Interview: California 2018 WR Koby Duru is Using the Off Season for a Breakout Senior Year
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce
Twitter: @RJPSports
The energy in the sports universe sometimes gives the appearance of shinning upon some making a path forward easier while being stingy with good luck to others. At the end of the day, no matter how the ball may bounce or what happens on the gridiron the good ones are prepared for their moment in time, for their opportunity to shine. Bishop Amat wide receiver Koby Duru has put his time in on the practice field, in the weight room, and in games prepping for what should be a big breakout season in 2017 ready to capture his moment in time.
During the 2015 season with Diamond Bar High School, Duru had his sophomore season cut short after a knee injury held him to three games. The Brahmas went 3-0 with him on the field but posted a 4-6 record on the season. Duru showed signs of what he could do with the ball in his hands as a possession receiver to help move the chains as needed pulling in nine passes for 64 yards. The following season Duru had his season limited yet again but this time due to CIF transfer rules. After having to sit out six games, Duru made the best of his situation reeling in six passes for 47 yards helping Bishop Amat to a 7-4 season against Mission League competition.
The limited action on the field may have hurt Duru’s scholarship offer total to date but it has not stopped Division-I programs from across the country showing interest in him. The 6-2, 185 pound, receiver is drawing interest from teams like UCLA, USC, Dixie State, Columbia, San Jose State, and Washington State to name a few.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Class of 2018 California talent covering his high school career to date, off-season workouts, and recruiting interest.
Interview
Koby, how did your junior season on the field turn out?
“My junior season was good. It was not anything crazy because I only got to play in four games. I have not played a full season since my freshman year. I’m excited for my senior year.”
What were some of the gains you made with your game?
“I got more focused, stronger, and faster. I was focused on all of the little stuff. Before last season I was not as focused on the weight room. At Amat they make you focus on that. I matured as a player.”
From a skill standpoint, what were some of the areas where your game got better?
“I turned into a more balanced route runner and my hands got better. I started running routes smooth and silky.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on my strength, route running, and route discipline. I make sure I get all 15 yards if it is a 15 yard come back. I’m trying to make myself more of a dominating player and with more confidence.”
What goals have you set for yourself for the spring and summer?
“This spring I have a couple of colleges looking at me. My goal is to get some offers. There is a school that I believe is close to offering. My goal is to show all the colleges out there want they need to see in me to offer.”
Are you changing positions next season or adding on other roles?
“No. I’m staying at receiver.”
Are you playing any special teams next season?
“We don’t know yet. I’m pretty sure I will be on kick return.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball?
“Yes, I am.”
With which team?
“I am playing for Explosive Athletic Training.
How is that going?
“It is going well. Every tournament we have fallen short of a championship. We’ll get deep and then lose in semifinal round. We’re playing hard.”
Have you attended any exposure camps this off-season?
“This spring I went to the (Los Angeles) Nike Opening Regional and I’m planning on attending Rivals this Sunday.”
How did the LA Nike Regional go?
“The Nike camp went well. I tested badly on the 40. I ran a 4.89. I expected better. Still, I was in the 95 percentile in my class at my position. I did well in the one-on-ones. I had a couple of reps I came up short. I worked against some top guys. I definitely got better.”
What did you learned from attending that camp that will help you during your senior year?
“I learned how to compete and to have no fear going up against any guy out there.”
You said you were disappointed in the 40-yard dash time you ran. What is the best 40 time you’ve posted?
“The best I ever ran was a 4.64.”
What college camps might you attend this summer?
“I’m going to a USC Rising Stars and their Elite camp. I’m planning on going to a Washington State satellite camp and a Dixie State camp as well.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“USC, UCLA, Washington State, Hawaii, San Jose state, Columbia, Dixie State, and New Hampshire.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?
“I have taken an unofficial visit to USC a couple of times. I have not gone by UCLA yet. I have not been in touch with them lately. I’m going UCLA’s spring game on April 29 with Aaron Maldonado (UCLA 2018 DT commit) and Noah Guzman.”
Do you have any other upcoming unofficial visits planned other than UCLA?
“I am planning on going to Washington State during our spring break (April 17-21). If I don’t get to go to Washington State I will try to hit Hawaii then if possible.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I’m taking the SAT on May 6.”
Are you playing any other sports for Bishop Amat?
“No. I’m sticking to football. I am planning on running track next year.”
We talked about your goals for the off-season, what are your goals for the 2017 season? How do you want to close out your high school career?
“I just want to be national champs, win CIF, and win the Mission League. I want to put up some good numbers during my senior year. I want at least 10 touchdowns and 1,000 yards receiving. I want to be a great teammate. I want us to win out.”
Koby, thanks for your time today and good luck with your unofficial at UCLA.
“Thank you.”
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