Interview: 5-Star 2020 RB Kendall Milton Talks Oregon Visit with Recruiting Update

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The five-star status says it all, but it is still fun to talk about the talents of Class of 2020 running back Kendall Milton. The 6-2, 220-pound, back came up through the California high school ranks as a speed back making defenses look foolish and added more power to his running style during his junior season showing he can beat a team anyway he so chooses. After a sophomore year with 1,514 yards on the ground with 23 scores and eight passes caught for 117 yards with two more trips into the end zone, the Buchanan High School standout rushed 174 times for 1,337 yards scoring the rock 27 times in 2018. The race is on along the recruiting trail for his signature come National Signing Day 2020.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Milton covering his 2018 campaign, recruiting process that includes 41 offers, with an update on his most recent visit to Oregon.

*Click link for Oct. 8, 2018, RNG interview with Kendall Milton

Interview

Kendall, you put together another fantastic season rushing for over 1,300 yards. Looking at film of you from your sophomore year to your junior year, how has your game evolved?

“This year I dealt with an ankle injury early on, I could not make all the same cuts. My physicality level jumped up fighting for more yards. That was the biggest thing. It was a good thing, it helps prepare for college and next season.”

Did you do anything differently throughout the 2018 season to prepare for any given game?

“No. I did the same thing as last year. On game day, I did the same things with teammates and listening to music. All the same stuff. During the week, I watched a lot of film, just like my sophomore year, to prepare. I kept the same strategy because it is working.”

You carry the rock a lot, how do you take care of your body during the season to stay as fresh as possible and to rebound quickly from one game to the next?

“I take ice baths after every practice and I receive cryotherapy treatments almost every other day during the season.”

What is cryotherapy like?

“It is cool. It is cold, but it helps.”

Which game during the 2018 season was your best?

“I would probably pick the De La Salle.”

Why do you consider that to be your best game?

“I had three touchdowns and 160 yards rushing.”

That is a very good game against a very good team.

“Thank you.”

With the three years of varsity experience behind you, what goals have you set for your senior year?

“I am focusing on staying healthy so I can maintain statistical expectations. I plan to be over 1,500 yards with 30 touchdowns next season.”

What are you going to work on this spring to help push you to achieve your goals?

“I am working hard on the field and in the gym to get better.”

Going into recruiting, for a top recruit such as yourself, when college coaches are allowed to contact you about how many text messages, direct messages, and/or phone calls are you receiving per day?

“I am receiving around 10 to 12 messages per day.”

How do you handle all of the attention from coaches?

“For me, I usually get the messages in the morning. I check my messages around noon during my free time. I contact them when I can.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 41 offers.”

Nice. Did you get a chance to visit any of the schools recruiting you during the season?

“Yes. I visited UCLA during the season and Oregon over the weekend.”

How did the UCLA visit go?

“I made the visit for the game against Fresno State; my brother plays for Fresno State. It was not a full visit, but it was nice to get around their coaches again.”

How did the Oregon visit over the weekend go?

“It was a great visit. I had a great time; they showed me nothing but love. I am glad I made it up there.”

I’m sure the pressure is on with different coaches wanting to know if they are among your top schools. Have you started thinking about releasing a top schools list or something akin?

“I don’t plan on releasing a top schools list. I am planning on releasing my official visit list, that will be my top schools list.”

Do you have a date in mind when you may release your official visits list?

“I have no set plans or dates yet.”

Kendall, as always, I appreciate your time today and wish you good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Milton’s Offer Sheet (41): USC, Georgia, Alabama, Miami, Washington, UCLA, Ohio State, Oregon, Arizona State, Baylor, Oregon State, San Jose State, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Arizona, Utah, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, BYU, Colorado, Washington State, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Florida State, and Florida

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Photo credit: Milton family; Kendall Milton at Oregon and with head coach Mario Cristobal