Interview with 2021 Virginia Phenom LB Jermond Davenport
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Life is unsafe for Virginia 3A running backs and quarterbacks with linebacker Jermond Simon-Davenport running loose. The Phoebus High School phenom was ever-present on the field during the 2019 season putting an end to 110 plays with 10 tackles for a loss, a sack, five passes broken up, two forced fumbles, and took a pick back for a touchdown. Davenport is that rare mix of elite speed, power, and strength who backs up all the giftings with his play on the field.
Word on Davenport’s talents are now leaving the Hampton, Virginia, area sweeping along the east coast building up an impressive list of recruiting interests. In an RNG exclusive one-on-one interview, I sat down with one of Virginia’s top linebackers covering his play on the field and offseason workouts.
Interview
Jermond, when you meet up with a running back, like a country dance, you are two-stepping that guy backwards and then planting him into the ground. What is that motivation for you on the field to dominate the opposition like that?
“My motivation is no bad reps and everything has to be perfect. My motivation is to not be the guy to lose the game for your team.”
What was the base defense the Phantoms ran last season?
“A 4-2-5.”
Within the scheme, what were your responsibilities as an inside linebacker?
“As an inside linebacker, my job was to make sure you were in your gap. We play gap sound defense. You can’t overcompensate in our defense; everyone has to do their job. That is how you win – everyone doing their job. At linebacker, it is run first, pass second.”
Your instincts for the ball show, a lot of that can come from preparation for a game during the week. How did you prepare for a given game during the 2019 season?
“Film. I am always watching film. I watch film every day, and whenever I had time. If I finished work for a class, I’d watch film. I would breakdown every piece of the film, even how a lineman gets in their stance. I would also work after practice to perfect something I did not do well the game before.”
Of all the games played last season, which was your best personal performance?
“Woodside and Hopewell (playoffs).”
In those games, what did you do well to make them your top games?
“In each game I had 14 tackles. I felt like those game where either you be the best or they be the best. No one is beating me, that is how I feel.”
How do you feel your overall talents improved during your junior season?
“Getting work in after practice and after workouts. I work out with the team and then go to a personal trainer. There is always room to get better. With my technique, I got better at shedding blocks, reading my keys, and dropping into coverage.”
Will you take on any new roles in 2020?
“Yes, sir. I believe I will play running back, some fullback, and maybe even flexed out as a slot receiver.”
What are you working on this winter with your game?
“Speed, speed, and speed. I am working on covering in 7v7 to be more versatile as a linebacker or as a safety or rover.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room lately?
“My bench is 275, I squatted 425, and my dead-lift is at 410.”
Impressive. With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“William & Mary, Yale, Brown, Tennessee, and Long Island are showing interest.”
Over the last few months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I just came from William & Mary on Saturday. I went on a Junior Day visit.”
What did you do during your visit at William &Mary?
“We watched a practice and talked to the coaches.”
When you spoke with the coaches, what did they talk to you about?
“They asked me about my GPA and invited me to a camp to perform in front of all the coaches.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned visits you may take?
“Coming up I plan on visiting UVA (Virginia), UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Chapel Hill, Virginia Tech, Long Island, and Yale.”
Busy schedule coming up for you. Are you planning on attending any camps?
“Yes, sir. I will compete at Yale, Rivals, and I should be going to The Opening Regional.”
Jermond, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with your upcoming camps and visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Davenport family; Jermond Simon-Davenport