Interview: California 2019 ATH Melquan Stovall Settling in at WR for Paraclete

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The story is an old one that happens every year all across the country in high school football but one that is worth repeating, a high school coach finds the best fit for his players not only for the betterment of the team but for each player’s college potential. Another success story playing out in Lancaster (CA) is Melquan Stovall’s.

Stovall did a little bit of everything for Paraclete High School during the 2015 season getting snaps in at running back and in the passing game. At the end of his freshman season, Stovall had 207 yards on the ground with one touchdown off 23 carries. He also played some cornerback filling in as needed. With the 2016 approaching, the Paraclete staff decided to slide Stovall into the slot, a spot where he has flourished throughout his sophomore season.

Making plays on the outside or on the inside are an every game occurrence for Stovall. Where the 5-9, 170 pound, chain mover is perhaps most effective is in the slot. Through six games this season, Stovall has 264 receiving yards off 20 catches with one touchdown working mismatches against linebackers and safeties coming down. His 13 yard per catch average shows up on his reel where every pass hauled in looks like another first down for the Spirits.

Even though Stovall is just six games into his sophomore season, the additional freshman year worth of reel has helped boost his recruiting interest with Cal, Utah, San Jose State, Boise State, Washington State, and USC all showing interest. Melquan’s recruiting interest might be helped a little by the legacy factor. Older brother Melquise, a U.S. Army All-American Game selection, signed with Cal as part of the 2016 recruiting class.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Melquan going over his sophomore season to date finding out how the move from running back and cornerback to full-time receiver has gone so far this year.

Interview

You made the move from corner and running back to slot and outside receiver, how has the season gone for you so far?

“It is going pretty good. I trusted my coaches’ plan. I like receiver better than running back. I can get in open space better to make plays. I’m not taking as many hits, which is a good thing. At receiver you can show your athleticism more.”

What has been the biggest adjustment for you lining up in the slot or on the outside this year?

“It has been pretty easy reading the defenses. Most of the time I’m guarded by a linebacker or safety in man. I read the defenses and watch a lot of film. If they are in a Cover 2, the flats are open. If they are in a Cover 3, I can release inside or outside, put a move on them, and get into open space.”

Is there a part of the game that has come easier for you than you thought thinking the position would be a little bit harder?

“The part of the game that has come easy is reading the defenses.”

What are aspects of your game that you are still working to improve upon as the season goes along?

“I’m working on my routes, making them crisp. I am working on getting in and out of my breaks quicker. I am always putting in more work trying to get better. I am working on getting my speed up too.”

You guys are 4-3 and just won a game against Windward by forfeit. What happened in that game to win by a forfeit?

“They only had 26 players. My understanding is they were afraid some of their guys would get hurt so they decided to forfeit the game instead of playing.”

The Spirits started the season 0-3 but have reeled off four wins in a row, if you win out will you guys make the playoffs?

“We will.”

What has been the biggest difference for the team after the losing streak and finding the winning ways?

“We’ve practiced harder and have conditioned more. We have been disciplined in our play and during practice. I think we have come together as a unit and are starting to understand what we need to do to win.”

Which contest has been your best game this season?

“My best game was against Serrano. I had four catches for 114 yards.”

Which team did you get your receiving touchdown against?

“Tehachapi.”

Are any colleges showing recruiting interest in you?

“Cal, Utah, San Jose State, USC, Washington State, and Boise State.”

Have you been on any visits yet?

“Not really. I have been up to Cal a few times to see them play. I was supposed to go to San Jose State but I could not make the trip. I will go up there after the season.”

Which Cal games have you attended?

“Cal vs. SDSU (San Diego State), Texas, and Utah.”

What is your overall GPA?

“3.3, but that will go up after our mid-term tests.”

When we last spoke, you said your favorite class last year was English, what is your favorite subject this year?

“English is still one of my favorites, but I am liking Chemistry but not as much as English.”

Is there a college or NFL player that you model your game after?

“As of right now I am looking at my brother and JuJu Smith-Schuster (wide receiver for USC).”

When you watch Melquise and JuJu, what parts of their game are you watching?

“Their routes and the plays when they don’t get the ball. I like to see how they are making their blocks and translate that to my game. If someone else is getting the ball, how do they block? I do the same thing. I am 100 percent every play.”

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

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Silva Shootz; No. 11 Melquan Stovall

Photo credit: Stovall family; Mequise (left) and Melquan (right) at Cal.