Interview: 2018 Chaminade 4-Star DT Mykee Irving could be Working Towards Offers on Offense

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The true heart of a football player is to do whatever one can to get on the field as often as possible to help his team out. That team first mentality is something Mykee Irving has and something that could potentially earn him more college opportunities than he imagined.

One way or another, Irving will be taking his talents to the collegiate level if nothing else but as a defensive tackle. The Chaminade standout had somewhere between 75 to 85 tackles during his sophomore year crunching opposing California offenses. Irving was a regular in the opposition’s backfield taking on double-teams routinely to make a play overpowering whoever tried to stand in his way.

Irving got some time in last year on offense at left guard and left tackle springing open holes for another top Class of 2018 recruit, four-star running back T.J. Pledger. Pledger ripped defenders for 1,331 yards finding the end zone 26 times last year running behind a line featuring his mauling 6-4, 305 pound, classmate.

The Eagles have added another four-star weapon to their roster, Class of 2018 quarterback Brevin White. When Irving is not handing out grass stains on defense, he will be protecting his quarterback’s blindside and removing defenders from the line of scrimmage for one of the top running backs in the nation.

Irving alone would be reason enough to pull colleges from all over the country to Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley during the 2016 season. But with a roster lined with next level potential, expect to see a lot of guys in khaki pants with college logos on their shirts at Eagles’ games this year. Expect to see Irving quickly add to his one offer from UCLA after the first couple games on the schedule.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Irving covering his sophomore year, off-season workouts, and recruitment to date.

Interview

Mykee, you played on both sides of the ball in the trenches last year. Do you see yourself as an offensive lineman or as a defensive lineman?

“A defensive lineman.”

Will you continue to play offense this year?

“Yes. I’m playing some left guard and left tackle this year. I’ll be all over the place.”

Are we going to see you at fullback blowing open goal line holes for TJ?

“No, but that would be fun.”

Do you know your defensive stats from last season?

“I don’t know them exactly. I think I averaged seven to eight tackles a game and two or three tackles per loss per game – maybe more. I really don’t know.”

At defensive tackle, what are some of the strong parts in your game?

“I do well on my pass rushing over powering the lineman, throwing him out of the way, and getting to the quarterback. I do a little bit of everything. With my run stop, I can clog the hole, take on blockers, and shed them to stop the play.”

Have you set any personal or team goals for this season yet?

“I want to make it past the first two rounds of the playoffs and make state. I want to be All-League first team and All-State on defense or on offense.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“I went to a UCLA, Washington, and Michigan camp. At the Michigan camp I did not participate.”

How did the UCLA camp go for you?

“I got offered at their camp.”

That’s fantastic. What are some of the things you did well during the UCLA camp to help earn that offer?

“I showed my speed, my elusiveness, strength, and my handwork.”

How did the Washington camp go for you?

“It went well. I was 17-0 during my one-on-one drills. They moved me up to the highest age group to see what I could do there too.”

Did you get to visit the campus at the Washington camp?

“I did. It was amazing.”

You have an offer from UCLA, which other schools are showing interest in you right now?

“I’m receiving interest from USC, Washington, SDSU (San Diego State), Michigan, and a lot of Pac-12 schools.”

Do you have any planned visits for the season?

“After the season I’m planning on going to UCLA, USC, and some other west coast schools.”

How did your sophomore year end up in the classroom?

“I had a 3.233 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

Do you play any other sports for Chaminade?

“I played basketball.”

How did the season go for you?

“It went pretty good.”

Have you maxed out on any football lifts this off-season?

“I have – my bench is 275, squat 385, and power-clean is 235.”

Nice. Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“My best was a 5-flat.”

That’s really good.

“Thank you.”

Chaminade is loaded this year with talent. How do you guys look going into the season?

“We look great. We are coming together as a team. We have our first team scrimmage tomorrow (Thursday). I think we will be the team to beat this season.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are excited to play this year?

“Oaks Christian (Aug. 26), St. Bonaventure (Sept. 2), Serra (Sept. 23), and Alemany (Oct. 7) are all hype for me.”

Mykee, thanks for your time today and good luck with the 2016 season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: hudl.com; Mykee Irving post-game 2015.

Photo credit: scout.com; Mykee Irving UCLA jersey.