Interview: 3-Star 2020 DB/ATH Justin Livingston is Killing It for Paramount Again
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Over the last three seasons, Justin Livingston might be one of the most overlooked safeties in the entire state of California. Year after year he has racked up big numbers for Paramount High School while dabbling on offense. His senior season has been another standout year and he has kicked it up a few notches helping move the ball downfield for the Pirates.
Livingston jumped onto the recruiting scene during the 2017 season securing 82 tackles, 47 solo, with nine passes broken up and seven picks. The following season, he put an end to 49 plays, with a tackle for a loss, a pick, and a fumble recovery. During his sophomore and junior seasons, he had eight combined receptions for 156 yards with three touchdowns.
Jump to his senior season with three-star recruiting status and offers from Iowa State, Northern Arizona, and San Jose State, Livingston has continued to ball out. Showing his speed and cover skills on defense, he is back to his ball-hawkish ways having picked off five with five passes knocked away while tallying 74 tackles, 28 solo, with a tackle for a loss, and two QB hurries. On offense, he has stepped it up with 25 receptions for 442 yards giving the team eight good reasons to celebrate in-game. With his efforts, the Pirates are 10-1 riding a nine-game winning streak after a 60-10 opening round playoff win over El Toro.
With the team ready to face Roosevelt (Eastvale) in the second round, I sat down with Livingston for an update on his year thus far and a quick look at his recruiting process.
*Click link for June 27, 2019, RNG interview with Justin Livingston
Interview
Justin, not only did you post a 40-yard pick-six this season, but you picked off five total playing safety. What was working so well for you at taking the ball away?
“Picking the ball of is my thing – that is what I do. I am built to play football at the next level. My coaches and everyone tell me that to read 2-1, second receiver to the first to make the play.”
Not only were you coming over the top as a free safety but it looks like you were dropping down as a strong safety covering the inside receiver as well. Where all did you end up lining up on defense and what were your roles at each spot?
“My role was to do my job. If everyone does their job, the defense works perfectly. At free safety, I am the high safety covering everything over the top and at strong safety I am in the box or covering the slot.”
You showed your speed on defense tracking down passes, and then flipped the field and showed it some more on offense. How did that part of your season go looking to score the ball?
“Scoring the ball, I feel like I can do more, and I have told my coaches that. I can play offense too.”
Where did you show the biggest improvements as a skill guy on offense this season?
“My speed, my route running, and my blocking – that has gotten way better. The hands are there.”
And on defense, how has your game gotten better?
“It has improved a lot. I have grown each season as a defender. My man coverage has improved, that was a weakness, it has been great this season.”
Which has been your best overall game?
“My best game was against Downey. I had that pick-six on the fourth play of the game and two touchdowns on offense.”
You have the three offers from Iowa State, Northern Arizona, and San Jose State, which schools are showing interest?
“UCLA, Wyoming, Oregon State, Washington State, UNLV, and Fresno State are showing interest.”
When will you start taking official and/or unofficial visits to start narrowing down your recruiting process?
“I am taking one to NAU in January. We’ll see about the rest after the season.”
Closing out the interview going back to football. The Pirates have been on a mission this season and is just two points away from being undefeated (28-27 overtime loss to Bishop Amat). How is the team looking overall ready to face Roosevelt (5-6) on Friday?
“We are looking great. I feel like it will be a blow out on Friday.”
What challenges are you looking at going against the Mustangs?
“Their defense is unique; we have not seen it before. We are getting ready for that. They have no safeties. Their coverage is all man press.”
That could allow for some opportunities. Justin, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Justin Livingston