One to Watch Interview with 2020 California CB Dante Kimbrough
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every high school football player taking the field this season as a senior with a dream extending to the next level is playing a different game than all the underclassmen on the field. This holds true for Class of 2020 Antelope Valley High School corner Dante Kimbrough. Kimbrough grew into his own during his junior season with the Antelopes coming up with 19 tackles, 16 solo, two tackles for a loss, and recovered two fumbles. With a limited time ahead to showcase his skills to next level scouts, the 5-9, 175-pound, athlete is taking to the field on a mission on defense and further displaying his competitive spirit on offense as a slot receiver.
After all the hard work put into his game over the offseason with the Antelopes and on the 7v7 circuit, and with interest coming in from Utah and Fresno State, I sat down with Kimbrough for an update on the start to his senior season.
Interview
Dante, you are three games into your senior season. What are the emotions for you each time you step on the field going on the last ride with the Antelopes?
“I step on the field each time like it is my last game. I give it my all. I play to get somewhere with my life and to help my mom out of the situation she is in.”
Understood. Every senior season is a big one, for yourself included. How did you prepare for the 2019 schedule over the offseason?
“Over the summer, I went to a lot of practices, worked hard in the weight room, did a lot of footwork drills, and competed in some 7v7 tournaments.”
Who did you train with outside of practices with Antelope Valley?
“I worked with my DB coach from Formula 4 Speed.”
What did you guys work on to get you ready for the season?
“We worked on agility and conditioning.”
Did you also play 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed?
“Yes.”
How did the 7v7 action help raise the level of your game?
“It helped me recognize plays and route trees better. It helped me with my footwork and with my hand movements to throw at receivers. I learned a lot on what to do and what not to do.”
Did you compete at any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to a Cal-Lutheran satellite camp.”
How did the performance go?
“I did well. I got about five to six reps in at that camp. There were a lot of people there.”
Do you compete in any sports outside of football?
“Yes. I run track.”
Which events?
“The long and triple jump.”
What are your best distances in both events?
“In the triple my best is 34-feet and in the long jump it is 21-feet.”
Watching game reel on you from last season, it looks like you guys were running some man and zone packages in the secondary. Which coverages are you guys running this season?
“We are running the same coverages – Cover 2 and a lot of man coverage this season.”
Are you getting time in on offense this season?
“I am playing slot and getting some time in at running back.”
How is the action on that side of the ball going?
“It is going well. I got some big plays in at slot already this season.”
Nice. At this point in your career, what do you feel are the strengths to your game on defense?
“I feel that my footwork is good, my hand-eye coordination is good, and in man I am excellent at that.”
Is there an area of your play as a corner that gets overlooked?
“Yes. I feel because I am a smaller corner, they overlook me in general. Teams try to pick on me but I am ready for it. My hitting is another part of my game that gets overlooked.”
What goals have you set for your senior year both on and off the field?
“Off the field, I want to graduate with a 3.8 or 4.0 GPA. On the field, I want to break record the single-game school record for picks.”
What is the record?
“The record is four picks in one game.”
Dante, I appreciate your time today and wish you success this season on the field overall and in achieving the goals set.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 6 Dante Kimbrough