Recruiting and Visit Update Interview with 3-Star 2020 Tennessee OLB/DE CJ Ware
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Beyond all the production on the field, if CJ Ware did nothing else but help his Nolensville High School team win games, he forced a lot of sleepless nights for opposing 4A Tennessee offensive coordinators, quarterbacks, running backs, and left tackles. The 6-5, 230-pound, outside linebacker/defensive end improved upon his already deadly pass rush becoming unstoppable in one-on-one situations while adding coverage to his arsenal of talents. With college coaches seeing the versatility he brings to the field, six offers have already been extended coming from Louisville, Memphis, Miami-Ohio, Toledo, Tulane, and Western Kentucky.
The offseason is heating up for Ware with camps and combines upcoming along with recruiting visits as the three-star recruit starts to focus in on a next level fit.
Interview
CJ, the coaches at Nolensville put you in a great position to showcase your talents during your junior year. Your speed rush off the edge was too much for 4A tackles, what were some of the other strengths to your game in 2018?
“A lot of coaches liked my coverage last season. That is something I was able to do and showcase, not just being a pass rusher off the edge. I showed that I am a multi-purpose outside linebacker who can play all four downs because of my versatility.”
Was there a challenge for you to overcome last season on the field, in-game or otherwise? If so, how did you work harder to overcome the adversity?
“Me playing in open space, that was new for me last season. When I came to Nolensville, the coaches put me in position to make plays. I played 7v7 last year to work on opening my hips and playing in space. That helped a lot.”
How do you feel your overall game improved last year?
“As the season progressed my pass rush got better. I put more work in, and I feel my overall game improved.”
What are you working on that is important to you to improve upon before the start of the 2019 season?
“I am working on my pass rush and dropping into coverage. I am working with a trainer on that. I am doing DB drills to play in space and to work on opening up my hips. I am training with Jeremy Holt on change of direction and playing with more speed Monday through Friday.”
Are you going to compete at any national camps this offseason?
“Yes. I am going to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp in Cincinnati and the Nike Opening Regional coming up in May (Nashville).”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from UK (Kentucky), Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Duke, and Stanford. Those schools are showing the most interest right now.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have six offers.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
“Cincinnati and Purdue.”
Nice. Have you visited any programs this offseason?
“Yes. I have been to Cincinnati, Memphis, and Toledo.”
How did the Cincinnati visit go?
“It went very well. I met with head coach Luke Fickell and my position coach, Coach (Marcus) Freeman. They were high on me. I liked their practice, it was up-tempo. It was good to meet my position coach and the head coach to get that interaction in with them. It was good to see how they would coach me by watching their practice.”
What about Memphis, how did that go?
“That was also a good visit. Memphis was one of the first schools to offer me. They have been high on me since then. I met with Coach (Mike) Norvell (head coach) and my position coach, Coach (Kevin) Clune. It was good to see how they coach and how they would use me in their system. It was a very good over all visit.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I plan on visiting Miami-Ohio and Western Kentucky.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your talents?
“They like that I am a multi-purpose talent. They like that I can do a lot on the field with my pass coverage and as a pass rusher.”
At which position are most recruiting you to play?
“Most see me as a two-point stance outside linebacker lining up over the tight end.”
CJ, it was great getting the interview in with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your planned upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ware family; CJ Ware at Memphis