Interview: Interest for 4-Star 2018 Florida CB Ken Montgomery Continues to Grow

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Respect on the gridiron can be found and come in several different ways. No matter how frustrating it maybe for said player, but if opposing offensive coordinators purposefully put a game plan together with the primary focus being go the other way – said player is elite. When those actions are backed up by next level offers, the fears of others have been galvanized by college coaches believing in that player. All of these actions fit Class of 2018 Florida cornerback Ken Montgomery Jr. perfectly.

Montgomery spent his sophomore season being tested time and time again only to come out on top against 6A competition. The then budding Hillsborough High School star proved to be a lockdown corner who made opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators pay for coming his way. During the 2016 season, the Terriers went 8-2 with a tough first round playoff loss to Lake Gibson (21-14). Montgomery’s stat line did not overwhelm further proving he was doing his job shutting down offenses forcing teams to go the other way. When his junior season was completed, Montgomery had at least 30 tackles, 10 passes broken up, and two forced fumbles. The 10 passes broken up might be all the passes that came to his side of the field this season.

College coaches have jumped all over the Tampa area talent with 23 total offers laid out in front of him. Some of the teams in the mix includes Arkansas, Oklahoma, USC, Penn  State, Louisville, Tennessee, South Florida, Duke, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, Temple, and Duke. The push is on for coaches to sell their program to Montgomery in hopes of securing his verbal commitment and his signature on National Signing Day in 2018.

In an end of season wrap up interview, I sat down with Montgomery going over his growth on the field during his junior season while getting an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Ken, you guys went 8-2 this season. Were you happy with how the 2016 season turned out?

“Yeah, we made it to the playoffs. I didn’t get much action. It was kind of boring, but it was fun seeing my teammates do well.”

Oklahoma was the latest team to offer with that offer coming on Christmas Day. How did the Sooners offer you?

“Actually they offered me last spring but I did not know about it. They are just now telling me.”

Since you visited Arkansas on Nov. 3 you have had a lot of coaches dropping by to see you. Who all has visited you?

“North Carolina, Alabama, UCF (Central Florida), Oregon State, USF (South Florida), and Indiana. After the dead period, other schools will start coming by.”

Which schools have said they will come by to see you?

“Pretty much every school that I just mentioned and that has offered. Some of the other schools are Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia, Alabama, Vanderbilt, USF, Arkansas of course, and a couple other schools.”

Before the dead period were any schools showing more interest over the others?

“All the schools that have offered me were all showing a lot of interest.”

Have you set up unofficial visits for next year yet?

“During the spring I want to go to Arkansas. I want to make some Junior Days. I will probably go to a couple of them.”

Which ones are you thinking about attending?

“A bunch of them. I’m not sure yet.”

Are there a group of recruits who are really pushing or advocating for you to commit to their school?

“Yeah, Connor Noland (2018 QB) for Arkansas and Isaiah Bolden (2018 DB) from FSU.”

How is your off-season going so far?

“Our basketball team is 9-2.”

What is your stat line so far in basketball?

“I’m averaging eight or nine points a game about four rebounds.”

Have you gotten any poster dunks yet?

“Yeah, I have a couple of put-back dunks.”

How do you describe your basketball game for those that have never seen you play?

“I’m athletic and the fundamental type.”

Are you planning on any spring sports?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The long jump and triple jump.”

What are your goals in track?

“I want to long jump around 23 or 23 feet. In triple jump I want 43 or 44 feet.”

Are there any bowl games coming up you are excited to see?

“Arkansas and Virginia Tech. I can’t think of all of them off the top of my head. That is one that I remember.”

Who is your pick for the National Championship?

“Alabama.”

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

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Tampa Bay Times; No. 15 Ken Montgomery at practice

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 15 Ken Montgomery