Interview: Offers Already Coming in for 2023 Nevada ATH Jeremiah Hughes
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If the dynamic play-making abilities of Jeremiah Hughes continues at such a prolific rate during the 2020 season, the entire country is set to know his name in the coming months. The 6-0, 165-pound, all-around skill athlete scorched Nevada freshman and junior varsity squads a year ago returning punts for touchdowns, hauling in passes on the outside for scores, and was a force playing safety and corner. When the new season kicks off for national powerhouse Bishop Gorman, Hughes will be given a chance to continue developing his game as a three-way impact player. As his game further develops, college programs will be watching. The Class of 2023 standout already has offers from Arizona State, North Texas, and West Virginia.
Taking his first step inside the RNG Lab, Hughes covers ground his abilities on the field, offseason workouts, and goals for the 2020 season against Nevada 4A competition.
Interview
Jeremiah, you were without a doubt a dangerous man with the ball in your hands last season. It seems like you had more non-traditional touchdowns than offensive touchdowns. Was there a point in the season when you had perhaps even impressed yourself with all the big plays you were producing?
(Laughs) Yes, I was impressed. Towards the third and fourth game, my coaches pulled up to junior varsity and I was still making big plays on offense, defense, and special teams. I was returning punts and making plays downfield last season.
On offense you were lining up on the outside, what were some of the routes you were running within the scheme?
I was running curls, comebacks, streaks, slants, deep posts – all routes.
Once the season ended what did you feel were the strengths to your game on offense?
I can get open in one-on-one coverages, I am a play-maker, aggressive to the ball, and I will beat you with my speed.
You were playing in the secondary as well, where all were you lining up and what were some of the coverages you were executing?
I lined up at corner and safety. If the team we were playing was without a big receiving threat, I was playing safety. If the team had a good receiver, I was playing corner or guarding the best man on their team. Last year we were running Cover 2 and 3, and some man. We had many different coverages last season.
When the 2020 season kicks off, where will we see you line up on the field?
This season I am playing outside receiver, some special teams, and some defense. I will be returning kicks and punts, things like that on special teams.
How have you prepared your body for the grind of a Bishop Gorman varsity football season?
I workout with a trainer at Game Changers. They are getting me right at Game Changers. I am getting my conditioning right so I can compete with others this season. I am also getting my weight up and eating right.
What have you been working on with your game on offense?
Mostly working on getting off the press, one-on-one coverage, in and out of my breaks, sharper and cleaner breaks, and on becoming a better overall player.
And what about for your defensive skills?
I am working out the same as for offense. I am working out with the defensive backs s at Gorman. We will switch out from DB to receiver doing man and zone drills against each other.
How have you built up your overall speed and burst this spring and summer?
Through conditioning, running 110s, pushing and pulling sleds, running hills and mountains.
That wears me out thinking about all that running. Let’s cover some ground on recruiting. From what you know as an underclassman, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
The main one is Notre Dame. They are the only one who has not offered yet.
Colleges are already loving what they are seeing in you. How many offers are you holding?
Three.
Being this early in the process, what was it like getting those three offers?
It was big. It shows all the work I have been putting in during the quarantine has paid off.
Have you had a chance to take an unofficial visit yet?
Yes, I took a visit to UCLA.
What did the staff at UCLA show you during that visit?
I saw the weight room, practice field, we went to a game, saw the locker room, where they eat breakfast, and the basketball court.
When the dead period is over, are there any visits you’d like to take and/or already have planned?
Yes, I think I will visit the schools that offered me. I also want to visit Arkansas.
You didn’t mention Arkansas showing interest, what has you interested in visiting the Razorbacks?
I am from Pine Bluff originally. I think I left Pine Bluff when I was nine-years-old.
Nice. Last question. What goals have you set for yourself during the extended offseason?
One thing I want to do is get bigger, I want to get up to 170 or 175 pounds. I want to get my speed up, get stronger and go harder in the weight room, and make myself a better overall player.
Jeremiah, it was great getting a chance to talk to you today learning more about your game and recruiting process. Wishing you and the Gaels success this fall preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hughes family; Jeremiah Hughes