Interview: Breakout Season Planned for 3-Star 2021 California WR Brody McKinnon
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When people take to social media essentially begging for fall sports to be played, there are many reasons for the demands and one of them is to benefit players like Brody McKinnon. McKinnon is a talented receiver for Los Angeles’ area Serra High School, but because the stats do not dazzle therefore McKinnon’s abilities have been overlooked. The 6-0, 185-pound, target was a third option in the Cavaliers passing attack in 2019 behind Arizona State signee LV Bunkley-Shelton and San Diego State signee Ron Gilliam. Gone is three-star field general Doug Brumfield (UNLV), but five-star quarterback Maalik Murphy is there to take over. The opportunity for McKinnon to showcase his talents as a No. 1 receiver against California Division 1/2 teams with an elite gunslinger delivering the rock is sure to draw a collegiate crowd.
In an RNG catch-up interview, McKinnon updates us on his offseason workouts and teams showing recruiting interest beyond his offer from BYU.
Interview
Brody, the Cavaliers mix it up in one of California’s toughest leagues, the Mission League. You’ve attended top camps and played 7v7 tournaments against top defensive backs from across the country. In comparison, what is it like as a receiver taking on Mission League defensive backs game after game?
It is pretty tough. A lot of those guys are experienced and have worked on their craft for a long time, it goes on and on. But I just get better from what they are giving me. If they lock me up, I learn from my mistakes and when I beat them, I learn from that as well.
When your junior season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a receiver?
My strengths at the end of the season were my blocking, not letting my teammates getting tackled easy, getting down the field, my hands and routes, and my IQ of defenses. I now have a different perspective of how defenses are from last season.
What style of offense were you guys executing and what were some of the routes you were running in 2019?
Our offense, it was different. We had first and second team quarterbacks go down last season and then we had our third-string quarterback come in. The routes I was running last season were streaks, outs, digs, slants, and posts.
Will there be any changes with the Cavs offense in 2020 and/or for you position wise?
Yeah, we are going into a Spread offense this year. I will be at Z instead of X. We have a lot of new players, a new lineman and new receiver that will be a big help.
The Cavs graduated two very talented skill players in Ron Gilliam and LV Bunkley-Shelton, with both of them off playing college football how will that open up opportunities for you in 2020?
It was a great learning experience with them, they both helped teach me the ropes. With them gone, it will open up my game. I can show everyone the type of receiver I can be when I am not the third option but now the top option.
The team also lost the tremendous arm talent of Doug Brumfield, but the team is fortunate enough to have five-star QB Maalik Murphy on the roster. How have you worked to develop chemistry with Murphy this offseason?
In the beginning of the offseason, Maalik and I and some of the other receivers would get together to throw, talk plays, and lift. We have been throwing more and more lately meeting twice a week to get that extra work in to be spot on for the season.
What have you been working on to improve the small parts of your game this offseason?
This offseason I have been working on getting bigger, stronger, and faster; that always needs to be improved. I have also been working on my routes, hands, my hips and change of direction with speed.
Speed, agility and athleticism are utmost for receivers, how have you worked to improve those parts of your game this summer?
I go to the Speed House in Crenshaw. They do a lot of speed work training working with your legs to get the power flowing. I also work with my trainer working on my explosion and getting the smaller muscles bigger.
When does fall camp start for the Cavs?
I think we start two weeks before the regular season. We really don’t know right now.
From what you’ve seen in limited workouts, how is the team looking for the 2020 season?
Our team is looking really good. A lot of people may think we will not be as strong with all the people we lost, but in reality we have the guys to fill spots perfectly. I am excited for this team. I think we will be very good.
With this extended offseason, what goals have you set for yourself before the season begins?
I am trying to get my weight up to 190, I want to be solid for the season, and I am trying to get my 40 down.
Before we close out, let’s talk recruiting. You have an offer from BYU, which schools are showing interest ahead of your senior season?
UNLV, Wyoming, Washington, and Boise State
Did you get to take any unofficial visits before the dead period began in March?
No. I was invited to a Boise State Junior Day this year, but it was cancelled because of the virus.
That, unfortunately, happened to so many seniors. Hopefully that will all change soon. Brody, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with the rest of your workouts this fall.
Thank you.
Photo credit: RNG; Brody McKinnon