Interview: 2019 Chaparral WR Koale Schroeder is That Hidden Gem Making Defenses Look Bad

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator has done it, same for the defensive backs on the field, they see a player on tape, look at his measurables, and automatically dismiss him. Something akin to, “he can’t be that damn good” and “we’ll stop him” is quickly and confidently uttered. And then it is game time. Once the lights turn on and the ball is kicked off, guys like Koale Schroeder end up making the overly confident, both player and coach, look foolish. But, even with a renewed focus to try to stop him, they can’t; because the Class of 2019 receiver is that damn good.

Opposing defenses should have shaken that mentality about Schroeder early in the 2017 season when he was lining up with Paloma Valley. With the Wildcats, Schroeder tore the opposition apart for 1,300 yards off 57 receptions with 18 trips to the end zone. During the 2018 season, opposing Division IV California squads have learned their lesson routinely double-teaming the 6-1, 167-pound, technician but he still finds a way to make plays for Chaparral.

The Pumas are 7-3 through the regular season with their overlooked receiver turning 47 snagged passes into 609 receiving yards with six touchdowns, all team-highs. On special teams, Schroeder has further proven how dangerous he is in the open-field with four kicks returned for 164 yards, a long of 95-yards, and four punts going the other way for 37 more all-purpose yards. He has even picked up defensive back duties down the back stretch of the season displaying that team-first mentality all coaches love in their players. Another note college coaches will love about Schroeder, he gets it done off the field as well. He is carrying a 3.3 cumulative GPA and scored a 1210 on the SAT.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive catch-up interview, I sat down with the hidden Class of 2019 gem out of the Temecula area for an in-depth one-on-one covering his season and recruiting process.

Interview

Koale, the Pumas have been in some tough games this season. Of all the big games, which one was your best?

“My best game was against Riverside Poly. I had two receiving touchdowns and a third one, an 85-yarder, called back because of a crack block. I think it was 70 yards off the catch. I also had a kick return for a touchdown in that game.”

How have you been able to further showcase your talents as a receiver this year?

“This year, I have been doing the same that I have always been doing – exposing corners and safeties. I have showed improvement in my short game. I’m not just beating guys on the deeper routes, but I am beating them on hitches, slants, and screens in the short game.”

You have some defensive stats on your resume this year. Are you getting snaps on defense?

“I have played defense the past three weeks for me team.”

How is playing defense going for you?

“It is going pretty good. I have played free safety, strong safety, and corner – wherever the team needs me. Against Oak Hills, I will play corner. I played free safety last week then moved over to strong safety in the middle of the game after an injury.”

You’ve always been fast but it looks like your speed has improved even more. Are you seeing that on the field?

“I feel it on the field. I am separating on routes. I have gotten better with my hand fighting which has helped me get that separation off the line.”

Where else are you seeing the biggest growth and gains in your improvement on the field during your senior year?

“My blocking has improved, I practice it a lot. I have picked up tips on playing receiver by playing in the secondary and from my teammates and coaches. My yards after the catch have improved along with my field vision seeing the holes down field.”

How are defenses trying to stop you?

“Funny you ask. I’ve seen some different changes, especially lately. Against Murrieta Mesa, they gave us a Cover 1 look but then a high safety shot over to stop the fade ball. They adjusted to us, and then we adjusted to them. I know I have been mentioned in scouting reports and meetings.”

How has facing the different schemes slanted to stop you help make you a better receiver?

“Honestly, for every game I have a phrase, business as usual. No matter who we are playing. Whoever I am going against I just do my job.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your skills?

“College coaches are talking about how well I dissect defenses. They like that I am seeing everything with my pre-snap read. No matter the coverage, I am reading it, and we are making an audible against the coverage. They like that I have improved my yards after the catch and that I catch the ball and go.”

Which teams are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from Azusa Pacific, UC-Davis, and Cal-Poly.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Howard, Stetson, and Cal-Lutheran.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“I am going to Cal-Lutheran this week and I am going to Cal-poly next week.”

What has you excited about visit Cal-Lutheran this week?

“I am excited to see the campus and get a feel for their game day atmosphere. I went to a camp there this summer, I liked it. I will see what it is about up there this weekend.”

Back to the season. The Pumas enter into the playoffs with a two-game winning streak, how is the team looking overall heading into the Oak Hills game?

“We are positive and confident. Their offensive line his big, but our defensive line has a lot of confidence and will be able to handle them. We think the tone will be set by the defense. We have to step it up and force turnovers.”

Koale, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoff and with your visit this weekend.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Twitter; Koale Schroeder in action