Interview: 2019 WR Koale Schroeder Shocking California with Explosive Start to Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every year there are a couple of 100-1 longshots the mass public has not heard about that rises out of obscurity to shock the high school football world. One of the top producing junior wide receivers in the state of California making an explosive transition from junior varsity to varsity early in the 2017 schedule catching everyone’s attention is Koale Schroeder.

Schroeder is the latest surprise out of the Sunbelt Conference rocking California opposition. Paloma Valley has started the season 1-1 dropping a tough game to Cajon (44-34) in Week 1 coming back to upend Valley View in Week 2 (35-30). The Wildcats are averaging 35 points a game thanks in large part to the work Schroeder is putting in once the ball is in his hands. Through the first two games of the season, Schroeder has 17 receptions for 375 yards with five trips to the end zone. He blew past Cajon for nine receptions tallying 185 yards with two scores and then sliced through Valley View for eight catches covering 190 yards with three more trips to the end zone. At this rate, Schroeder is due for seven receptions good for 195 yards with four scores this week’s against King.

What may seem like an overnight success to some is quite the opposite. The 6-0, 164 pound, talent worked his trade at the JV level during his sophomore year refining his game to the tune of 10 receiving touchdowns helping his team to a 9-1 record. The offseason was filled with 7v7 action guided by E.A.T. The extra work on speed, agility, getting off the line cleanly, and adjusting to passes in air during the spring and summer months are paying off in the fall.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Menifee area product covering his early season success based off his offseason work with a look ahead to the remaining games on the Wildcats’ 2017 schedule.

Interview

Koale, when the Friday night lights come on, it is has been show time for you. How are you showcasing your skills so far this season?

“I feel like I have been showcasing what I worked on over the summer with Coach Bryd (E.A.T.). I worked on honing my skills and getting everything down before the season began. I worked on keeping my momentum throughout my breaks, watching the ball all the way in, bursting out of my breaks to get separation, and all the little details that help make a receiver great. Now I am showing what I can do and what I am capable of on the field.”

You talked about the offseason work on the field, what are some of the details you mentioned that you worked on to help improve your game?

“I worked on my footwork and getting more yards after the catch. Some of the little stuff that has helped is all the pre-snap stuff like reading the defenses. My third touchdown this season – I called that route. I told my coach to call the slant. The corner kept lining up on the outside – the slant was open. Last year I was okay, but working with Coach Byrd has made me better.”

What were the biggest strides you made in your game from a technical standpoint?

“My routes are much better, my feet are underneath me, my routes are sharper and crisper, and I am getting more separation on my routes. I don’t waste energy on my steps – I take off.”

Did you play any 7v7 this summer to help your game?

“Yes, sir. I played with E.A.T. and trained with Coach Byrd three times a week.”

How did work during the second season help you with your transition to varsity football?

“It helped me stay in shape and get connections with other players. I was able to get chemistry with different quarterbacks and work on timing with other receivers on crossing patterns.”

Did you attend any college camps this summer?

“I did. I went to an Azusa Pacific satellite camp and to a USC camp.”

Which was your best camp performance?

“USC was my best camp. I was able to separate from corners, I won all my one-on-ones, and my routes on air were great. Even the coaches liked how I was doing during the camp.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.4 GPA.”

Nice. Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, but I took the PSAT and got an 1140.”

Looking towards the 2017 season, the Wildcats had a tough start against Cajon losing 44-34 but bounced back against Valley View winning 35-30, what were the biggest gains the team made improvement wise from Week 1 to Week 2?

“I feel like we did not carry the loss. We played hard in Week 1. In Week 2, we were not shaken by the loss. We game planned well and executed on the field to get the win.”

How are you personally preparing for each game this season?

“I’m constantly watching film. I am able to learn my opponent’s weaknesses by watching film. I watch both corners. I key in on their weaknesses and pick on it all game.”

You guys have King (Riverside) next, what kind of challenge does their defense bring to the field?

“They are fast along the D-line. Our O-line will have to protect to give time in the passing game.”

What goals did you set for the 2017 season?

“This season, my goals were to do better than last season, have at least 12 touchdowns, and 600 to 700 yards receiving with a minimum of 25 receptions.”

At this rate, you are going to eclipse that by midseason. (Laughs) What do you love about the game of football?

“I love the thrill of the game. I love coming out under the lights and the atmosphere of the game. As soon as you step on the field you get a different feeling. All the butterflies go away and you are ready to play. Another thing, our team comes together like a family – I love it. I have to give our offensive line credit. They give Chance (Nolan) time to throw and he has been putting it on the money.”

Koale, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Press Enterprise; No. 6 Koale Schroeder scores another touchdown

Photo credit: Press Enterprise; No. 6 Koale Schroeder celebrates a touchdown

Photo credit: Press Enterprise; No. 6 Koale Schroeder beats his man deep