Interview: 2019 California WR Melquan Stovall Updates Eight Campus MWC and Pac-12 Visit Tour

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As quickly as Melquan Stovall (5-9.5, 176) covers ground for Parcelete High School at wide receiver, he seemingly did the same by car during his spring break taking eight unofficial visits and one campus visit in five different states. The schools visited included stops in Mountain West and Pac-12 territory at Fresno State, San Jose State, California, Sacramento State, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State, Idaho (campus visit), and Boise State.

The trip served as an opportunity for eight college coaching staffs to get to know the receiver that helped the Spirits to a 12-4 record during his sophomore season after pulling in 42 passes for 535 yards with seven scores. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down for a one-on-one interview with the speedy Class of 2019 recruit covering each stop from April 12-17.

Interview

Melquan, you were a busy man over your spring break. Which schools did you visit?

“We visited Fresno State, San Jose State, California, Sacramento State, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State, Idaho and Boise State. The Idaho trip was just a drive through the campus. The coaches were not there for us to meet. They were out recruiting.”

Who went with you on the trip?

“Donovan Carter, Tyler Richardson, Jaylin Tynes, Dajour Dixon, and Henry Ikahihifo (teammates) and my brother (Melvin) and uncle (Caesar Morales).”

How many miles did you guys travel going campus to campus?

“We went 500-plus miles. My brother thought it would be longer than that.”

Did you guys have fun?

“Yeah, it was awesome. It was a good experience getting to sitting down talking to all the coaches.”

What did you guys do to pass time in the car for fun?

“We listened to music and talked. It went by quick talking to each other. My brother was there telling us what to do and how to introduce ourselves to the coaches. The most time apart between the campuses was seven hours.”

Your first stop was Fresno State (April 12), how did the visit go?

“It went well. Coach (Scott) Thompson (tight ends coach) gave us a tour. I am going back up for there for their spring game.”

Where did the Bulldogs’ coaching staff leave everything with recruiting for you?

“They want to see my first couple of games. They want to see how I move around and that I stay consistent.”

San Jose State (April 13) was next, how did that go?

“It was a good visit. We saw practice. We saw the energy of the staff and how the coaches worked the practice. I watched their receiver drills. I talked to all their coaches. I spoke with head coach Brent Brennan and their receivers coach, Coach (Kevin) Cummings. I think they might be close to offering too.”

Did Coach Brennan or Coach Cummings tell you what they were looking for from you before they offer?

“They want to see how I move around at practice when they come down.”

Cal (April 13) was next. How did that go? I know you have extra interest there.

“It went well. I sat down with my brother (Melquise Stovall – Cal receiver) and their receivers coach, Coach (Nicholas) Edwards. We talked a little bit. They watched my film and loved it.”

What is the recruiting process with Cal?

“It is going a little slow. I’m not sure where it is with them. They said they loved my film. It looks positive.”

Sac State was next on also on the 13th, what all did you do there?

“We got a tour around the school and went onto the field. We did not get to watch their practice but I talked to their coaches. They loved my film also.”

The following day you guys went to Oregon (April 14). How did that go?

“That is a big one. I loved it. I loved everything about it. The weight room, locker room, campus – everywhere you walk it was beautiful. Their practice was awesome. The coaches were into it. I talked to Coach (Willie) Target, their new head coach, and their receivers coach, Coach (Michael) Johnson, and their linebackers coach (Jim Leavitt). They watched my film as well. My QB was there too, Devin White.”

How did you leave everything with Oregon?

“Coach Johnson said that he wants to see the first couple of games as well.”

Next up was Oregon State (April 14). How did that go?

“That was awesome. I met all their staff. They showed us a lot of love. They showed us around and we met all the coaches. They showed us the weight room, field, and we tried on jerseys. They want to see me in practice and want to see my first two games and then I could get an offer.”

You guys hit up another big Pac-12 school next with Washington State. What all did you do there?

“We watched their practice. We watched the offense verses the defense. I saw how their offense flows. They throw the ball pretty much every play. They are spreading it around. If I played there, in their system I would get more chances to get the ball in my hands.”

How did the Cougars staff leave their recruitment with you?

“They want to see my first couple of games as well. They are coming down to watch us practice soon.”

You visited Idaho’s campus (April 15) next and then on April 17 you went to Boise State. What all did you do there?

“We met all of the coaches. Coach (Lee) Marks (running backs coach) gave us a tour. I am familiar with their coaches. He talked about how he would utilize me in their offense. They would use me in the slot and I would get some pitches in the backfield on fly sweeps. Told me they are close to offering as well.”

You did a lot, saw a lot, and talked to a lot of coaches over your spring break. What are some of the things you learn from your visits?

“I learned that the recruiting process will come but maybe slowly. What I learned from the practices, same as high school and with high energy. I learned a lot about what the college life is about.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I may take some before the summer but I’m not sure. Maybe San Diego State. This summer I want to visit BYU, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State.”

How are your workouts going?

“Workouts are going well. I have been running the Highland Hills, doing a home workout, and working out at the weight room at school. A lot of Olympic workouts, bench, squat, and deadlift.”

Melquan, congratulations on your successful visits and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Stovall family; Melquan Stovall at Fresno State

Photo credit: Stovall family; Melquan Stovall at Oregon State

Photo credit: Stovall family; Melquan Stovall at Boise State