Interview: 2019 California RB McKel Broussard Set for Big Breakthrough Season in 2018

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

 

No other way to express what is happening into words other than to share – all the pieces are coming together for McKel Broussard. The Class of 2019 running back/athlete was strategically worked into Notre Dame High School’s offense during the 2017 campaign giving glimpses of coming attractions. One can bet based off his junior season productivity, if used to the fullest extent of his abilities, Broussard will be a fast-rising prospect up Division-I boards in 2018.

Notre Dame High School posted a 6-5 record in 2017 playing out of the always tough Mission League. The Knights were a young but scrappy team this year at the skill positions taking some lumps that will turn to lessons learned in an already highly anticipated 2018 season. Executing a run-first offense, the Knights grounded-and-pounded on the way to 30 points per game on average with a rushing attack that collected 230 yards per contest. Playing behind senior tailback Noah Taylor, Broussard took advantage of his opportunities.

The 6-0, 182 pound, athlete was used on both sides of the ball but shinned brightest on offense. After rushing for 451 yards off 80 carries with six touchdowns and pulling in 19 passes for 334 yards with four more trips into the end zone Broussard earned second team All-Mission League honors. His overall athleticism was further showcased on defense coming up with an estimated stat line of 30 tackles, a sack, and two passes picked off playing corner, safety, and some nickel. If that was not enough, he pushed the stat sheet on special teams racking up 300 kick return yards.

Beyond being athletic, a closer look at Broussard shows an emerging talent on offense capable of lining up in the backfield, in the slot, and at receiver at the collegiate level. He is quick, shifty – a one cut and gone kind of runner, with good open-field speed aided by great field vision. The spring and summer months will prove to be of utmost importance for Broussard allowing him extended opportunities to display his gifts on the 7v7 circuit, at national combines, and at college camps. All leading to what should be an explosive senior season in Sherman Oaks, California, for Broussard.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Broussard covering his junior year on the gridiron, his offseason plans, and his growing recruiting interests.

Interview

McKel, it seems to me that it would easier to list off the positions you did not play in 2017, but just to make sure all our bases are covered, where all did you line up during your junior year?

“Running back, receiver, in the slot, corner, safety, and nickel.”

Which position is your favorite?

“I’d say receiver.”

What type of offense does Notre Dame run?

“We’re mostly a running team. We pound it up the middle and make you quit. We do it all out of the Spread offense.”

How are your athletic talents used within the offense?

“We run some two-back sets. They would run fly sweeps with me and in between the tackle runs, or have a specific play for me in the slot. They want to give me the ball in areas where I can go one-on-one with the defender.”

You had a significant bump in playing time this season solidifying yourself as one of the key playmakers on the Knights’ offense. How did your game evolve over the course of the season into that featured playmaker role?

“It evolved to another level when I was moved to receiver. I could get in the open field and make people miss. It is easier for me to beat a linebacker or safety one-on-one than trying to run over a 300-pound defensive lineman. I could use my quickness on the outside to make plays.”

Which parts of your game do you consider to be the strengths of your game?

“Catching the ball, running after contact, and being patient with my blocks. I see things before it happens. In the passing game, I can anticipate where the ball will be and go get it. My route running, speed, quickness, and field vision are all strengths of my game.”

What was the playoff run like for you this year?

“It did not go as planned, we lost in first round (Calabasas), but I tried my best. I feel like next year we will go farther. We will be more talented and have more tools to use next season. The mindset will be different for the team in 2018.”

Every game presents opportunities to learn and improve one’s game especially in the playoffs, was there anything that you took away from the Calabasas game that will help you next season or drive you through your offseason workouts?

“Yes. I need to stop looking at the dudes that have 5- and 4-stars. I have to play how I know how to play. I have to wipe it all off and play my game no matter who we are going against on the field.”

It may be too early to know, but will your role on offense expand next year, and might we see you on defense?

“I think my role on offense will expand. I think I will get the ball more. I like to help my team, I want to do whatever I can to help us win. I will step it up in every area – on defense, offense, and special teams. I am expecting my role to expand a lot.”

Which areas of your game will you focus on during your offseason workouts?

“I will focus on my footwork, a lot of footwork, expanding my route running to the outside, and being quicker in and out of the breaks. I’ll work on cornerback drills as well.”

Have you already started an offseason workout program, if so, what is your routine?

“Yes. I am working with Team Dime (Danny Hernandez).”

Are you eyeing any camps or combines yet?

“As of right now, I am planning on going to the Nike Opening Regional in Los Angeles. We’ll see how the college camps play out.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Utah, Washington State, Washington, San Jose State, and Cal Poly.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I have taken a couple to UCLA.”

Are you playing any varsity level sports for Notre Dame this winter or spring?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, 400, 4×1, and 4×4.”

That’s a lot of events. How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.0 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No, not yet.”

Are you doing any community service work?

“Yes, sir. I’m working with Green Bags helping the homeless. We pack lunches and care packages for the homeless and deliver them to those in need.”

Very nice. Last question. After showing out all over the field in 2017 earning second team All-Conference honors, what are you goals for next season?

“My goal is to make first team All-League, earn All-CIF honors, and win a league CIF championship.”

I like it. McKel, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see McKel Broussard’s Hudl highlight reel

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Photo credits: The Daily News; No. 24 McKel Broussard in action