Interview: 2020 American Heritage LB KJ Graham Covers Spring Ball and College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Putting on the pads to take the field against Florida competition takes a lot of personal fortitude. To do it at a high level and for a consistently high achieving program like American Heritage, well that adds a little more weight to the resume. The Patriots are routinely one of the top high school football programs in the Sunshine State and in the nation receiving the best attempts from the opposition week after week. After finishing the 2017 season as the nation’s No. 6 ranked team in the country, the Plantation squad posted a 10-2 season with underclassmen like linebacker KJ Graham stepping up. The 6-2, 218-pound, defender ended his first season with the squad racking up some 35 stops with seven tackles for a loss, and two sacks. His play on the field is bringing national recruiting attention leading to a highly impactful senior year – and after talking to Graham, he is ready for the challenge.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of south Florida’s rising prospects getting the inside scoop on his recruiting process and offseason workouts.
Interview
KJ, you were all over the field during the 2018 season playing some fullback, linebacker, and special teams. How did the season go for you personally?
“I feel like it went well. I grew as a player. I showed scouts I can play linebacker, fullback, and special teams. I can play down on the line and off of it. I am versatile and will give it 100 percent no matter where I play. Last season really helped me grow as a person.”
Playing the roles that you did, you have to like to bring the heat and like to hit. What gets you fired up on the field to deliver the blows?
“All the energy the crowd brings is a big part of it. The anticipation throughout the day, starting in the beginning getting to school with our jerseys on. I can’t wait for the game. I like to put on a show for the crowd and for my family. That is what makes me go hard every play.”
How did your game develop last season on defense?
“It developed with help of my coaches. They helped me understand the game better. They were breaking things down for me so I could make reads easier. It was easier for me to go out there and play football. I was making my reads faster, coming downhill, and I developed all around. By the end of the season, I was better at coverage and I am still working on that this offseason.”
Where will you line up on the field in 2019?
“I am playing inside linebacker and end.”
You talked about your coverage, what have you been working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting my hips looser, my man coverage, my speed and my agility.”
Where are you seeing the improvements?
“The biggest improvements are with my speed and agility. I am a lot faster and I am smoother going into coverage.”
How has the team looked this spring?
“We look good. We look like we can make a state title run this year.”
Are you going to compete at any camps this summer to show off your skills?
“Yes. UM (Miami), FIU (Florida International), FAU (Florida Atlantic), and as a team we are going on some college tours competing at camps as well.”
Which schools are showing interest in you entering the summer camp circuit?
“I am receiving interest from Army, Navy, South Florida, Michigan, Cornell, Louisiana-Lafayette, Eastern Michigan, and Arizona State.”
Which schools have offered you?
“I have offers from Southern Miss and Brown.”
Have you visited any programs this spring?
“Yes, sir. I took two visits to South Florida.”
How did those visits go?
“It was cool. I like it up there. USF has a good vibe there. They have a good environment to develop as person and as a player.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take this summer?
“Most definitely. I am planning on visiting Army, Navy, Brown, and Michigan.”
Are you competing in any other sports for American Heritage?
“Yes, sir. I compete in weight lifting.”
What are your maxes on bench and squat?
“I maxed out a 295 on bench and my squat is 455.”
Nice. Last question. What do you love about playing football?
“I like that you can let loose and have fun and I get to play with my brothers on the field. All the stress of being a high school student, you can let it out on Friday nights. I can be myself and let loose.”
KJ, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Graham family; KJ Graham