Interview: 2022 DE Justice Finkley Works Over Alabama 7A Ball with Versatility
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Whatever path Justice Finkley takes to the next level, his collegiate defensive coordinator is getting a truly versatile defender. On upside and raw physical talent, Finkley ended his freshman season with Hewitt-Trussville as a MaxPreps All-American. Four games into his sophomore season, he is showing why the high accolades came his way along with all the scholarship offers. The 6-2, 240-pound, talent is lining up at end, tackle, and nose guard for the Huskies proving he has the strength and speed to take on the best of the best in Alabama’s 7A classification. In the early part of the 2019 season he has put an end to 24 plays with six tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and forced one fumble. Easy to say, the best of Finkley is yet to come and what that may be by his senior season is pretty exciting.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I got some time with one of Alabama’s top sophomore talents learning more about his game and his recruiting prospects that includes seven offers.
Interview
Justice, you are starting out the 2019 season hunting ball carriers among the leaders on the team in total stops. What is working for you allowing you to make so many plays?
“My speed, aggressiveness on the field, and my physicality.”
You are playing all over on the Huskies front, nose guard, tackle, and end. How are you preparing for each game?
“I am preparing by watching film, talking to my dad, and getting the game plan in my head.”
How did you prepare over the offseason for your sophomore campaign?
“I worked with trainers and I worked in backyard and garage with my dad. I did a lot of training with my father. I worked a lot on my craft over the offseason. I worked on all of it to get ready for the season.”
What do you feel you are doing really well as a defender each time out?
“I try my best to play with great hands and eyes. My get off is important. I am hunting the QB down and handling these big ol’ offensive linemen.”
Which areas of your game are you constantly working on throughout the season?
“I am working more on my hands and eyes. There is always room for improvement on everything.”
How is the team looking overall?
“We are looking pretty great. We have some injuries. Two of running backs are injured, but one will play on Friday. Our starting QB is injured as well. Our defense is doing well and our offense is picking it up.”
There are always tough games in 7A Alabama football. I know you guys just played a big one in Hoover, what are some of the other big games left on the schedule?
“Thompson (Oct. 25) and Mountain Brook (Oct. 11).”
By season’s end what will you have accomplished on the field?
“I want to lead the team in sacks and have the most QB rushes I can get.”
Going into recruiting, as an underclassman you may not fully know the answer to this, but which school are showing interest?
“Clemson is showing a lot of interest and so I Alabama. Those are the only school I know of so far.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have seven offers.”
Finkley’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, LSU, Mercer, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas A&M
Have you visited any campuses yet?
“Yes. I have visited Tennessee.”
How did that visit go?
“It went well. I went there for a camp and we stayed after to talk to the coaches. I took pictures and talked to some of the players.”
Did you camp at any other schools this summer?
“Yes. I camped at Clemson and Alabama.”
Tell me about the Clemson camp.
“It went very well. I dominated.”
And the Alabama camp?
“The same, I dominated again.”
Are you going to take any trips coming up?
“I will visit any school that offers. Coming up, I will probably visit Tennessee.”
I asked you about your on-the-field goals for the season, what are your overall goals?
“My goal is to try to be the perfect student-athlete. I am striving for all A’s. I want to be a leader on defense and for the overall team.”
Justice, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with the season until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Finkley family; Justice Finkley at Tennessee and in action (2019)