Interview: 2020 Edison SS/CB James Greathouse Updates Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the tough aspects to being a high school defensive back, if you are good passing teams will avoid you. This is what is happening to Class of 2020 safety/corner James Greathouse. The Edison High School defender is racking up the tackles but is getting little to show for his game with his ball skills seeing the pigskin fly out the other direction. Still, Greathouse’s (6-0, 175) play is attracting college attention with a great opportunity coming up against four-star San Joaquin Memorial receiver Jalen McMillian (Oct. 18).
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the Fresno area recruit for an update on his season.
*Click link for July 9, 2019, RNG interview with James Greathouse
Interview
James, how has your senior season started out?
“It has been good. I have been rallying to the ball for tackles, but they are not testing me with passes. It has been quiet on my side. In each of our games, no balls have come my way at both safety and corner.”
That’s cool and I am sure frustrating at the same time. What did you work on with your skillset over the offseason?
“I focused on my speed and improved my footwork – it is great now. I can still improve but it is much better. Everything else is there.”
Did you camp at any colleges over the summer?
“Yes. I went to Fresno State and Cal camps.”
Fill me in on the Fresno State camp.
“It was good. I turned some eyes there. At that camp, the coaches were asking me questions and talking to me. I got on some radars after we did the one-on-ones. I turned away 8 of 10 passes. Even Ricky Manning (Panthers/Bears/Rams) said I was turning heads.”
What about the Cal camp, how did that go?
“It was a 7v7 kind of camp. We did some drills as well. It was a good camp. We were playing against top dudes. I locked up my guy the whole game. We did a lot of pressing. I was dogging them that game. I did not give up a touchdown. They tested me a lot too, but they failed their test.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements so far on the field?
“I’m getting more aggressive. In our first game I was hesitant, but I have been racking up tackles since then. I am getting to the ball faster and playing better. I have more confidence than I used to have, especially going against a running back in the hole.”
When the season is over what goals will you have accomplished?
“I want more than five picks this season, if they start throwing it my way. I want 65-plus tackles.”
Which games are big ones still left on the Tigers’ schedule?
“This Friday against Dinuba, that is a big game. They blew us out last year (30-7). (San Joaquin) Memorial is another big one. They have one of the best receivers in the area, (4-star) Jalen McMillian. He is committed to Washington. That will be a good game. Bullard always plays us tough; they are our biggest rival.”
Closing out with recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“UNLV, Ohio, Sac State, Defiance in Ohio (D-II), Fresno State, Northern Arizona, Cal-Poly, Oklahoma Baptist College, Dixie State, and San Jose State.”
Have you visited any schools this fall or over the offseason?
“Yes. I visited Sac State and Fresno State.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I plan on going to Defiance in Ohio, San Jose State, and UNLV.”
James any last words before we close out the interview?
“Yes. Be on the lookout for No. 2.”
I like it. James, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Greathouse family; James Greathouse