Interview: 3-Star 2020 Makell Esteen Covers Recruiting and Upcoming UCLA Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Lawndale Cardinals had a season to remember in 2018 posting a 14-2 mark with a run through the CIF playoffs and capturing a California state title. A championship run cannot happen without players across the board stepping up taking on adversity game after game, snap after snap. One of the key players for the Cardinals in 2018 who made a difference on both sides of the ball was Makell Esteen.

Esteen earned post season honors with his play on defense lining up at corner and free safety during his junior season taking home All-State Junior and first team All-CIF awards after coming up with 90 tackles, 55 solo, eight tackles for a loss, 19 passes defended, and eight interceptions in stats posted through 15 games. The 6-2, 178-pound, playmaker added the athlete label to his resume by snagging 21 passes for 358 yards with six trips to the end zone.

Beyond the accolades for his play on the field, college coaches have added their own honors to Esteen’s growing list of accomplishments securing 13 scholarship offers. The offerees include Cal, USC, Utah, Nevada, Arizona State, Oregon State, Arizona, Utah State, Washington, Oregon, Fresno State, and Washington State with interest growing beyond Mountain West and Pac-12 schools.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with Esteen covering his season, spring workouts, and unofficial visit to UCLA in an in-depth one-on-one interview.

Interview

Makell, the 2018 season was a great one for the Cardinals winning a CIF championship and state. What was the run like for you personally?

“It felt great. It was great playing with my boys, the seniors, I will miss them when they are gone.”

Through all the tough games in the playoffs, which game was your personal best?

“I would say the San Juaquin Memorial game (state championship game – Cardinals won 20-12).”

Why was that game your best?

“I had to make big plays. It was a big game and a big setting, I had to make everything count. I had a pick, a touchdown that was called back, and I made some big tackles.”

You had a great pick-six last season covering about 95 yards, but you had an athletic pick on what I will call a bubble-rub route. You show speed, headiness, and athleticism with your play, what other words should I use to describe your overall play on the field?

“Aggressive, physical, smart, talented, and very humble.”

I like that. What was the biggest difference in your play on the field from your sophomore to junior season?

“I went deep into press technique in the offseason to improve my game. My covering, breaking down, ball skill, and speed were a big difference for me during my junior year.”

With all that you do on the field, how did you prepare for a game during the season?

“I prepared by practicing hard every day, watching film – a lot of film, lifting weights on Tuesday and Thursday, and having a great coaching staff help me prepare.”

Of all the positions you play, which position do you like playing the most?

“Cornerback.”

Which areas of your game are you focused on improving on before your senior year?

“I am focused on looking like a college football player. I am working on my agility, speed, and weight training.”

Which 7v7 team are you playing with this spring?

“I am playing 7v7 with Premium.”

How is playing with Premium helping take your game to another level?

“Playing with Premium pushes us to be better. There is a lot of talent on that team. We are pushing each other to be better.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Michigan.”

Nice. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 13 offers.”

Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?

“Yes. I am going to UCLA on Sunday and I plan on visiting Oregon and Washington.”

What has you excited about visiting UCLA?

“This will be my first unofficial visit. For me, it will be great to go to a hometown school for a visit. I am excited for the visit.”

Makell, it was great learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate you taking time for the interview and wish you luck on your visit.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Twitter; No. 7 Makell Esteen touchdown