Interview: 3-Star 2020 OT Jeff Persi Evolving into a Dominating Force for JSerra Catholic

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

If you are a quarterback dropping back to pass, there is nothing better than a bookend offensive tackle on the edge protecting you. Same thought can be shared by a dynamic back knowing he can run off the backside of a road-grading lineman to get needed yards to move the ball downfield. One can guess that if surveyed senior quarterback Caden Bell and junior running back Chris Street would sing the praises of right tackle Jeff Persi, a Class of 2020 lineman developing into a dominating force against California’s best.

Persi has all the makers of a Power Five Conference offensive lineman with a whole lot of upside left to his game. He has proven his worth going up against the likes of St. John Bosco, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Faith Lutheran (NV), and Pinnacle (AZ) throughout the 2018 season helping his squad to a 9-2 record with a No. 8 national ranking. College coaches have responded in kind to the play of the 6-7, 265-pound, emerging talent with six offers being extended from Cal, Northwestern, UCLA, Utah, Oregon State and Washington State. The ride continues on Friday with another showdown against a nationally ranked team, Oaks Christian; yet another opportunity for Persi to show his might going up against five-star 2019 defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 1 ranked senior in the nation per 247Sports.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Persi covering his junior season on the field with an update on his recruiting process and a preview of the showdown against Oaks Christian.

Interview

Jeff, playing against Trinity League teams every week is no picnic. For the readers out there, what is the grind like going up against teams like St. John Bosco, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, and the likes?

“It is definitely a great challenge. Many people say it is the toughest in the nation, and I believe it. For us, it all starts in practice. We do it in practice, we bring it then. We treat our practices like a game scenario. We bring it every day.”

Which match-up was the toughest for you this season?

“I’d say Mater Dei.”

How did that challenge help make you a better lineman?

“They are a pretty physical team. Playing against them made me focus on technical things I needed to work on to get better like the quickness and toughness of the game. Going up against talented players like what Mater Dei has, it really makes you focus on different things and makes you want to work harder to get better.”

Which game was your best this season, and why do you consider that to be your best?

“That is a tough one. My best game was probably against Faith Lutheran. Against Faith Lutheran, there were a lot of technical things I really started to pick up on and improve upon with my game. One of them was not getting lazy with my technique throughout the game even when I was getting tired.”

Not every high school team is lucky enough to have a Division-I quarterback leading the team. What is it like blocking for Caden Bell (Columbia)?

“He is great. He is a great leader and teammate. He is always helping us out if we have any questions or if we need anything. He is a good on-field leader. He knows when to audible and he makes the right reads.”

The Lions have a future Division-I running back leading the rushing attack this season in Chris Street. What is it like paving open holes for him game after game?

“I’ve been friends with Chris since I was 10. He has always been the same, a physical and shifty back with speed. He is a great teammate and leader. He is one of the most explosive backs I have ever seen. He’s great to play with.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?

“I am talking to some schools on Twitter, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Notre Dame, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, USC, and some others.”

How may offers do you have now?

“I have six offers.”

Which school was the first to offer you?

“Cal was my first offer.”

What was that moment like for you landing your first offer?

“It was great, truly a blessing. It honestly caught me by surprise. I was not expecting it. Coach (Steve) Greatwood (OL coach) was talking to me over the phone. He talked about the program and then offered. I was blown away.”

Nice. Turning to the playoffs. You guys won your opening round game taking down Long Beach Poly 42-9. How did that game go for you?

“It was a pretty good game. My big thing I have been working on is technique. I am still new to the position and I am still learning. I am focused on being technical with what I do, making sure I am using the correct technique to put myself in the best position on the field.”

The Lions get another nationally ranked team in Oaks Christian (No. 22) on Friday, what are you expecting from their defense come game time?

“We know it will be a great game. They are physical, and they will come out strong. We will treat this game like any other game with the mindset to go out and execute our game plan.”

Jeff, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Oaks Christian.

“Thank you.”