Interview: 2020 Mater Dei WR Kody Epps is Playing Above 3-Star Recruiting Ranking

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On a senior-laden roster that included five- and three-star receivers and a three-star tight end, other receiving targets for Mater Dei High School took on a secondary role during the Monarchs run to a second consecutive national title in 2018. As the Monarchs march towards a threepeat with a 6-0 record and a No. 1 national ranking (MaxPreps) in 2019, the time has come for the new crop of seniors to lay their mark at one of the nation’s top high school football programs. With the window of opportunity open, Class of 2020 receiver Kody Epps is making the most of it burning teams across the country along the way.

If the preseason was missed, Mater Dei did not hold back preparing for another run through California competition. The Monarchs had three non-conference showdowns against teams ranked in the Top 10 (No. 9 Centennial (CA), No. 3 St. Frances (MD), and No. 4 St. John’s (DC)) with two additional Trinity League games (No. 2 St. John Bosco and No. 18 JSerra) against preseason Top 25 teams. The rankings of the opposition has meant little for the team scoring an average of 52 points per game with a defense clamping down for only 16 points allowed per contest.

With the team back upon their perch atop the rankings, Epps has emerged as a standout beyond his three-star ranking. After a 2018 season with 12 receptions for 212 yards with one touchdown, the 5-11, 175-pound, target has replaced five-star Bru McCoy (USC) hauling in 40 passes for 717 yards with nine trips into the end zone. Squaring off against the nation’s best defenders, Epps routinely blows past defensive backs using his speed, crisp route running, knowledge of coverages, and strong hands to become the primary weapon for quarterback Bryce Young (Alabama).

Epps’ play on the field has brought in six offers to date, with a list of college interest that is growing. In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of California’s top senior prospects for an update on his season and recruiting process.

*Click link for July 16, 2019, RNG video interview with Kody Epps

Interview

Kody, Mater Dei has played a murder’s row of teams this season and remain undefeated. In the offseason from 7v7 to camps you have gone against top national recruiting talent, what has this season been like taking on all these nationally ranked teams?

“It has been a great experience. It has been fun measuring up to see how good we are as a team competing against the best teams across the country. It has been eye-opening and fun. The competition… we have played a lot of good teams. We level up each game because we prepare so much for each team. We dissect each team, and even ourselves, building off our strengths. The biggest thing is how we prepare for each game.”

I have seen you play several times over the offseason and a couple of times this year. You are always open giving quarter Bryce Young a top target to deliver the ball to this season. What are you doing to break free from coverage?

“Knowing the coverage the defense is in makes a difference. We prepare so hard. I am big on watching film. Knowing what they are doing and seeing the coverage, I can pinpoint the spot to get open. I have an idea of when Bryce is ready to get rid of the ball after two years of playing together. We worked on this throughout the offseason. Knowing each other, I know when he wants me to get open. He can break out of the pocket with his legs, and I know where to go to get open for him.”

How has your game grown and improved this season?

“My biggest improvement has been getting open. I got open a lot last year, but the time spending watching film and talking to Bryce about how to run the route has made a difference. I have improved on getting open. I have adapted to his play style. I am making bigger plays. I have toughened up and I am making big plays. I am not going down on the first hit, but fighting to get into the end zone the best that I can.”

What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game?

“The desire to win is one of my strengths. I want to win every matchup in front of me. I want to obliterate everyone in front of me. I catch in traffic. I can catch it if it is in my vicinity. I am willing to make the big play. Being a leader on the team, I am leading by example making the big play and taking the big hit. Being elusive and making cuts for extra yards is another strength. The knowledge of the game, knowing the coverage and how to run routes against different techniques, is another strength.”

Is there an aspect to your game that might get overlooked?

“An aspect of my game that might get overlooked is my blocking. I put that on my highlight tape when I send it out. Toughness is another part of my game that might get overlooked. I am not the tallest guy on the field, but not to brag, I am leading our league in yards and receptions. I am getting the job done.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“USC, Oklahoma, Washington State, and Fresno State are showing interest.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have six offers.”

Epps’ Offer Sheet: Nevada, Oregon, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, and Wyoming

Do you have any visits coming up, official or unofficial?

“The coaches at Wyoming have been talking to me about taking an official. I plan on visiting UNLV on an official as well but no date has been set yet. I am waiting on them to give me a game for the visit.”

What are you looking for in the ideal program when your time comes to commit?

“The ideal school will be somewhere that feels like home, with a coaching staff that I feel comfortable with and trust. The staff will have a vested interest in me and be a follower of Christ. I am looking for a place that will allow me to become a better football player with a chance to show my talents. I am looking for a place that will put the ball in my hands and allow me to play.”

Makes sense. Back to football. The team just took care of the first Trinity League squad of 2019 downing Orange Lutheran 51-14. How did the game go for you?

“It went well. At the beginning of the second quarter they took me out. I score a touchdown and got some catches in before then, but we were trying to get our young guys in for some work. I worked with the slot receiver behind me. I worked with him on how to run routes. I worked on my leadership skills during the game.”

Next up is Servite. What kind of game are you expecting from their defense?

“We will watch film on them come Monday. I am expecting them to play hard, talk smack, and play football. I am excited for it.”

Kody, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success going forward.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Who’s Next; No. 4 Kody Epps in action (2019)