Interview: 8-Offer 3-Star 2021 California FS/ATH Emari Pait is a Fast-Rising Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2019 California high school football season was a showcase year for Class of 2021 athlete Emari Pait. Wherever the ball was, there was Pait. On defense, the Culver City standout earned first team All-Ocean honors after producing 69 stops, 48 solo, with a tackle for a loss, four picks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries playing free safety. On offense, the 6-3, 205-pounder, utilized his speed and size rushing five times for 76 yards with two scores, hauled in 18 passes for 378 yards with five more trips into the end zone, and even went 4 of 4 passing with 130 yards accounting for two more touchdowns.

College programs are learning about Pait with offers dropped from Arizona State, Fresno State, New Mexico, Oregon State, Sacramento State, San Diego State, San Jose State, and Utah State.

In an RNG one-on-one, Pait covers his explosive junior season with an update on his recruiting options.

Interview

Emari, you are a rare high school football player in more than one way due to your athleticism and speed, but also because you nearly had two 100-yard plays in the same season but on different sides of the ball. You took a pick back for what had to be 100-yards, walk me through that play.

“It was the first game of the season, they were driving and getting close to the end zone. In my head, I was thinking we have to get a stop and get off the field. The play comes out, they are in doubles and I see the QB look one way, he pumped fake me then went back left. I flipped my hips, got the ball, and then I was just running. I was happy we got the stop.”

As mentioned, on offense you had a Wildcat run around the left side that went from about the 2-yard line to about the 32-yard line of the opposition’s when a safety with an angle got ya. Did you think you had that one wrapped up?

“Yes. I thought I had another one. I didn’t see anyone, then their safety came, he got me.”

Let’s back up a couple of steps for those reading this interview not familiar with you. During your junior season, where all did you line up on the field for Culver City?

“I lined up at quarterback, receiver, slot, corner, safety, punt and kick returner.”

Your speed is deceptive and highlighted in all that you do. What is the fastest time you’ve posted on a run?

“In the 100, my best was an 11.5.”

When the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were your overall strengths on the field as a playmaker on offense?

“My strengths on offense were catching the ball, my route running, and my blocking.”

On defense, you are a ballhawk and bring the pain to the party on contact, what are some of your other strengths as a safety?

“Being able to read the quarterback, being able to come up as the last man on defense not letting the running back get through, and being able to play the whole field.”

Do you have a favorite position or side of the ball?

“Yes. I like both, but I feel like I am more effective on the defensive side.”

When the 2020 season gets going are you taking on all the same roles?

“Yes. All the same positions this season.”

Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game to make an even bigger impact during your senior year?

“This offseason I have been working on getting stronger, faster, and man coverage – off-man and press man. I have been working on getting out of my breaks faster.”

During the quarantine, what has been your daily routine?

“On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I lift. On Monday I do a chest work out and arms, on Wednesday I do arms and back, and on Friday I do my legs. On Tuesday and Thursday, I do cardio and sprints.”

If the college camp season happens, are there any camps you may attend this summer?

“If everything opens up, I will go to a USC and Azusa Pacific camp, and any more camps that come along that I find out about.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“Arizona, Northern Arizona, Eastern Washington, and Colorado.”

How many offers are on the list now?

“Eight.”

Last question for you. What have you been doing during the quarantine for fun?

“I have been playing games and talking to my friends during the game. We can have 16 people talking to each other during the games.”

Which games are you playing?

“NBA 2K, Madden, and Rainbow 60.”

Emari, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Rosie Photos; Emari Pait at a 7v7 tournament