NM- First off congratulations on your offer to UC!
AJ- Thank You!
NM- Of course. What position(s) are being recruited for at the next level?
AJ- At the moment offensive tackle, but next season we are changing up our offense and it seems like the team will need me to play guard this year so that’s where I will most likely play.
NM- Awesome! What are some of your goals for your upcoming season?
AJ- I definitely want to pick up that first P5 offer as well as make First Team All-Conference. I want to help lead my team to the playoffs. As a whole our offensive line is shooting for the goal to help get our running back a 1,000 yard season. (He recently received an offer from Kentucky)
NM- Awesome those are some big goals. What are some ways you have been able to stay ready for the upcoming season? I know Covid-19 has been making it difficult on you guys.
AJ- Just been making sure I get my lifts in and stay on a schedule, Which I’ve been pretty good about. I lift with the football team right after school, then I go throw shot put and discus for the track team. I also train three days a week with cross fit and work with a weight training coach.
NM- Awesome. You’re staying in great shape then. What coaches have you been in contact with from the University of Cincinnati?
AJ- Honestly up until today I didn’t talk to any of the until (running back) coach (Darren) Paige pulled the trigger on me and my teammate Christian Davis.
NM- Awesome Coach Paige is a great coach. What is your favorite types of offenses to protect for?
AJ- The spread, we have ran it for the two years that I have been in high school and it is just what I am used to moving at a fast pace, Lots of pass sets as well. Most of my career we have always been a in run heavy wing T type of offense and we are going back to that this year.
NM- Awesome! What do you think of when you hear the words “Cincinnati Football” especially after coming off the season we’ve just had as a program?
Aj- I think coach (Luke) Fickell because his name is pretty highly regarded around here. I think of the 9-1 season they are coming off of. I also think how they were ranked No. 7 in the country at one point. The future of this program has is something I also think about. Cincinnati has always been a dream school to me.
NM- Awesome! Have you been able to visit campus ever?
AJ- No I haven’t, but Coach Paige mentioned getting me down to Cincinnati for a visit ASAP as well as a game day visit, but we are in a dead period so not a lot I can do until that is over.
NM- Gotcha. How would you describe your game personally? What are coaches expected to get out of you in the future?
AJ- I’m a very explosive player, I feed off of energy. I am pretty good at blocking in space and getting to the second level. Overall I’m just a fierce competitor, I’m going to go 110% until the whistle on every single play.
NM- Awesome! Who are some tackles you model your game after whether they are pro, college players or even former players?
AJ- Peter Skoronski, Paris Johnson, Jr., top 10 NFL prospect Rashawn Slater. I also look up to Josh Myers as he went to my high school and is a big mentor for me.
NM- Awesome, all potential NFL players in the future. What are some things you’re looking to excel at to improve your game for the next level?
AJ- Definitely my hand placement. It was a small issue I struggled with, but I have definitely improved. I want to improve on pass setting from the three point stance, It’s something little, but since I have always been in the spread I’m usually in a two point stance as a tackle and I’ve never really pass setted out of the three point stance and I’m still getting used to it.
NM- Awesome. What is it like playing in a powerhouse of high school football as the state of Ohio is one of the top states for high school football in the country?
AJ- It’s definitely challenging, We play in the GWOC which is arguably the hardest conference in Ohio, so we play some insane competition every year. This season I will be going against a lot of guys with FBS offers on the defensive line, but I know I am ready to compete with the best.
NM- Awesome. What are some of your favorite memories from your football career up to date?
AJ- Definitely playing varsity tackle as a freshman. It was scary, but I was up to the challenge. Last year my first time playing defense in high school I had a sack against a four star tackle with 30+ D1 offers. Other than that I don’t remember much from my younger days.
NM- Awesome well that is all I have for you man! I appreciate you taking the time to talk. Wish you nothing but the best with your career and future! Thanks again!
