Interview: 4-Star 2021 Georgia WR Deion Colzie Talks Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The world of college football is falling in love with Class of 2021 Georgia receiver Deion Colzie, and for good reason. The Athens Academy standout is big (6-4, 200), fast (4.56 laser), athletic (118.08 SPARQ), and talented. Colzie’s play on the field in 2018 helped his Spartans squad to a 13-1 season. His overall athleticism is being pushed to another level in 2019 adding corner to his starting job description. The added work will only enhance the appreciate from the 10 college programs to have already offered: Alabama, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Georgia’s top 2021 talents getting insight on his offseason workouts, recruiting process, and visits to Georgia and Notre Dame.
Interview
Deion, when you entered the offseason what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game as a receiver?
“One of my strengths would be my size. Being a long big bodied receiver, I can get over top and make catches other receivers cannot. My speed is another strength. I run a 4.5. I can stretch out the field out better than most big receivers. My hands is another; I see it in and look it in. I can make the tough catches.”
Throughout the spring and summer months, what have you been working on with your game as a receiver?
“I have been working on my footwork, working on getting in-and-out of my breaks – which is harder being big guy with longer legs. I have worked on getting and staying low, having precise cuts, and running good routes.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements?
“I am seeing the biggest improvement is my hand-eye coordination. I have been using a tennis ball and other smaller balls to work on my hands and my hand-eye coordination.”
How many other positions are you playing this season?
“I am playing both ways this season. I am playing corner on defense and I may play some safety in a two-high coverage.”
What have you been working on as a corner/defensive back this summer?
“I have been working on my press coverage. Anyone can play off-man and guess the route. I have been staying on hips and locking these guys down.”
I like it. Tough question for you.
“Okay.”
Deion the receiver verses Deion the corner, who wins?
(Snickers) “Deion the receiver 100 percent.”
I figured as much, but thought I would ask. Did you take your skills to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I went to the Opening Regional in Nashville. For college camps, I went to Alabama, Clemson, Duke, and to Georgia for a 7v7 camp.”
Of the college camps, which was your best personal performance?
“The Duke camp was my best.”
Why is that?
“Because we had a lot of time to do one-on-ones at that camp and the coaches got to see me a lot. I had a lot of reps in the one-on-ones. I performed better there.”
College coaches love you. Which ones are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Clemson, Ohio State, and South Carolina are showing interest. South Carolina is telling me to come up for a visit. Those three are on me right now more than the rest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 10 offers.”
Beyond the camps, did you take any visits this offseason?
“Yes. During the spring, I went to Georgia, up to Notre Dame for a practice spring and then back for a summer camp. I was busy this spring with track.”
How did the Georgia visit go overall?
“They went well. When I went there for their G-Day, that is when I got my offer. I went up there, talked to the coaches, and went into Coach Kirby’s (Smart – head coach) office. When we met, we talked about Georgia’s program and that is when I got my offer.”
That is the definition of a successful visit. If you will, tell me about the Notre Dame visits?
“I went up for a spring practice, normal type deal. We did a photo shoot, I went into a meeting, and then came back for a camp. The next day after the camp, I got a call from Del (Alexander), their wide receivers’ coach. He called and gave me an offer.”
Another great visit. Do you have any planned for the upcoming season?
“Definitely. I am going to a bunch of Georgia games. I plan on going to games at Tennessee, Notre Dame for sure, and Clemson is by the house. I should catch a game there. I may go to Alabama if it works with the schedule.”
Back to football. How is the team looking in fall camp?
“We are looking pretty good. We have some new skill guys in. Our skill guys are looking the best in a while. Our offensive line is coming together. They are getting the hang of things. I think we will be even more dominating than last year.”
When the 2019 season is over, what will you have accomplished?
“I want to break a 1,000-yards in receiving. I came close to it last year. I want to have more touchdowns than last year. Ultimately, I want a state championship. We have come close the last two years, I want a championship this year.”
Photo credit: Colzie family; Deion Colzie at Georgia and Notre Dame