Interview: Hard to Top 2020 California WR/DB Clarence Freeman’s Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The jump Clarence Freeman made on the gridiron from his sophomore to junior season was not completely surprising but pretty amazing none the less. In one season, the 5-10, 170-pound, athlete went from a one to watch player to a surefire next level prospect after a breakout campaign with The Bishops School (La Jolla).
The signs were there for Freeman to become a top-level recruit, and all were waiting to see what he could do. In 2017, Freeman pulled in 17 passes for 343 yards with three touchdowns and compiled 12 tackles and a pick. The 2018 season… wow. Playing in all 10 games the Knights competed in, Freeman secure 74 passes for 1,105 yards with 14 trips into the end zone. On defense playing safety and corner, he amassed 29 stops with six interceptions earning Coastal All-League honors on both sides of the ball. As one might guess, now recruiting interest is heating up.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Freeman covering his 2018 season with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Clarence, you had an amazing 2018 season putting up fantastic stats. In the middle of your big year, were you even a little surprised about how well you were doing?
“Yeah, a little bit. I had to adjust to everything but with every game I went out with the same mindset.”
Your speed is a big part of your game, what else was working well for you in 2018 allowing you to be so productive as a receiver?
“My route running. I improved my route running in the offseason. That was a big factor to me having a big season.”
In addition to your route running, where else did you see the biggest growth in your talents as a receiver?
“My releases off the line and my ability to catch the ball with my hands and not my body.”
Not only did you shine on offense you stole the show on defense with a team-high six picks. What was working for you as a defender allowing you to come away with all those interceptions?
“At practice we worked a lot on defending the pass. Coach Shane, he played in NFL and was an All-American at Notre Dame, he helped me improve my cover skills. I was guarding the best receiver every time we played. I had to step up.”
How did your overall game improve in the Knights’ secondary last season?
“It improved a lot because I know so much about receivers. I could see what they were doing and knew what they were trying to do. Playing in the secondary also helped me playing receiver. I just translated everything over.”
What are you working on this offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“I am working on getting bigger, adding more muscle, getting faster, polishing my route running and my releases off the line.”
Are you playing 7v7 this spring and if so, which team are you playing with this offseason?
“I am. I am playing with 619 Dream Chasers.”
How are you hoping playing 7v7 will help your game?
“My coach is my receiver coach. I will be working with him at every practice which will help a lot. I will be changing up my routes and playing 7v7 will help me with reading defenses.”
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Fresno State, Nevada, UPenn, San Diego, UC-Davis, South Dakota, Princeton, and Dartmouth.”
Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?
“Yes, sir. I have visited Pennsylvania and Columbia.”
How did the UPenn visit go?
“It was great. I loved the coaches. Coach (Jeff) Smart (linebackers) took his time to show me and my family around. We went up for a game about a month ago. We saw Usher on the sidelines at the game. That was pretty cool.”
Nice. What about Columbia, how did that go?
“It was great. Coach (Eric) Hahn (player personnel) showed me around. It was great. I have a couple of friends at Columbia, they were able to show me the campus as well.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Yes. I have one to Princeton and Dartmouth planned for over the summer.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“I have a 3.3 GPA and I scored an 1190 on the SAT.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Bishops?
“Yes, sir. I am playing basketball now and I plan on running track this spring.”
Clarence, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with your basketball season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Freeman family; Clarence Freeman at Columbia and UPenn