One to Watch Interview with 2020 California FS Juan Gonzalez
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season for Orange Vista High School was a tremendous success on the field. The Coyotes were a dominating team in California’s Division 13 classification pushing their record to 12-2 with a four-game run into the playoffs. They Coyotes offense blistered the opposition for 44 points per game, but the defense set it up netting turnovers, great field position for the offense, and made it a no-pressure scenario for their offense smothering the opposition’s offense allowing just nine points per contest. One of the reasons the Coyotes’ defense was so tough was the play of Class of 2020 cornerback Juan Gonzales. Watching Gonzalez’s reel is like watching a video game highlight tape with three pick-sixes, a fourth that was a questionable call out at the 1-yard line.
The Coyotes have their eyes set on another run to the CIF Southern Section Championship Game in 2019 with Gonzalez ready to lead the way. With the season kicking off Friday, Aug. 23, against Rialto, I got a few minutes in with the Coyotes standout corner gaining insight to his game and how the Coyotes are looking in fall camp.
Interview
Juan, there are very few players who have a high school career much less the kind of season you had in 2018. Your junior reel, it was like watching a video game seeing all the pick-sixes you had. How many did you end up with last season?
“I had four interceptions with three pick-sixes.”
You had another that could have been easily ruled a touchdown.
“Yeah. They said I was out at the 1-yard line.”
What was working for you besides field position to pick that many off for scores?
“I was reading the receiver. I was reading how they push off the line. If they do not push hard, they are not getting it. If they push hard and plant hard, I know they are expecting the ball.”
Getting the pick is important, but what are some of the other strengths to your game in the secondary?
“Tackling. If the receiver does not come towards me, I come downhill.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“I am playing free safety again this season.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on this offseason?
“I have worked a lot on my footwork. My footwork was not great but it is getting better now.”
With fall camp in full-swing, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game already?
“I am seeing improvements reading the quarterback and the receiver.”
You guys open the season at home on Aug. 23 against Rialto, how is the team looking?
“The team is looking great. On offense, we have to fix some stuff. The defense is on point, we know our jobs.”
Which games on the schedule are you already excited to play?
“El Monte and (JW) North. They will be our big competition this season.”
What goals have you set for your senior season?
“My goals are for more picks and more tackles than last season, and to help the team out on special teams.”
Juan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: the press enterprise/pe.com; Juan Gonzalez