One to Watch Interview with 2021 California CB/WR Skai Donnell
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Very few sophomores get to make an impact at the highest levels of competition in their respective states, especially in California, and in all three phases of the game. When the 2018 season kicked off for Mission Hills High School, Skai Donnell (5-7, 156) was the athletic guy on the spot ready to do whatever it took for his team to win. He started out at safety before being moved over to corner finishing the year with 54 tackles, 36 solo, with two interceptions, 17 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. On offense he hauled in 11 passes for 97 yards with a touchdown and was deep on the kick return team. After proving he can handle a broad list of responsibilities on the field, Donnell will see his opportunities expand throughout his junior campaign.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the San Diego area’s rising Class of 2021 prospects for insight on his game with an overview on his offseason grind.
Interview
Skai, you were all over the Grizzlies’ secondary last season playing safety and corner. How was your season divided up between the two positions?
“At the beginning of the season I started at safety, but they moved me after Week 1 because we had some cornerback problems. I made my first start at corner in Week 2.”
Impressive. You did a great job of coming down the alley as a safety during your sophomore year in the game film I saw, what were some of the other areas of your game that showed improvement at that position in 2018?
“My IQ. Playing both sides of the ball helps me understand offenses so I can be in the right position to make plays.”
What about at corner? How did that part of your game improve?
“As the season went on, I got more of a feel for the position. Playing receiver, I know how they want to attack me. Playing both ways made me more versatile overall. My tackling and my backpedal improved a lot last season. Being at corner, those open field tackles got better.”
Your athleticism was starting to be used in different ways in 2018 as a receiver and return specialist. Will that role for you expand this season?
“Definitely. I will have a way bigger role on offense this season. I have worked a lot with my quarterback in the offseason; he was my freshman QB. You will see me run more routes and different plays than last year.”
What have you been working on as a defender this offseason?
“As a defender, I have been working on staying square, my press game better, and jump balls. Being shorter, they like to pick on you with jump balls. I don’t like that. That will change this season.”
Did you showcase the skills at any camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to the San Diego State camp, UCLA, and the USA camp.”
How did the San Diego State camp performance turn out?
“It went really well. I won my reps at receiver. I did a pretty good job at that camp.”
Did you get any reps at cornerback at SDSU?
“I took a couple but I mainly lined up at receiver.”
And UCLA, how did that camp go?
“It went really well. I took reps at receiver and two or three at corner. I won most of my reps at that camp.”
How is the team looking this summer as the 2019 season nears?
“We are looking great. As a team last year, we had a lot of young players step up and gain experience. We have experience now and we should do well this year.”
What goals have you set for your junior campaign?
“I am trying to score as much as possible and do what I can do to win a championship for my team.”
Skai, it was great doing the interview with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with fall camp and into the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Snabbs photography; Skai Donnell in action (2018)