Ashton Cozart is a Class of 2023 Wide Receiver for Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas. Ashton has a great build that allows him to create separation off the line of scrimmage and leave his defender in the dust at 6’3” 181 lbs. Ashton primarily torches defenses through the art of the long ball with routes like long posts, digs, and fades. He does this with his elite speed as he ran a 4.4 40-yard dash. He also possesses excellent route running that helps him make big time plays. With his ability to make the big play, Ashton Cozart is a player to look out for in his upcoming Senior season.
Watch Ashton’s highlights HERE.
Why did you choose to play football and when did you start? I chose to play football in 1st grade because I knew my dad played it and I used to play with my friends when I was younger that’s where fell in love with it.
What life skills has football taught you over time? Definitely discipline and hard work, when you’re not the best you got to put more work than the people that doubt you.
What are you thinking about pre-snap? I read the defense first, look at the formation, what stance the corner is it, my route and how I’m going to execute it.
Would you consider yourself a RAC (Run After Catch), Possession, or a go up and get it type of receiver? RAC, all my catches and big-time plays comes from long posts, digs, and fades.
As a Wide Receiver, what is your favorite route to run? Why? My favorite route to run is a post, because it’s simple and I can use my speed to get inside or outside release and it’s still open.
Would you rather have the corner press up, or play off of you? When the corners press, because I’m good at getting off the release, after that there’s lots of separation.
What are some ways to get off a press from a corner? My biggest thing is I like to make the corner wait and then I attack.
How important is footwork at the line of scrimmage to you? Footwork is something I really focus on, many people think can’t get off the line fast because of my lengthy stature, and then I shock the defense.
What current or past player, do you think your game mirrors the most? DK Metcalf.
Do you play any sports outside of football? If so, how has that made you a better receiver? Track, it has helped me with my drive phase as a receiver, and with any route that requires breakaway speed, I run the 100 & 200 meter.
In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your game? I think my best trait is how quick I am at my size.
Do you have a quote you live by? “I have so much to learn, be patient and teach me.”
How do you think 7on7 camps have helped you with your football career? 7on7 camps have really helped me out, doing big tournaments with really good dudes helped me gain a lot of exposure. There’s some really good competition at 7on7’s that translates to the real game.
How do you think Covid-19 impacted your sophomore season? Covid-19 impacted me in a good way, got ahead of the people that were slacking, trained everyday got bigger, stronger, and faster.
Do you have any goals for your junior season? I want to have 1,000 receiving yards 12 touchdowns, want to make it to state.
At the end of the day, who is someone you look up to? I look up to my dad, every day I see how hard he works, and I see how far he has come along.
Describe a time where you were going through adversity, how did you get through it? This year, when I moved to Texas, I had a bulging disk in my back, bounced back and got injured again, then I toughened up get ready for the offseason.
Finally, what are colleges going to get out of Ashton Cozart? A very consistent hardworking receiver who can be a leader on any team. I feel like no one works harder than me.