Interview: California JUCO QB Cole Klayman Executing Offense with Surgical Precision

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Before the 2017 season began, Cole Klayman obviously took the quarterback’s version of the Hippocratic Oath promising to dissect opposing junior college defenses with the precision of a surgeon. Through six games played, he has taken apart defensive backs giving El Camino College an opportunity for a post-season berth coming out of a tough California National Central Division.

Klayman (6-1, 215) cut his teeth at the high school level playing for Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks. At the end of his senior year, he had thrown for 1,697 yards with 12 touchdowns while rushing for 277 yards with three more scores posted. As part of the 2016 recruiting class, an opportunity was presented to play for Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. During Klayman’s redshirt season in 2016, the drive and self-belief in being a Division-I quarterback only intensified prompting a change in scenery.

El Camino College is now reaping the benefits of Klayman’s ability to spin the ball already equaling the win total from 2016 posting a 4-2 record. With amazing accuracy, Klayman has racked up 1,323 yards off 79-of-107 attempts with 16 touchdowns.

With four games left to play in the 2017 regular season, I sat down with Klayman covering his play on the field and his budding recruiting interest.

Interview

Cole, the team started the season out hot winning three games then hit a two-game skid but then got back on the winning track against LA Harbor (48-20). What did the team do to pull back together to pull out the win against LA Harbor?

“With our losses, going over the film showed close games come down to a handful of plays. As long as we know every play needs the same tenacity and focus, we can be successful going forward. We were able to correct our mistakes and come out with a win last week. The win against Harbor was good to get the momentum going for league. We are learning from our mistakes and moving forward.”

Statistically, you had a great game against Harbor hitting 13-of-19 passes for 226 yards with two touchdowns without an interception, what did you do well in that game that allowed you to be so efficient with the ball?

“We knew they were going to be in man coverage bringing pressure. I made a big effort to be mentally prepared for this game. I knew where to deliver the ball, and I knew I was going to take some shots to get the ball out to my receivers. You have to put in the hours beforehand to be successful during the game.”

You are throwing darts out there this year hitting 74 percent of your passes, what is contributing to you being on point with all your passes?

“The offensive line is playing their butts off and our receivers are doing a great job. Coach Kaub, our offensive coordinator, has been great. Our offense is in position to play without overthinking. This year has been fun offensively. We are putting up good numbers. Everything offensively has been gelling well all season.”

How has your overall game improved throughout the 2017 season?

“There are several areas the I have improved. I am recognizing coverages better during pre-snap. That is vital. I need to know the open and hot spots. I am doing a better job with my footwork and keeping my eyes downfield even when the play is breaking down. I have worked on that a lot and it is paying big dividends this season. We are making big plays even if it is not going as it was drawn up.”

What do you consider to be the strong points of your game?

“I’m a tough player, I will fight for yards. I lead on and off the field. I have a high football IQ and do things others don’t on the field. I put everything out on the line for my teammates on any given day.”

How do you prepare for a team each week?

“I have a ritual I go through of lifting, stretching, and throwing, that centers me after a game. I do a lot of film study and apply it in practice. All teams have unique things they do on defense. I’m always looking for the best way to attack it.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“If I had to say, the best game for me this year was against the best team we played, Saddleback. I thought I gave everything I had in that game. We came up short (48-45) but I played with my heart and left everything out on the field.”

*Klayman completed 18-of-23 passes for 360 yards with four touchdowns against Saddleback

There are a lot of talented players in the junior college ranks in California. I’m sure you have squared off against your fair-share of great defensive backs. Has there been at least one that has challenged you, or even a defense overall with their schemes, that has made you better in the long run?

“To be honest, going over film I do not know the player’s names, there are so many guys out there. There have been a lot of good defensive backs we have faced, including the guys on my team. I go up against them more. Guys like Shahman Moore, James Randolph, and Nate Vaughn. Going up against them every day in practice makes you a better player.”

You have a talented group of freshmen receivers in Stephon Robinson, Jarrell Mickens, and Trevon Clark along with sophomore Damien Bernard hauling in the majority of your darts, how did you develop chemistry with your receiver corps?

“We started off in the summer doing extra work outside of practice. Running extra routes and going over coverages, all that was needed. They are insane athletes. I know they will go onto the next level. All the hours of practice we put in was working on timing. All that is now coming to fruition and hopefully we keep it rolling.”

The team travels to Mt. San Antonio on Saturday for another big game, how will their defense challenge you guys on offense?

“They are physical, they have size up front. They should be a good challenge for us. I’m ready to get out there on Saturday. It is two big time programs going to battle. Who wants it more and who is more physical up front? Who can make plays when the opportunities are presented?”

There are four games left on the schedule in total, what does the team need to do overall to finish strong fighting for a post-season berth?

“We need to continue to stay humble and attack everyday like it is our last day. There is always an opportunity to get better. We have to keep our focus week to week and not look ahead.”

You are in a new situation, just six games into the season, but are teams already starting to show recruiting interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from Texas-San Antonio and SMU.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 4.0.”

One important question all college scouts want to know about junior college players, when is your graduation date?

“I am set to graduate in December.”

Cole, thanks for your time today and good luck on Saturday against Mt. San Antonio.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Jevone Moore; Cole Klayman in practice

Photo credit: Jevone Moore; No. 11 Cole Klayman finds a receiver downfield

Photo credit: Jevone Moore; No. 11 Cole Klayman in the pocket