Interview: Breakout Season on the Horizon for 2022 California WR Makai Smith
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: David Freker
Twitter: @DavidFreker
The high school football players who do it right lay down the foundation for success adding to their talents piece by piece, year by year. Down in San Diego, Makai Smith made the most out of his opportunities with La Jolla High School during the 2019 season establishing himself as a developing playmaker. The 6-0, 170-pound, speedster produced over 1,100 all-purpose yards with over 500 receiving and seven touchdowns, 300-plus rushing with four scores, and the rest of the yards coming on special teams as a return specialist.
The offseason for Smith has been busy with personal and team training along with 7v7 tournaments helping his team Dream Chasers earn a national top ranking after winning a Pylon tournament in Florida. Once the season gets going, college programs like San Diego State, UCLA, Colorado and other Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference programs are sure to up their levels of interest in the Class of 2022 recruit.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Smith goes into detail on all his offseason workouts with a look at what he may be doing on the gridiron this spring.
Interview
Makai, during the 2019 season you were hitting your stride as an offensive player in both the aerial and ground attack. In which ways were the Vikings’ coaches getting the ball into your hands?
One way they strategized for me was running the Spread. I was on the outside at the beginning of the season but I was not doing much. Then they moved me to slot, and then I became more versatile. I got the ball quicker and was making more plays. Moving to slot was the best thing I could have done playing receiver.
The concentration level you show when hauling in passes is unreal. Is that something that comes naturally or are you doing some sort of a drill to help you in those game situations?
I think about it as Madden, being aggressive and focusing on the ball. I always focus on the placement of my hands even with a DB in front of me making sure I am in bounds and focusing on catching the ball.
When your sophomore season was completed, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on offense?
A good question. One thing from my sophomore year that I did not have as much as I do now is my explosiveness and footwork. My ability getting off the line of scrimmage improved and became a strength. My biggest strength is outjumping the defender. No matter the size of the person, I am able to outjump him.
When the 2020 season gets going, where all will we see you on the field?
During the 2020 season, I will be playing little of everything: the slot, kick returner, last year I did not do much on punt return but hopefully I will this year, and corner. Last year played some corner. If I keep working hard, I might get some playing time if not start at corner. Hopefully you will see me in the backfield at running back some this year too.
How have you prepared this offseason for your role as a receiver?
My biggest preparation is my footwork, that is something I lacked last year. I have been working my receiver coach on everything. He is working with my footwork, my hands, and my get off with more explosion.
How have you prepared for possibly playing defense?
I work with a cornerback coach; he is my uncle. We try to work twice a week to get me comfortable with the basics and then we will see how it will translate from personal training to the season.
What have you been doing to further develop your speed and improve your agility?
I have a personal trainer for speed too. We do a lot of sand work, ladders, speed and agility drills. Some drills in the water too with water resistance stuff. Running in the sand has helped me a lot more for when I am on the field.
Did you run a 40 this offseason?
I ran one at a National Preps Camp, but no results have come back yet. My trainer worked with me on that. The main thing we focused on was knowing how to get out.
Are you playing 7v7 this offseason?
Yes. I am playing with Dream Chasers. We were just ranked No. 1 in the country. We went to Florida and won it all at a Pylon Tournament.
Very cool. Are you playing 11-on-11 padded club ball?
We signed up, but because of CIF, they said if we play, we would be suspended. After they said that, kids stopped playing.
Once the 2020 season gets going for you, what do you want to showcase on the field after all the hard work put into your game this offseason?
I want to showcase my speed and the work I have put into my game. I want to show how much bigger I have gotten and that my route running is a lot sharper than last year.
Makai, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the team success once the 2020 season gets going.
Thank you, sir.