Interview: 4-Star 2022 Louisiana WR Shazz Preston Talks Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2018 Louisiana High School football season had ended, St. James High School had produced a top talent heavily desired by SEC programs in Class of 2022 receiver Shazz Preston. Preston (6-0, 185) showed the skills off as a freshman leading to four-star recruiting status and five offers dropped to date from Arkansas, Colorado, LSU, Mississippi State, and Texas A&M. What was shown on the 3A Louisiana playing field was backed up in an ambitious college camp circuit over the summer with stops at Clemson, LSU, Alabama, and Auburn, just to name a few.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top rising talents in Louisiana’s sophomore class receiving insight on his recruiting process with an update on how his offseason grind is paying off early this season.

Interview

Shazz, the Wildcats (1-0) have opened the season on a high-note clubbing West St. John (Edgard) 28-8. How did it feel to be back out on the field under the lights playing again?

“I felt comfortable. Since last year, playing in our big offense, I have felt comfortable. It was good game for us and an exciting game.”

How did the opener go for you?

“I did what my team needed me to do and it showed. It was fun. We had fun doing it. It was a great experience.”

Where all are you lining up for the Wildcats this season?

“I am playing receiver and punt returner.”

In which ways are you receiving the ball on offense allowing you to make plays this season?

“I’m playing outside receiver. They have me running comebacks, digs, posts, and all that.”

With your game on offense, what do you feel are some of the strengths to your game?

“One of my strengths is my catch radius. I love jump balls; I like the tough catches – I am always catching those. My speed and route running are also strengths to my game.”

Your speed is a big factor in your game, what was the best 40-yard dash time you ran over the offseason?

“I ran a 4.6 (laser) at The Opening regional.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I did. I went on a tour, and all in about one week. I went to Mississippi, Mississippi State, Alabama, Clemson and then back into Alabama to go to an Auburn camp. After that we went to Florida for a camp in Gainesville, then to Florida State, and then home to an LSU camp. That was my last camp of the summer.”

Of them all, which did you turn in your best camp performance?

“I think all of them were great performances. If I had to pick, I gave my best, I believe, at the Clemson camp. I think that was my best.”

What did you do at the Clemson camp to show off the skills?

“I did well in the one-on-ones and in the drills.”

You got a lot of time in with some of the best coaches in the country. What did you learn at the camps that will help you this season?

“I learned to always push your route and to always high-point the ball.”

How many offers have you pulled in so far?

“I have five offers.”

Separate from the camps, did you visit any schools this offseason?

“Yes. I visited Mississippi State.”

How did that visit go?

“It went well. They showed me around the campus.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I am going to LSU for sure, back to Clemson, and to Texas A&M.”

That’ll be fun. Looking ahead, the Wildcats roll out on Friday facing East St. John (Reserve), what kind of game are you expecting from the other Wildcats (1-0)?

“A very intense and exciting game. They will put out their best effort, we will too.”

Going forward, what are the goals you have set for the 2019 season?

“In Louisiana we have Player of the Week, I want to be a Player of the Week. I also want to break the yard total that I had last year.”

Shazz, it was great getting time in with you today. I wish you and the team success this season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Preston family; Shazz Preston at LSU and Alabama