Interview: 3-Star 2020 WR/TE Sterling Stokes Covers Season and Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) was once again one of those tough California high school football teams no one wanted to play during the 2018 season. With Austin Jones carrying the rock out of the backfield, senior quarterback Moe Flynn was able to spread the ball out to his targets helping highlight the talents of Class of 2020 target Sterling Stokes. Stokes (6-4, 203) came out of his junior campaign with 18 receptions for 323 yards with two scores in six games played stoking the interest of college coaches. As his talents grow, Stokes could end up being a difference maker for college programs at receiver and/or tight end.

In an RNG stylized Q&A interview, I sat down with the three-star rated recruit to learn more about his junior season, offseason workout goals, and growing recruiting process.

Interview

Sterling, the Dragons made a run to the title game beating Marin Catholic 16-15 for the trophy. What was the championship run like for you and the guys?

“It was a good run. We were focused on getting (RB) Austin (Jones) the ball and mixing it up in the air. Coach targeted me a lot in that game – I did well picking up yardage.”

How did your season go overall?

“It went well. I broke my hand in third game of the season, missing the majority of the middle part of the season, most of my bigger stats were playoff games.”

How are you utilized within the offense?

“I am utilized picking up first downs and the moving the chains.”

What is your favorite route?

“My favorite route is the comeback off go route. When teams stack the box against Austin, they get the ball out to me.”

Not only are you able to stretch defenses vertically but you also go across the middle. What’s the mindset for giving up the body on slants into the middle of the defense?

“That is just part of the game for a receiver. You can’t always be straight vertical route runner. I work on all my routes, long short, and in-and-outs. I show my potential all over the field.”

How do you feel your game improved during the 2018 season?

“It improved vastly. Last year was my first year playing. In my second year playing, I was smarter and better than last year. I worked on routes in the offseason, worked with trainers, played 7v7, and worked in the weight room to get faster and stronger.”

What are you going to work on with your skillset this offseason?

“My weight. My main goal is to gain 15 to 20 pounds. I will also work on my speed. I will be playing both ways next season – I have to be ready.”

Which position on defense will you play next season?

“Either corner or safety.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Fresno State, UCLA, Washington, Oregon State, Purdue, Nevada, Cal, Yale, Harvard and Stanford.”

Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?

“Yes. I have taken visits to Fresno State, UCLA, Cal, and Washington.”

How did the Fresno State visits go overall?

“They went well. They were really interested in me. They said I was a high priority target. It went well. I am tight with the staff.”

Which position are they recruiting you to play?

“Early in the process it was as a tight end, now after seeing my film as a receiver they are thinking about me as a hybrid – a receiving tight end and receiver.”

Nice. And the Washington visit, how did that go?

“That visit was great. I talked to all the position coaches and I got a feel for the school. They are keeping in contact with me as well.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I am going to visit all the local schools, Cal and San Jose State. I will try to make it to as many schools showing interested in me as I can.”

Are you competing in any camps and/or combines coming up?

“Yes. I am competing at the U.S. Army All-American Combine and I have been invited to the Under Armour All-American camp.”

What is your goal for the Army All-American camp?

“My goal is to perform well, dominate in the one-on-ones, and get some interest.”

What has you motivated right now for the 2019 season?

“I am really motivated for next year, I am looking forward to it. This offseason I will increase my knowledge of the game and enjoy going through the process. I am ready to showcase my talents at camps and combines and during the season.”

Sterling, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Stokes family; Sterling Stokes in action and at Washington