Interview: 11-Offer 3-Star 2022 Louisiana Standout Kailep Edwards Preparing for Big Season at Mike
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After earning first team All-District and Louisiana All-State honorable mention as a sophomore, a focus on the field and along the recruiting trail has come Kailep Edwards’ way. The 6-1, 225-pound, athlete was such an explosive player, West St. John High School was able to put him on the line as a defensive end/five-technique. Once the 2020 season gets going, the Rams’ three-star Class of 2022 standout will take the field at middle linebacker, a position where 11 programs have already offered him.
For an update on Edwards’ offseason workouts and recruiting process, we sat down for a detailed RNG interview.
Interview
Kailep, you were a beast on the outside for the Rams last season. Where did the coaches have you lining up and what all were you doing within the scheme?
I wasn’t lining up as an end, I was playing a five-tech really. I had the fastest hands on the team and my get off was quick, we were able to run different schemes. Sometimes I would go inside on a stunt and the tackle would go outside. We had schemes with the other defensive linemen that we were running. Now that I am moving, they are playing me at linebacker this season, they are using my athleticism in many different ways.
This was touched on a second ago, but going deeper, your initial step is deadly, by season’s end what were some of the other strengths to your overall game as a defender?
One of my strengths was being physical. In every practice I was not taking easy on the guys always going hard. My eyes were key to my play last season; my eyes were disciplined. Hitting was another strength. I did a lot of leg workouts starting last offseason working on getting that explosion in what I do. I have great closing speed. Last season I had a lot of rundown tackles.
What style of defense are the Rams running this season?
We are still running a 4-2 but we are also working on a 3-3 stack. That is what we’ve been focusing on since this summer.
You mentioned moving to linebacker, what new roles are you playing for the Rams in 2020?
The position I am being recruited for is middle linebacker, I will be playing that position this season. We will be blitzing a lot. They have me at inside linebacker for run support.
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on with the technical parts of your game?
Since this is my first year playing linebacker, I’ve been working on reading the guards and my eyes. It is different from being on the defensive line. I have also been working on my steps. In practice, I had a lot of bad reads off my feet at first. It is a big challenge, but I am up for it. My read steps and my angles to make good plays are what I have been working on the most.
What have you been doing to add more power and speed to your attack?
With my workouts, I have a new trainer. We’ve been working on my hips and how I land my feet. My trainer showed me video of Usain Bolt (Olympic sprinter). I watched how he picks his feet up and comes back quickly. We’ve been working on different movements with our feet, that plays a big part in my speed. I am one of the fastest players on my team now. I workout twice a day, been going hard in there. This season I am ready to show people I can get it.
The team picks up the 2020 season on Friday, Oct. 9, against Salmen High School. How excited are you to get the season going?
Actually, we begin on Oct. 2; they changed it last week. We are excited. We have a young team, but from watching us practice, the younger guys are competing hard every day. We are ready to get it and go get a state title.
What is the practice schedule for you guys now until the season begins?
We’ve been taking Mondays off and go the rest of the week. As the season gets closer, we will practice every day. We were supposed to put pads on for practice on Monday, but they may push it to Wednesday with the weather.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Ole Miss, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida, and Texas A&M.
Outstanding. How many offers have been given to you?
I have 11 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Tulane, Houston, and Memphis.
Edwards’ Offer Sheet: Colorado, Houston, Lamar, Louisiana, Memphis, Michigan State, Mississippi State, South Alabama, Southeastern Louisiana, and Tulane
Once the campuses open back up, are there any visits you’d like to take?
Yes, sir. I’d like to visit Michigan State, LSU – I love their campus, Houston, Colorado, and Memphis.
Are you competing in any other sports for West St. John?
Track.
Which events?
The shot, 4×1, and 4×4. I run the first leg in both of those events.
Kailep, it was great going over your workouts and recruiting today. I thank you for your time and hope you and the Rams have a successful season until we talk again.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Edwards family; Kaliep Edwards