Interview: 4-Star 2023 Massachusetts ATH Joenel Aguero has All the Tools as a Program Changer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The season put in during St. John Prep’s 2019 run by Joenel Aguero is worthy of a “Freshman Sensation” kind of label. The 6-0, 190-pound, two-way athlete ran circles around upperclassmen three to four years his senior helping the Eagles (11-1) lay claim to a Massachusetts state championship. Showcasing the skills and all the potential in the world as a free safety and receiver, college football coaches have quickly identified Aguero as a program changer. So far, 14 offers have been dropped on the doorstep of the four-star Class of 2023 recruit spanning the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12.
In an RNG first-look, Aguero stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed conversation covering ground on his offseason workouts, that includes posting a 4.37 laser timed 40-yard dash, and his ever-growing recruiting process.
Interview
Joenel, it may seem like years ago now, but the Eagles rolled to an 11-1 season avenging the lone loss of the regular season to capture the championship taking down Catholic Memorial 21-14. How has that success carried over into the Eagles’ offseason workouts?
It has been good. It gives us more motivation; we know we are championship material. We can do it, and it shows how much we improved last season to beat them in the Super Bowl.
Your play at free safety last season was way beyond your grade classification. Your ability to read a play and react is so far ahead of the curve. Where does that ability come from? How have you nurtured that part of your game to a strength?
It comes from natural instincts. I have good vision on the field, I know where to locate it. When I see it, I go get it. That is what my coach wants me to do, or go breakup passes behind me.
When your freshman season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game in the Eagles’ secondary?
I feel like my strengths were coming downhill making tackles, getting the big hits and big plays. During the Super Bowl I caused two fumbles and made a lot of tackles. I contributed to the team’s win.
If your contributions on defense were not enough, you were also getting after it on offense as a receiver. How were the coaches getting the rock into your hands a year ago?
At the beginning of the season I had an ankle injury. I have always been the fastest guy on the field. Coaches have always had that “get the ball to me anyway you can” approach. I broke my ankle in our second game, when I came back I could not make the cuts needed at receiver. At safety it is easier to go forward and back. I did not get too many receiver reps last year.
When the 2020 season gets going, what roles are you taking on?
This season I am playing both ways. I started both ways last year until my injury. This year I am playing and starting both ways at free safety and receiver. I will primarily be at outside receiver.
How have you worked to expand your skillset on defense this offseason?
I have been working on my agility, my mechanics, and my speed. I got my 40 down to 4.37 laser timed. Being stronger now, on the field it will be easier this season.
You snuck something in there… a 4.37 laser time?
Yeah, laser.
Wow. Where did you post that?
At a New England camp about two months ago. It was a camp for the best players in the New England area where we were able to compete, do one on ones, and combine work. I broke the broad jump record at that camp.
What did you broad jump at the camp?
I jumped 10-feet 5-inches. I also broke the record at the UA (Under Armour) Camp.
Nice. Back to your postseason workouts, what have you been doing to enhance your abilities on offense?
I’ve been working on my route running and catching abilities. I have gotten better and my routes. My speed plays into that. This offseason I have been working on everything I can.
Circling back around to your blazing speed, what kind of training have you been doing to post a 4.37 40-yard dash?
I go to the gym four to five times a week doing squats, resistance bands, I push the sled, run with resistance – all that stuff.
When are you guys expected to get back on the practice field?
We started practicing a month ago doing the basics, but now we are done because it is getting cold here. We are not playing until Feb. 22.
What are you ready to showcase this season after all your hard work over the spring, summer, and fall months?
Honestly, everything. I feel like I have been held back. When I get on the field this season I want to kill. I will do it. I’m go for it and going to do my thing.
I like it. Let’s turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Notre Dame, Clemson, and Alabama. I speak to Alabama once a week. They have been on me the most but have not offered.
How many offers have been given to you?
Fourteen.
Which program was the last to offer?
The last one was Kentucky.
Aguero’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Boston College, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, USC, and William & Mary
When visits pick back up next year, are there any schools you’d like to go see?
Yes, there are a couple. I’d like to visit Alabama, they want me to come visit, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Penn State.
Lost topic for us to cover today; are you playing any other varsity sports for St. John’s Prep?
Yes, I run track but I didn’t get to run it this year because of COVID. I didn’t play basketball this year to focus more on school.
Which events in track are you competing in for your school?
The 100, long jump, high jump, and my coach wants me to do the 300. I don’t know about the 300, that is tough.
Wears me out thinking about it. Joenel, it was great getting time with you learning more about your skills on the field. Wishing you continued success this offseason preparing for the 2020 season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Aguero family; Joenel Aguero