Interview: 3-Star 2019 Colorado CB Commit KJ Trujillo Talks Upcoming Boulder Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When KJ Trujillo steps foot on the Buffaloes practice field to start his collegiate career, he will be bringing a wealth of experience with him to Colorado’s squad. Throughout his high school playing days, Trujillo has played against some of the best receivers and quarterbacks in the nation over the past three seasons, and against many he will see again and again in Pac-12 competition.

Trujillo played his first two seasons with Servite but is closing out his high school career with Orange Lutheran. The Lancers have been beset by injuries on both sides of the ball this season yet remain one of the more talented teams in the nation and in the feared Trinity League; a squad no team really wants to face come playoff time. One of the reasons to fear the Lancers, especially their defense, is Trujillo. Trujillo has taken his game as a corner to another level this season coming up with 26 stops, a pick, and has broken up eight passes in six games played.

Colorado landed Trujillo on May, 2, 2018, keeping him away from 12 other offers extended to the 6-1, 171-pound, defender to date. That relationship between recruit and coaching staff continues to grow. In April, the Buffaloes hosted Trujillo on his official and they will get to host him on an unofficial visit in November for the Washington State game.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the three-star rated recruit after he got to watch the Buffaloes in action against USC in the Coliseum over the weekend getting insight on his senior season and recruiting process with Colorado.

Interview

KJ, how is your game coming along during your senior season at corner?

“I feel that I am a lot stronger and faster, and I am playing with more confidence this season because of my strength and speed. It is showing on the field. The game is a lot slower for me this year.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skills?

“After working with Coach Fig (Premium 7v7) this offseason, that has helped me a lot this season. I played a lot of nickelback this offseason. Covering slot guys and guys of different sizes and speeds has helped my hips in coverage. I am more mobile and fluid. I can guard more routes now.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I’d say my best was probably the Centennial game. They didn’t really test me too much, but I had one pick in that game.”

On May 2, you verbally committed to Colorado, how has that relationship been building up over the months?

“The relationship is building well. I have had a great relationship with the coaching staff since they offered me. Now, I am getting to know them more in a relationship friendly way, not a recruiting relationship way.”

Are you helping recruiting guys to Boulder?

“I was helping recruit some DBs and skill players, but we are pretty full there. Now, I am getting to know the guys that are committed a little more. I know most all of them now.”

When did you take your official visit to Colorado?

“I took my official in April.”

Do you plan on going back up to Boulder this season for an unofficial to see a game?

“Yes. My next unofficial visit to Colorado is for the Washington State game (Nov. 10).”

There are many reasons to be excited for that visit, what all has you pumped about taking this unofficial visit for a game?

“I am excited to see the game day atmosphere. I am excited to be back there, I have not been to Boulder since April. I am ready to see the area again, see the atmosphere of the game, and talk to coaches and players.”

You got to see your team in person over the weekend playing against USC (in Los Angeles). It was a tough loss (31-20), but I am sure it was fun for you to see them in action. When you watched their defense, how do you see yourself fitting into their schemes?

“I like the way they are coached and I like the way the defensive backs play. They essentially have three defensive back coaches on staff. I like how Coach (Mike) MacIntyre, Coach (D.J.) Elliot (defensive coordinator), and Coach (Ashley) Ambrose (cornerbacks) play their defensive backs.”

You are an early enrollee, when do you officially make the move to Boulder?

“In December, I go up for orientation. I go back up a couple of days early in January, on Jan. 11, and enroll on the 14th.”

Back to football. OLU gets back on the field this Friday against Servite. What challenges will your old team give you guys on defense?

“Our coaches have not uploaded the game film yet. What I know of the, they are a young team.”

KJ, great catching up with you today. Good luck on Friday and with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; KJ Trujillo pre-game warm-ups