Interview: 4-Star 2021 Florida Talent Artez Hooker Working to be a Top Versatile Athlete

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season was a time to shine for Class of 2021 athlete Artez Hooker. Hooker was truly that do-anything talent on the field using his speed and abilities in all three phases of the game for St. Petersburg High School (FL). All that talent will be on display yet again in a multitude of ways in 2019, but this time with Lakewood High School.

Speed travels, and the wheels on Hooker covers a lot of ground in a hurry. When his sophomore season had ended, Hooker had split defenses for 278 receiving yards off 17 passes pulled in with one score and took the pigskin out of the backfield for 184 more yards with another trip into the end zone. Playing safety, the 5-9, 160-pound, defender put an end to 53 plays with 40 solo stops, a tackle for a loss, two passes broken up, and a pick. On special teams, he used his 4.5 speed for 121 kick return yards off five attempts and added 14 more all-purpose yards off one punt return.

The 2019 season has already kicked off for Lakewood getting a big 48-0 win over St. Petersburg. In light work, Hooker pulled in a team-high four passes for 68 yards with a touchdown scored. As the season progresses, Hooker will have an opportunity to again impact the game in every facet of the game, and with college coaches watching. The four-star recruit has picked up offers from Iowa State, Southern Miss, Virginia Tech, and Western Michigan with scouts looking in to see the evolution of his game during his junior campaign.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Sunshine State’s top junior prospects covering his play on the field with a recruiting update.

Interview

Artez, you put in all the hard work in the offseason to get ready for your junior season. How did the opening game against St. Petersburg go for you?

“It was pretty light. I went in, played, and did my job.”

Where all are you playing on the field this season?

“Receiver, safety, kick and punt returner, and some at quarterback.”

Where are you seeing the improvements in your game already as a receiver?

“I feel like I am reading coverages better, getting to my marks better, and I am more patient.”

What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game as a receiver?

“My strengths are getting off the jam and my release.”

What is your role at quarterback this season? Are you running some Wildcat?

“I am doing whatever coach tells me to do.”

Is there an aspect of your game that you are wanting to show fans and college coaches alike this season?

“I just want to make plays when the ball is in my hands. I want to show my physicality when I am blocking.”

How are your reps at safety coming around?

“I am off and on at safety. The coaches use me at safety when necessary.”

Did you showcase the skills at any college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to USF – there were a lot of college coaches there. I also went to camps at Southern Miss and Georgia.”

Of the three camps, which did you turn in your best performance?

“I would say the Georgia or Southern Miss camps.”

What did you do well to make those camps your best?

“I ran good 40 times. I ran a 4.5.”

With the season getting going, how many offers do you have now?

“I have four offers; Iowa State, Southern Miss, Virginia Tech, and Western Michigan.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“I have a lot of schools showing interest on Twitter.”

Closing out looking ahead. The Spartans take on Pinellas Park on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from the Patriots?

“We feel like they only have one dude. We will play our style of ball.”

What goals have you set for this season?

“My goal is to do whatever I need to do for my team to win. My goal is to win. Whatever coach needs me to do, I will do it.”

Artez, thanks for your time today and good luck this season on the field.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Hooker family; Artez Hooker