Interview: California 2019 CB KJ Trujillo Playing Far above Classification

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Looking for mismatches on the gridiron is one of the biggest strategies coaches put into place at all levels. The target coaches typically zero in on is a perceived weaker player with a lack of experience and/or physically by strength or speed. When the 2016 California high school season kicked off, opposing teams thought for a time a good idea was to pick on sophomore corner KJ Trujillo. Non-conference and Trinity League teams quickly learned that was a bad idea.

One of three things happen if a team picks said player as a target; the player can give up, keep playing without improving, or get better and make them pay. Trujillo made them pay. Wherever Trujillo’s skillset was at going into his sophomore year, by the end he looked like a savvy veteran reading plays quickly, recognizing routes, and turning into a trusted defensive play-maker. The stat line helps tell the story with 49 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, four interceptions, four passes defended, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble in 11 games played.

College coaches quickly descended upon Servite High School (Anaheim, CA) to get a better look at Trujillo. To date, Nevada and San Jose State have offered with teams like Washington, UCLA, Stanford, Northwestern, Illinois, Kansas, and Florida State showing a reported interest in the 6-1, 165 pound, talent.

In a Recruiting News Guru Q&A stylized interview, I sat down with one of the rising prospects in the 2019 class to get his thoughts on his sophomore campaign and an overview on his recruiting process.

Interview

KJ, was your sophomore year your first at the varsity level?

“Yes, it was my first year. I dressed out my freshman year (Buena Park) but did not play.”

Did you know that you would start at corner going into the 2016 season?

“Coming into my sophomore year I was expecting to be the starting corner. I worked all off-season to get the job.”

How did you prepare for your sophomore year during the off-season?

“Coming out of my freshman year I was about 137 pounds and I probably ran a 5.0 forty. My goal was to get bigger, stronger, and faster. I worked hard in the weight room and on the track to pick up my speed.”

Your film shows you to be well-taught with very good fundamentals. Who has worked with you over the years to help you develop your skill set as a corner?

“I work with Malik James, he’s an old coach from Hawkins (offensive coordinator) and Coach Michael Scott. He is from Texas. Coach Scott comes to LA a couple of times a year to instruct.”

What areas of your game do you consider to be your best?

“Personally, I feel my coverage is my strongest but I can come down and play the run also.”

Who was the toughest receiver and/or quarterback you went up against last season?

“Trinity has a lot of great players and receivers, but to be honest the best I had to cover was Amon-Ra St. Brown (Mater Dei). He is a cousin of mine.”

How did that match-up help you?

“I know Amon. He is really strong. I think he benches over 315. I had to play more of a mental game against him instead of a physical game. I feel that it tested my game IQ. I had to adjust to him.”

Your stat line and ability to make plays are there, were you surprised offenses kept trying to test you last season?

“Coming into the season I knew they were going to test me. Further into the season they stopped. Coming in young they expected me to be inexperienced but I held my ground.”

You got a pick-six last season but flags went flying. Did the pick-six count?

“The pick counted but the touchdown did not.”

Will you role on the team change at next year? Will we see you on offense or on special teams?

“I was on kick return last year. I will do it again this year. When I transferred in I was focused on the defense. I did not have time for offense at receiver last year.”

Are you playing 7-on-7?

“I am with Premium Sports.”

How is that helping your game develop?

“It is helping me work on my coverages, getting my hips right, and keeping me loose. I am guarding against a lot of receivers I will see in the Trinity League this season.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered?

“Right now UCLA is No. 1 showing the most interest. Washington is showing interest and I receive a lot of letters from Florida State.”

Which teams have offered you so far?

“Nevada and San Jose State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“I visited Fresno State, Cal, and Stanford. Last year I went to Notre Dame and Michigan. I just visited USC.”

How did the Cal, Stanford, and Fresno State visits go?

“Great. I enjoyed Cal a lot. It was a great experience. I really liked Stanford. I loved the environment there. The coaches at Fresno were really cool. I enjoyed the whole trip.”

How did your visit to USC go?

“It was really cool. I enjoyed it. We watched one of their spring practices. We toured the weight room and watched a video.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I’m going to UCLA soon. Over the summer I’m going to Cal, Stanford, Oregon, and Washington as well.”

Do you know which camps you might attend this off-season?

“In May I’m attending the May Madness Camp (in Washington) and a Rivals camp. With college camps, they have not been planned yet.”

What other sports do you participate in at Servite?

“Track.”

What is your focus with track?

“I’m working on my speed for next season.”

What is the fastest 40-yard dash you have posted?

“I ran a 4.59 hand-timed and a 4.62 laser.”

Last question. What do you do for fun during your downtime outside of football and working out?

“I really don’t have too much downtime. I’m always training or working out. I watch a lot of highlight films of Jalen Tabor (Florida), Jalen Ramsey (Florid State), and Patrick Peterson (LSU). I watch a lot of their reels. In my spare time I hang out with friends and family.”

KJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of your upcoming camps and 7-on-7 tournaments.

“Thanks you.”

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Photo credit: OCVarsity.com; No. 1 KJ Trujillo zeroes in on a receiver.

Photo credit: Trujillo family; KJ Trujillo at Cal.

Photo credit: Trujillo family; KJ Trujillo at Stanford.