Interview: 2021 California WR Jonah Carnell Emerging as an Electric Playmaker

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The flashes of game changing talent were on display a year ago, but how everything would play out for Jonah Carnell and just how good he may become depended solely on the time and effort put into his game over the offseason. The grind during the spring and summer months was not in vain as the Class of 2021 receiver is blistering California Division 1/2 defenses as his Rancho Verde High School squad has reached the midway point of the 2019 season.

Carnell popped up on the scene in 2018 with Norco High School taking in passes from Class of 2020 four-star quarterback Shane Illingworth (Oklahoma State). The 5-11, 170-pound, target worked his way to a 29-reception 353-yard, and three touchdown season. Meticulous work on speed, hands, and route running is evident watching Carnell as a junior. The Mustangs are 4-1 with their budding star hauling in 31 passes for 434 yards with four trips into the end zone.

College programs are starting to find out about Carnell with visits taken to Nevada and USC with interest throughout the area growing. In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Carnell for an update covering his season.

Interview

Jonah, I am stunned watching your game tape seeing opposing teams are not recognizing your speed; no one is keeping up with you. You’ve been blowing past jokers all season, beyond running past everyone, what are you doing to get open this season?

“We are looking at the leverage the defense gives me. I can go inside or go outside to open up his hips and get past him. My pre-snap read is helping. Plus, no one is expecting me to be as fast as I am. I get that edge on them.”

Over the offseason, what was your best-timed run?

“My best was a 4.49. I am consistent at 4.5.”

Where did you lay down the times?

“I ran those at a UA (Arizona) camp, NAU (Northern Arizona), and I won Fastest Man at a Redlands camp.”

Another thing that impresses me about your game is how you adjust to the ball. What did you do over the offseason to work on your hands?

“I worked with my quarterback going over routes. After each game on Saturday, I get a workout in and I work on the Jugs Machine. My dad keeps giving them to me over and over. I position myself at weird angles, sitting, kneeling – you name it. Sometimes I work on the Jugs Machine on Sunday too.”

My last boast of your game, not only are your hands strong but you are holding onto the ball after some big hits. What is your mindset each time you go out for a pass, especially going over the middle or down the seam?

“Going over the middle, all I am thinking about is catching it. After that, it is then thinking about the yards after the catch. With the big hits that I know are coming, I just focusing onto the ball.”

After those big hits, I like how you hold the ball up with both hands to let everyone know you are okay.

“Yeah. I also do that to show that I caught the ball. I do that to show I caught it and I’m still alive. Some of those hits make you think, but I still love it. I love playing football.”

In the Mustangs last game, you guys took down a very good Norco team winning 63-35. How did the game go for you?

“That was my best game of the season. Norco is a tough team. We came in as underdogs; which is something we are not used to so that added fuel to the fire. We can in hyped. I had 150 yards on 10 receptions and a touchdown. I was happy with my performance. They are a good team. I am glad we stepped up to prove everyone wrong.”

What do you feel are the strengths to your overall game right now?

“My strengths are my speed and my route running. Going one-on-one, I will beat a guy just off my speed and route running.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“It was exciting waiting for Sept. 1 so schools could start reaching out and texting. I woke up excited that morning. USC, UCLA, Cal, Nevada – came back from game there, NAU, and Weber State are all showing interest.”

You mentioned the Nevada trip, have you taken any other visits this offseason?

“Yes. I went to USC for a game.”

Nice. Circling back. How did the Nevada visit go?

“It was really fun. I loved it up there. The coaches are really nice. Going there, they knew me and came up to me. I was surprised. I loved it there. I talked to their receivers’ coach when I was there. I saw them take on Weber State.”

And the USC trip, how did that go?

“It was a very good game. I love the atmosphere there. I was there for the Stanford game. It was a really good game. I talked to coaches before the game.”

Might you take any other visits coming up?

“I might visit NAU or Weber State. I have to look at the dates to see when I can get up there for their games.”

The team takes on Temescal Canyon (2-3) next. What kind of game are you looking at against the Titans defense?

“It will be a hard game. The focus is on the line blocking, AJ reading off the defense, and we have to get open for him and score some touchdowns.”

What do you want to accomplish overall by season’s end?

“My goals are to get over 1,000 yards receiving, five more touchdowns, and win a ring. My goal is to be a good team player and do what they need of me to win games.”

Jonah, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you guys luck the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Carnell family; Jonah Carnell at USC and Nevada