perfect your craft?

“My footwork and trying to finish my runs more efficiently. I’ve been working on different moves too like a spin and juke move.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior year?

“I was second team All-City.”

Which game was your best game last season, against who, and why do you consider that game your best?

“My best game was against our rival San Pedro (won 10-9). It was a competitive game. They brought out the best in all of us. I felt like I played really big in that game. In that game I had 142 yards rushing and I kept on getting first downs.”

What are your personal goals for the 2016 football season?

“My goal is to rush for 2,000 yards with 15 touchdowns.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“No sir.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“University of San Diego and UC-Davis.”

Do you have any plans to take any unofficial or official visits this season?

“I do – to USD and UC-Davis but I am not sure when.”

How did your school year end as a junior?

“I had a 3.5 overall GPA and I scored an 1120 on my SAT.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math. I like the different ways to solve the same problem.”

Have you participated in any other sports for Banning?

“Track and I played a little bit of basketball but my focus is on football.”

Which events in track?

“The 100 and 200.”

Which event is your best?

“The 200.”

Focusing on the Pilots, what does the team need to do this year to have a successful season?

“To have a successful season we have to work hard every week and compete against each other at every practice.”

Will your role on the team change at all this year?

“I’ve been in the slot a little bit more. I’ve been working on my routes to get ready for the season.”

What are the strengths of the Pilots team this year?

“Our strength, for sure, is our defense. We have a great defense. Our offense is really good too. I feel like we will do really well this year.”

Joel, thanks for your time today and good luck with your senior season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Daily Breeze; No. 33 Joel Villarreal finds a hole in the defense; Banning.