Interview: 3-Star 2019 RB McKel Broussard Providing Leadership and Athleticism for Notre Dame
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Easy to see, even from afar, that 2019 Notre Dame High School all-around athlete McKel Broussard is the complete package. A hard worker in the classroom and on the field, Broussard is blossoming into more than just an impact player on the field, he is also helping lead the Knights to a winning season. After a tough 0-2 start to the 2018 schedule, Broussard has rallied the Knights to a three-game winning streak picking up needed momentum heading into the heart of Mission League play.
During the 2017 season, Broussard was instant offense on the gridiron toting the rock 80 times for 451 yards with six scores while pulling in 19 passes for 334 more yards with four more trips into the end zone. He even provided great field position for the Knights returning kicks for 300 more yards. After dabbling a little on defense as a junior, he is applying his speed and knowledge of the game for the Knights against opposing offenses during his senior year. But, his bread and butter, where he can truly showcase his blazing 4.43 laser-timed speed is on offense. The 6-0, 188-pound, athlete has picked up 107 yards on the ground off 14 totes with four scores and has hauled in 13 passes for another 127 yards.
Word is slowly getting out on the Los Angeles area recruit with offers extended from Florida Atlantic, Eastern Washington, and Rice with a long list of schools showing interest including LSU and Texas.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the three-star rated recruit to see how his game is developing during his senior year with an update on his recruiting.
*Click link for June 1, 2018, RNG interview with McKel Broussard
Interview
McKel, the Knights started the season out with tough losses to Saint Francis and Moorpark but have rebounded to win three in a row. Was there a change in the mindset of the team to turn things around?
“Yes. The mindset changed dramatically. I took responsibility. I told everyone on the team that we have to get better. In practice, I made them practice harder. We have prepared better for the last three games and now we are winning. I am hoping to keep it going through the rest of the season.”
During the winning streak, what has been working for you guys on offense?
“Our passing game was working well, and now our run game is improving. Our running backs are running hard. There is not one way to stop us now. We can attack and score with our passing and ground attack.”
You are filling that true all-purpose role as a kick and punt returner and running the ball while running routes. With all that you do, where are you making the biggest impact on the field this year?
“That is a hard question. I feel I am making an impact in all phases of the game – scoring, making tackles, returning kicks… I am pretty equal all around and I am okay with that.”
You have documented blazing speed, have you had a chance to truly turn on the jets this year?
“I have not had a chance to in the open field on offense. On defense I have been able to show it by going across field and tackling people. I have showed my speed on defense this year.”
How are the Knights coaches utilizing your abilities on offense this year?
“They are using me at Wildcat, slot-back, on sweeps, and sometimes on the outside running routes. Everywhere on offense, that is where I will be.”
I like that. Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game overall this year?
“Overall, on defense I am seeing the most improvement. I am being effective out there. I am stronger, quicker, and more aware.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“The Paraclete game was my best. I had two touchdowns and some long runs. Defensively, it was against San Fernando. I had five tackles and two tackles for a loss in that game.”
Where all are you playing on defense this year?
“I am lining up at outside linebacker, strong safety, and some at corner.”
You guys get another tough game on Friday matching up with Serra (Gardena), what kind of game are you expecting from their defense?
“I am expecting a tight defense. I am expecting them to key on me. I know our offense is very strong right now, we can find a way to beat them. It will be a challenge, they are very athletic.”
Going into recruiting. From our last interview, you had a lot of schools showing recruiting interest, which schools are showing the most interest right now without having extended an offer yet?
“LSU and Texas are the main ones.”
Have you taken any unofficial or official visits over the summer months to date?
“Yes. I took an unofficial visit to Rice and Texas this summer. I have not taken any official visits yet.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“None as of today, but I will start making some sooner or later.”
As a senior with great offers on the table, what is most important for you when filtering through the options that will influence where you go to college?
“What is most important for me are the coaches view of me and how they interact with me. I want to feel like a family. I want my experience playing college football to be more than just football. I also want to have a chance to play. If I cannot play, I will not go there.”
For those out there reading this interview that do not know you, what type of student-athlete is McKel Broussard?
“I am a student-athlete who works really hard and puts it all on the table to win. I love the game. I am a good athlete, and I am a good player. I but a lot of effort into the classroom. I know school is first. I try hard in everything that I do.”
McKel, always great catching up with you. Good luck on Friday and with the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
