Interview: 2018 California 4-Star WR Isaah Crocker Working His Way Up ESPN Top 300 List
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Action photo credits: Ray Joyce; Isaah Crocker at the Best of the West 7v7 Tournament (April 30).
Twitter: @RJPSports
High school gridirons across the country are filled with exceptional athletes and Isaah Crocker happens to be one of them. The Class of 2018 all-purpose athlete has tore up opposing California squads over the past two seasons on special teams, at receiver, and on defense playing corner. As the spring time is turning into summer heat, the recruiting trail is starting to sizzle for Crocker with an offer sheet pushed to 15 schools and a Top 8 released. In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down to get the inside scoop on one of the nation’s best skill players.
Crocker exploded onto the scene during his sophomore season turning 11 receptions into 344 yards and four scores. He also put an end to 28 plays making 19 solo stops with five interceptions swinging the gate back the other way with 188 INT return yards. On special teams, the tally would have been much higher had a few returns for a touchdown not been called back, but as he still took seven kicks back for 208 yards with a long of 97 yards in 13 games played.
The 2015 season ended with a 12-1 record for Crocker and Inderkum High School. Fans of the Tigers were excited to see how their 6-1, 170 pound, playmaker would dominate the opposition during his junior campaign. To no surprise, Crocker was outstanding once again helping his team to an 11-3 mark securing 31 passes for 746 yards with 10 scores while carrying the rock four times for 27 yards through nine games. On defense, when tested, Crocker had 19 tackles, 11 solo, and picked off two more hopeful passes in his direction.
A lot of deserved attention has come Crocker’s way with offers from Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame, Colorado, Oregon State, UCLA, Hawaii, Arizona, Utah, Arizona State, San Jose State, Wyoming, Nebraska, and USC. The Top 8 for the Sacramento area product includes Oregon, Oregon State, Cal, Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Utah, and Nebraska, in no order. Other attention coming from recruiting sites have positioned Crocker as a consensus four-star player and a ranking on ESPN’s Top 300.
Interview
Isaah, your game is quickly evolving into a can’t stop talent on the field, how did your game get better last season?
“It got better when I came back after my injury. I got better with my sophomore year experience under my belt. I got used to the game at the varsity level. Now I am fine with it. The process was me getting used to everything and getting bigger, stronger, and faster.”
Of all the positions you have played, which do you like best between corner and receiver?
“I like them both. Most colleges are recruiting me as a receiver. I like catching the ball and hawking down the ball and jumping over people.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on my bench. I’m trying to get bigger. I want to get faster too. I want to graduate early. College is a different level. I have to play to my best potential this season. Those are some of the things I am working on this spring. I’m just trying to get ready for the next level.”
How are off-season workouts going?
“Everything is going fine. I’m going into the weight room every day. 7v7 is helping me a lot. I’m playing with and against guys that I will go up against next year.”
What strides have you made with your workouts so far?
“I try to get as many reps as I can. If I am running, I try to go the extra mile. I’m trying to fix up some things. I asked Coach Keith (Williams), he is the receivers coach at Nebraska, which routes I should work on this off-season. He told me to work on my dig routes, so that is what I am working on. I’m working on getting out of my breaks faster. I feel like my cuts are crisp. You have to work on all your routes. You have to play at your best abilities regardless. As the process is going on, I’m trying to get better and go as fast as I can with all my routes and cuts.”
Have the Tigers started spring practices yet?
“Yeah. We started on Monday.”
Which positions are you lining up at this spring?
“I’m playing both ways. I’m playing everywhere. I’m at running back, quarterback, receiver, kick returner, punt returner, corner, and safety.”
You killed it on special teams your sophomore season, are you excited to be back on special teams in 2017?
“I could not do as much last year. I only played nine games. I am excited to be back returning kicks.”
Have you attended any camps so far this spring?
“I have been invited to a lot of the big camps but I have not been able to make any of them. I was invited to the Rivals camp in LA but we had a tournament that weekend so I could not go. I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland (May 21).”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“4.5-flat at school.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Washington is the main one. They were talking to me but then stopped.”
How many offers do you have right now?
“Fifteen.”
Which schools are in more regular contact with you over the others?
“The schools in my Top 8; Oregon, Oregon State, Cal, Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Utah, and Nebraska.”
Which schools have you taken unofficial visits to so far?
“Cal, USC, and UCLA.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“I am planning on visiting Oregon for their game against Oregon State in the Civil War. I want to take an official visit to Oregon State. I am thinking about visiting Notre Dame and Nebraska too.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.2.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“I have taken the ACT, but I have not received my score yet. I’m taking the SAT soon.”
Do you play any other sports for Inderkum?
“I was playing basketball.”
How did the season go?
“We had a good season, but we lost in the first round of the playoffs.”
How did you do personally this season?
“I did alright. I got 30-some points in our last game.”
You can jump out of the gym. Did you get any poster dunks this season?
“A lot. I have one posted on Twitter.”
Is there a player at the NFL or collegiate level that you watch to learn more about the game?
“My cousins; Worrell Williams (linebacker at Cal) and D.J. Williams (linebacker at Miami). DJ played for the Broncos for a couple of years (2004-12) and the Bears (2013-14).”
How do your cousins help you learn more about the game?
“They help by talking to me about the recruiting process. I go over film with them too. Worrell is here, but DJ is not. They always ask me if I need anything or have any questions and then they help me.”
Isaah, thanks for your time today and good luck at the Nike Opening in Oakland.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Isaah Crocker.