Interview: Rising 2020 Vista Murrieta SS Tyreese Shakir Talks Football and Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Vista Murrieta’s high school football team had a bounce back season in 2018 after posting a 4-7 record in 2017. The Broncos went 8-3 playing tough teams like Los Alamitos, Orange Lutheran, Norco, and Chaparral in the regular season and collided with powerhouse Rancho Cucamonga in the playoffs. Through all the big games, the defense was tough holding the opposition to 18 points per game on average. The big difference for the team was guys like Class of 2020 defensive back Tyreese Shakir stepping up.

Shakir roamed the Broncos secondary but primarily lined up at strong safety. The 5-10.5, 175-pound, defender ended his junior season with 33 tackles, 27 solo, one tackle for a loss, eight passes broken up, and two interceptions. His play on the field is attracting Division-I interest lining up for a big offseason grinding away on his strength, agility, and technique ahead of an important senior campaign.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising safety covering his junior year on the field and offseason workout goals.

Interview

Tyreese, the Broncos made the playoffs in 2018 playing some really tough teams. Overall, how did the season go?

“The season went well. We reclaimed league title even though it was a rebuilding season. We came out strong, claiming that title was big for us.”

How did the season go for you personally as a defender?

“It went well. I felt strong about it. I elevated my game to another level and was a leader on the field.”

In what ways do you feel your game improved during your junior season?

“I feel like my reads, filling the alley – my coaches were happy about that, and getting downhill to create havoc on running backs and quarterbacks.”

Going into the offseason, what do you feel are the overall strengths to your game?

“I feel like my football IQ and game speed are strengths that come up big in the games. I can read the plays ahead of time to minimize what may happen.”

Is there an area of your game that may not show up on the stat sheet you feel may get overlooked?

“I feel like my tackling could get overlooked. I am good at getting that open-field tackle.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on dropping into coverage, improving my hips, improving my eye discipline, and working on getting over the top and down into the flats.”

You are playing 7v7 ball with E.A.T. (Explosive Athletic Training), how is that helping improve your game this offseason?

“It is helping a lot. Coach Byrd has a lot of technique and useful information. They teach us a lot and you learn all the details, even the small details that help you improve your game. They show you what to do and how you can help yourself.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Nevada and Washington State.”

Are you competing in any other varsity sports this year?

“Yes. I am running track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, and long jump.”

Which event is your favorite event?

“The 100.”

Tyreese, it was great talking to you today learning more about your game and offseason goals. Thanks for your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Tyreese Shakir