Interview: Recruiting Process Heating Up for 4-Star 2021 Missouri QB Kaden McMullen
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There has been a trend on the field at Living World Christian High School. As the Eagles’ four-star (ESPN) quarterback goes, so goes the team. After splitting Missouri defenses for 2,206 yards with 23 scores as a sophomore during the Eagles’ 4-6 run, Kaden McMullen took the team on his arm and legs for a 7-5 campaign. Along the way the 6-3, 200-pound, dual-threat rushed 51 times for 347 yards with seven touchdowns while throwing for 2,578 yards with 20 more scores. Living World is off to a 4-4 start in 2020 with their talented QB doing all he can and more getting the team ready for the playoffs by throwing for 1,455 yards and 18 touchdowns with 316 yards on the ground off 61 totes with four trips into the end zone.
With five offers on the table and fresh off an academic campus tour at Northern Iowa, McMullen stopped by the RNG Lab for an update interview.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Kaden McMullen
Interview
Kaden, you have started out on a blistering pace this season picking apart Missouri defenses averaging 182 passing yards per game. What’s working for you leading to the great success with your arm?
I think we started off a little slow. We could not get all our practices in because of COVID. My chemistry is there with my receivers and the offensive line has been amazing. We are all on the same page with everything.
When you are dropping back, what coverages are you seeing this season?
We’ve been seeing Cover 3 and 4. We have speed on the outside, they don’t want to face us one on one. Right now, we are doing great on all levels.
Your ground game is as strong as ever, about 30 yards shy of your total last season. What’s the difference in your abilities as a dual-threat from last season to this year?
At the end of last year, we added more QB design runs. That added another level to our offense keeping defenses on their toes. We are able to do more concepts out of it.
How are you preparing for each game?
With COVID it has been different. On Monday we have a practice for the offense and Tuesday is for the defense. Wednesday is a full practice when we do 7v7 and offense verses defense. Thursday is our walkthrough and then Friday is game day. On Saturday we are going over film and Sunday is a rest day.
Putting it all together, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your talents in 2020?
Last year I did a good job of extending plays, this year I have focused on my speed and strength, and breaking tackles, I have done well so far. at that I am getting better each week, but we still have a long way to go. I am limiting turnovers. As a team, we are not turning the ball over. We had problems with that last year. I try to keep my defense off the field for as long as possible.
The Eagles are on a four-game winning streak after defeating Westminster Christian 38-27. How did the team look in the win?
Our defense had some struggles, but the offense was able to score a lot of points. It was a point battle game. Our offense was able to win that battle.
Another big challenge is ahead on Friday with Moberly (7-1) coming to town. What kind of game are you expecting from the Spartans?
It will be a physical game. They are about an hour to two away from us, they are a St. Louis area team. We are ready for that game. We feel that we can matchup with them well. I feel like we have more speed. I feel like we can run around them.
Let’s get into some recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
Five.
McMullen’s Offer Sheet: Alabama A&M, Idaho, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, and Tennessee-Martin
Which schools are showing interest?
Southern Miss and Tennessee State.
Did you get to take any virtual visits over the summer?
No, but I am getting back from a school tour, not athletic an athletic visit, from Northern Iowa.
That’s cool. How did that campus visit go?
It was good. I like the school and the campus. I have a good relationship with the staff at Norther Iowa.
Do you have any other planned visits coming up?
Not right now, but I expecting some in the future.
Where are you in your recruiting process as a senior? Do you have a commitment date in mind?
I have been thinking about it. It could be coming soon but I am not making any promises about that now. It could be coming sooner than later.
However it works best for you, I understand. Kaden, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Eagles success with the rest of your season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: McMullen family; Kaden McMullen