Justin Denson Jr. is a class of 2023 ATH out of La Salle Academy in Providence, Rhode Island. He is 6’2 and weighs about 185 pounds. Justin plays wide receiver on offense, but he is getting primarily recruited for his talents in the secondary. Last season, Justin played both safety/corner but, this season he’s mainly playing corner. To go along with his big 6’2 frame and 6’5 wingspan, Justin also has elite speed and athleticism. On the offense side of the ball, Justin is a physical receiver with great jumping ability. He has the ability to climb the ladder and make a big play on the ball when need be. His patience to never give up on a route and finding the open space is something that I saw repeatedly throughout watching his highlights. On the defensive side, Justin’s physicality is what jumped off the screen for me. With his long arms, Justin is able to press his receiver at the line and not allow them an inch of space. Justin also has a great sense for finding the ball. His disciplined techniques allow him to turn his head quickly, find the ball, and be able to make a play on it. Justin is not afraid to use his physicality to make a tackle, especially in the open field. Justin’s GPA is currently at 3.2.
Click here to see Justin’s highlights
When did you start playing football?
5
What is your biggest strength?
“I feel like I’m a very versatile player. With me being long and fast, I can play both ways. Also being able to run routes at my size”.
What is your personal goal for this season?
“I would like to have a really good season. I know a couple schools are looking at me this year to make sure I do well, so I just want to have a standout year”.
Are there any NFL or college players you would say you model your game after or study their film?
“I watch a lot of Justin Jefferson and Jamieson Williams. On defense, I watch a lot of Minkah Fitzpatrick”.
What aspects of your game have you been working on this past offseason/summer?
“In camp season, there were some Big-Ten and ACC schools liking me at corner and safety. So throughout the summer, I worked on getting bigger and perfecting my craft on the defensive end. Because I played offense my whole life, receiver is second nature to me, I can do that in my sleep. So I just wanted to get better defensively wise”.
What is something that motivates you?
“Football has given me so much and it can also keep me giving me stuff. I feel like my mom invested a lot into me, to play the sport and I want to use this for me to be able to pay her back”.
Is there anything that football might have taught you over the years?
“I honestly think football gave me a don’t give up mindset, it’s not that bad. I know coach Marcone brings this up a lot, but my sophomore year we went and played North Kingston. We were down like 20 points and we ended up coming back to win by 28. So with things like that, I think football has taught me to be resilient and always positive”.
Do you play any other sports?
“I run track, I do both indoor and outdoor”.
What are some of your hobbies/interests?
“I guess I am a big family guy, I’m a big believer in being close. I’m a family-oriented guy, there’s friends I’ve had since elementary school and I consider them family. Just spending time with them and hanging out”.
Football aside, who would you say is your biggest role model?
“My mother or my uncle. My mother raised three kids by herself, now a grandmother and she also takes care of them. She made sure all her kids are successful and do something. My uncle really pushed me my whole life, being hard on me. Without having a father, he really stepped up”.
What separates you from the thousands of other recruits trying to play division I football?
“The fact that not a lot of kids are my height, my length, fast, and plays both ways at a high level. I feel like my versatility is really the big thing for me. Like in our first game of the year, we went and played the 15th ranked team in New York, Curtis. I played safety, receiver on offense, punt returner, and kick returner. I can do everything at a high level. That’s what I feel separates me”.
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