Interview: 2019 Cathedral Catholic RB Shawn Poma Talks Playoffs and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are a lot of seniors in the state of California with Division-I talent being overlooked. If there was a list compiled of the best being bypassed on the recruiting trail, Shawn Poma’s name should be at or near the top. The Cathedral Catholic back had a breakout sophomore season, missed last season, but is back to full action showing he has not missed a beat.

In 2016, Poma was the man for the Dons turning a 1,338-yard 19-touchdown performance off 153 totes in 15 games. Showing his all-purpose talents, he also pulled in 12 passes for 292 yards with three more scores. Bouncing back from a knee in jury in 2018, the 5-8, 195-pound, workhorse is showing the same stuff against Division-I competition rushing for 1,047 yards off 99 carries with 14 touchdowns and has pulled in six passes for 150 more yards making two more trips into the end zone. With Poma back on the field, the Dons have turned from a 5-7 team a year ago, to 9-1 racing into the playoffs with an opening playoff game against Carlsbad on Friday; yet another opportunity to show college coaches who are missing out on him what he can do against top players.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Class of 2019 playmaker learning more about his play on the field with an update on his recruiting.

Interview

Shawn, you are once again proving to be a workhorse tailback leading the Dons in carries, yards, and rushing scores. Has the season gone as you had hoped?

“Yes. We started off slow losing our first game, but we came together and focused. The season has been a dream season since then. We won league and are confident going into the playoffs. We are looking to win out and go to state.”

Coming off the knee injury, it appears you have more than proven you are back to 100 percent with your speed and power. In your own words, how does your knee feel?

“It was a long process but it went smoothly. I am back to 100 percent and it feels stronger and better than before. I hope college coaches look at what I have done this year and know I am back to 100 percent.”

Game to game, how do you get your body ready for the heavy workload?

“It has been more of a mental state of mind. I have been focused. There is always pain in the game of football but you just have to work through it, man up, and take it head on.”

How has your talents as a running back improved throughout the season?

“With each practice and each rep, I go 100 percent. I take it all in, every adjustment, and watch a lot of film. There is no slacking off. My agility has improved throughout the season and I am keeping my speed up and staying in shape. I have gotten better at running routes out of the backfield and making big plays.”

Which game has been your best?

“I’d say Serra (Gardena), Madison, or Helix the games.”

What did you do well in those games to make them your best?

“During those games, they did not just use me as a running back but also put me at slot and receiver. They were motioning me out there to torch a DB and score.”

The team easily took care of Point Loma in the regular season finale winning 59-7, that game may not be the best indicator, but how is the team looking heading into the playoffs?

“Our team is still on the rise. The sky is the limit. We have to take every rep serious and finish the season off strong.”

You guys host Carlsbad (6-3) on Friday, what are you expecting from the Lancers defense?

“We are expecting a stacked box. They will fly to the ball and be scrappy but we are used to that. We can run through teams or pass over them if we have to.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“San Diego State, Montana, Cal-Poly, Illinois, Eastern Washington, Fresno State, and Nevada.”

Have you visited any schools during the season?

“Yes. I have taken visits to San Diego State and Cal-Poly.”

How did the SDSU visit go?

“That went great. The coaches love me there. They have been watching me throughout the season, watching how my knee is progressing. They gave me a preferred walk-on offer spot.”

Congratulations on that, Shawn. I appreciate your time today and good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Shawn Poma