Interview: 4-Star 2020 RB Kendall Milton Ready to Tear California Squads Apart in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Much of the preseason hype at any level of football is predicated on the thought and idea that individuals improve from one season to another pushing their skillset forward. The same mentality reaches into recruiting taking what a player has done on the field in one year with a projected path forward based on hard work, determination, and game performance. With Class of 2020 running back Kendall Milton, the future is as bright as he wants it to be.

Football fans, and college scouts alike, got a glimpse of coming attractions with Milton during the 2016 campaign. The 6-1.5, 205 pound, talent helped Buchanan High School to a 7-5 record rushing for 478 yards off 65 carries with six scores in stats posted through eight games. The full effect of Milton as an every down back comes into focus knowing he pulled in seven passes for 101 additional yards with another trip to the end zone.

Appreciation for Milton’s budding abilities goes beyond the Clovis (CA) area fan base. Milton has 10 scholarship offers set before him entering his sophomore season. Those with an eye for his talents includes USC, Washington, UCLA, Oregon State, San Jose State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Arizona, Utah, and BYU. As Milton roughs up Central Section Division opposition in 2017, the list of offers is expected to expand quickly with teams like Washington, Penn State, and Notre Dame already showing interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the four-star rated recruit, the No. 5 overall tailback in the 2020 class (247Sports), covering his offseason workouts, recruitment, and his upcoming season.

Interview

Kendall, which areas of your game did you fine-tune over the summer?

“This year I saw a big increase in speed. Last year I knew I could showcase my talents at a high level but my speed was not great. I have seen a big increase in my speed during scrimmages. I’m able to pull away from defenders much easier now.”

On the practice field or in the weight room, what areas of your physical abilities were your focus?

“My trainer at Sports Academy and I worked on extending my runs, my routes, and bouncing through holes faster. I did a lot of jump setting trying to perfect that area of my game.”

On the recruiting trail, you were recently ranked as the No. 5 tailback in the 2020 class by 247Sports. Congrats.

“Thank you.”

What are your thoughts on the ranking?

“While most people would be proud of the ranking, I am striving for No. 1. I want to be at that top. I will keep working until No. 1 is mine.”

Do you feel any added pressure from the high-ranking status?

“For me, the ranking sounds good, but the ranking is not always about your game. I have been told a lot about the rankings come from camp performance not necessarily about how good you are on the field. I try not to pay too much attention to the rankings. I’m just ready to play.”

Did you attend any college camps this summer?

“I attend an Azusa Pacific camp with Arizona State, Boise State, Washington, Fresno, and Utah State coaches there.”

What did you do well at that camp to catch the eye of college coaches?

“The coaches that I talked to after the camp said I was a Top 2 running back there. That was a great compliment with guys like Sean Dollars (Rancho Cucamonga) there. The Fresno State linebacker coach, Coach (Bert) Watts, had me line up at linebacker for a juking drill. He said I was arguably the top linebacker at the camp even if I did not go there as a linebacker. Because of that, this year I will be playing linebacker and running back.”

From the camp, what did you learn that will help you during your sophomore season?

“One of the biggest things I learned was staying low. Being a big back, I go through the hole high sometimes. I have applied that to my work this offseason.”

Kendall, you are up to 10 offers now and got two big offers from USC (June 19) and Washington (July 14) over the summer. What was it like getting offers from the two Pac-12 powerhouse programs?

“The offer from USC, that was really big for me. I grew up watching USC. I am a big fan of their program. That was a big offer for me. The Washington offer, Washington is a powerhouse program too. Their performance in the playoffs was big. When I spoke with Coach (Chris) Petersen (head coach), he said they recruit good people not just good athletes to Washington. That stood out to me.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you now but have not offered?

“Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Florida State, and Oregon.”

Do you have any planned visits for the fall?

“None so far. I’m focused on the season right now.”

Let’s turn towards the 2017 season, how does Buchanan look so far in fall camp?

“This is probably one of the best teams they have ever had. We have a transfer from Clovis, a three-star defensive back, and a quarterback transfer from Clovis North. Our receivers are all hard workers. On the defensive side of the ball, I think we will be top in our section. We have a great linebacker corps and our D-line gets good push up field.”

How will the coaches utilize your athleticism on the field in 2017 on offense?

“Playing running back, last year I was new to varsity football. I did not show all that I can do on the field. Now I know the speed and physical nature of varsity football. The coaches will use me at running back and at slot to get me in the open field so I can get loose. Playing multiple positions has been fun.”

You mentioned earlier about playing linebacker this year, how will the coaches use you on defense?

“At outside linebacker. It has been fun coming off the edge, making big hits, and getting to the ball.”

Are you starting at linebacker?

“No, sir. Since I am starting on offense the coaches are rotating me in on defense.”

Are you excited about playing linebacker this year?

“Yes! I have not been on defense for a while. It is fun to make contact and get the big hits.”

Are there any games you are pumped to play right now?

“I am pumped for every game, but my Top 3 are Clovis North, Clovis West, and Central.”

What goals have you set for your sophomore year?

“One of the main goals is to help my team get to Valley Championship. I want to make MaxPreps’ 2020 All-American list and average 150 yards per game. That would be a big accomplishment for me.”

Kendall, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Kendall Milton at UCLA

Photo credit: Milton family; Kendall Milton at Washington with Coach Petersen.