Interview: Covering the Season with 2020 California JUCO DB Shamar Whestone
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After a high school football career with Upland ending as a three-star cornerback recruit in the 2018 class, Shamar Whestone has taken his skills to the junior college level thriving as one of California’s versatile defensive backs. Playing corner, nickel, and safety for East Los Angeles College during the 2019 season, the 6-0, 200-pound, defender put an end to 34 plays, 25 solo, while forcing a fumble, picking up a loose ball, knocking away five passes, picking off two, and returning one for a 100-yard pick-six. Graduating in December, four-year programs are starting to find out about Whestone and what he brings to the field.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I got a few minutes in with the So Cal native covering ground on his 2019 season.
Interview
Shemar, in high school so it seemed, you played every position possible. Where are you lining up at the JUCO level?
“At the JUCO level, I play where my coaches need me. I am playing corner, safety and nickel. I played more safety this year to help my team out.”
What base defense are you guys running at ELAC?
“We run a 3-3-5.”
Which coverages are you guys executing?
“We run a combo coverage, Sally basically. A two to one read.”
How have you taken your skills as a free safety to another level this year?
“I am staying in the area of the ball. I am being a ballhawk. Where the ball is, that is where I want to be.”
You’ve always been fast, you got to show that speed in more ways than one this season, but certainly on that 95-yard pick-six. If you can remember that play, walk me through getting the tipped ball and then off to the races.
“That was 100-yards. I was reading two to one and saw the hitch and go. I caught it on the goal line and took it the distance.”
What separates you from other defensive backs in your class?
“My strengths, I am a smart player. I know the defense inside and out and I know everyone’s job. I can do things on the field others cannot. If a linebacker missed a coverage, I can get in and make the play. I can cover man to man against anybody.”
Is there an aspect to your game that might get overlooked?
“What gets overlooked is my speed. I can run.”
Trying to remember back to your high school days. You were in the 4.4 range, right?
“Yes. In high school I ran a 4.47. I have not run a 40 since then.”
We are sitting down to watch film together. I want to see your best game in 2019, which game are you putting on for me to watch?
“Throw on Ventura and Long Beach games. In the Long Beach game, I was locking them down guarding their receivers.”
Going into the classroom, what is your GPA in community college?
“3.7.”
Going to a four-year, what do you want to major in once you can declare?
“Minister of Justice or maybe Kinesiology.”
When is your grad date?
“I graduate in December.”
Shamar, it was great catching up with you. Good luck with your offseason workouts and the recruiting process.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Eastside Media TV/ELAC/Whestone family; Shamar Whestone