Interview: 3-Star 2019 Cajon RB/DB Daniel Fortune Talks Football and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is tough to take anything away from the junior season that Daniel Fortune turned in for Cajon in 2017, but mark my words, he will be even better than advertised during his senior season. A standout in all three phases of the game, his true talent and abilities are set to shine in 2018 on offense.
Fortune was an integral part of the Cowboys secondary during the 2017 season coming up with just about every stat possible ending with 84 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, four quarterback hurries, one interception, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He continued to display his all-around athleticism on special teams taking 10 kicks back for 287 yards with a long of 90 yards, a rough and tumble run that was sheer determination. Where the 5-11, 190-pound, talent got to show glimpses of his amazing abilities was at running back. Joseph Yarber got the lion’s share of the carries in 2017 running for 1,042 yards off 184 totes with 10 scores. Fortune chipped in a video game 25 yard per carry average running past opposing California Division-III defenses for 271 yards off 47 totes with five touchdowns scored and even pulled in two passes for 49 yards.
With all the talent and potential laying ahead of Fortune entering his senior season, Iowa State and Utah have already jumped on him seeking his talents in their 2019 recruiting class. In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with the California back set for a truly explosive season on offense to learn more about his summer workouts and recruiting process.
Interview
Daniel, how is fall camp going for you?
“It is going pretty good. I am working on my craft.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking really good, like last year. I think we are better than last year.”
Overall, the 2017 season was an amazing season for Cajon, how has last season’s success help push the team forward in offseason workouts and fall camp?
“It changed us a lot. Because we lost in state, we are determined to win state this year. We are working on making that happen.”
Going into your senior year, what do you consider to be the strengths of your game as a tailback?
“My power running, my field vision, and my ability to catch the ball.”
You shinned on special teams a kick returner, what is the secret to your success taking back kicks?
(Laughs) “There is no secret, I get the ball and I run.”
No surprise for an athlete such as yourself, but you also showed out on defense coming up with 84 stops in 11 games. What are the strengths of your game as a defender?
“I love hitting and I love stripping the ball.”
Speed is such a big part of your game, how fast are you?
“My best 40-yard dash time is a 4.49.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
You used that speed to score on offense, defense, and special teams, how many total touchdowns did you end up with last season?
“I had 10 total touchdowns.”
Of them all, which score was your favorite last season?
“The kick return.”
That was impressive fighting all the way down to the goal line. That stiff-arm was fierce.
“Thank you.”
Which areas of your game did you focus on improving over the spring and summer months?
“At running back, I focused on my speed and agility.”
Where all will we see you on the field in 2018?
“Running back, safety, kick and punt return, receiver, and a little at corner.”
Are there any new wrinkles on offense this season?
“Not really. Everything is pretty much the same as last year.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to a USC, Utah, and Colorado camp.”
Of the three, which was your best camp performance?
“I got offered at two of the camps. At the USC camp, I was offered by Iowa State. Utah offered me at their camp.”
Those two would certainly qualify as great camps. Which schools are showing recruiting interest entering your senior year?
“San Diego State and Washington State are the main ones.”
You have the two offers, do you plan to take any unofficial or official visits this fall?
“Yes. I have an official in September scheduled with Utah.”
The Cowboys start the season out getting tested early, what does the team as a unit need to do to ensure a successful start to the 2018 season against teams like Helix, Murrieta Valley, Oak Hills, and Heritage?
“We have to come out strong every game.”
Game 1 of the season kicks off on Friday, August 17, against Helix, what kind of challenge will their defense give you as a running back?
“I don’t know yet. I know their linebackers are tough.”
I threw out some teams a minute ago, games I think will be fun for the fans to watch, as a player, what are some of the games you are excited to play this year?
“I am excited to play all our non-conference games.”
What personal goals have you set for your senior year?
“At running back, I want to finish the year with 2,000-yards plus. On defense, my goal is to finish the season with five or more picks and a couple picks with 97 tackles.”
Daniel, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Micah Escamilla; Daniel Fortune (right) with 2019 QB Jayden Daniels