Interview: California 2019 ATH Daniel Fortune Developing into a Two-Way Star for Summit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: RyanWrightRNG
Much of college football recruiting is being able to put together enough time on the field to show next level scouts what one can do on the field. If the 2016 season for sophomore all-around athlete Daniel Fortune is any indication of what is to come, the emerging Summit High School standout will have three years’ worth of quality reel to show all who may be interested.
Fortune started the season off on defense taking on plays as a free safety. As the season went along a bigger role on the team was added jumping in at wide receiver and running back. The result for his Fontana (CA) area squad was a 10-2 season. The other results proved Fortune was capable of stepping up carrying the rock 15 times for 97 yards with one score while pulling in nine passes for 167 yards with two more touchdowns. The stat sheet was filled on defense with 93 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
Over the off-season, Fortune is fine-tuning his all-around skills with Rhare Breed playing 7v7 ball. The extra time running routes on offense and seeing routes on defense have helped teams like Arizona, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado State develop extra interest in one of California’s rising talents.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Class of 2019 playmaker covering his sophomore season and off-season workouts.
Interview
Daniel, your sophomore season turned out to be a great one especially on defense. How did your play-making abilities progress during the season?
“I got better coming downhill to stop the run. I learned how to play man better.”
By the end of the season what were some of the things you did well on offense?
“I just came on strong at the end and helped out as much as I could.”
How did you like playing some receiver and getting to carry the rock last year?
“I loved it! I played my role behind my big bro Carr on offense contributing where my team needed me.”
Will your role on offense increase during your junior year?
“Yes. Coaches are putting me everywhere on offense. Defensively, I will play safety and possibly cornerback.”
Will we see you on special teams on kick or punt return?
“Yes, as a deep back on kick return and punt return too.”
What are you working on to improve your game this off-season on both sides of the ball?
“My speed and quickness.”
Who are you playing 7v7 ball with this spring?
“Rhare Breed.”
How is 7v7 action going for you?
“Pretty good. In one tournament I had nine interceptions.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’ve been training with Coach Terrail from Rhare Breed Athletic Academy since the season ended last year. His game plan was to make me more explosive and faster so I could make more plays on both sides of the ball.”
How is that helping your game?
“It is helping my awareness to plays get better. Playing against four- and five-stars helps me prepare for my season. It helps me play faster. It gives me more confidence. It slows the game down for me because I don’t see that same talent in pads.”
Have you ran a 40-yard dash this off-season?
“Coaches at Rhare Breed clocked me at a 4.57 but I know I’m faster. They say that’s fast. But I want to run faster.”
What camps might you attend this spring or summer?
“I’m going to the Rivals camp. I don’t know about college camps yet.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Arizona, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have been to UNLV, Arizona State, and Arizona.”
How have your trips gone so far?
“Pretty good. They were fun. I could definitely see myself playing at a big school. I am focused on the right school for academics as well. I know what I have to do to get there. Working hard has been taught to me since I was young.”
Do you have any visits planned upcoming?
“No.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“This semester I have a 3.4.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math.”
Are you playing any other spring sports?
“I was running track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, and 4×4.”
Who is your favorite all-time football player?
“Earl Thomas (Seattle Seahawks).”
How does Earl Thomas inspire you with your game?
“He comes down to hit.”
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Photo credit: Plan C; No. 11 Daniel Fortune