Interview: 2020 OL/TE Cedric Melton Prepping to Help Klein Cain to Texas Varsity Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If the 2018 season for Cedric Melton is anything like his 2017 campaign, opposing Texas high school defenses are forewarned. Although slight for a traditional right tackle at 6-4, 230, Melton, who is more of a blocking tight end-hybrid, worked his craft for Klein Cain High School. The Hurricanes are new to Texas high school football fielding a junior varsity team a year ago, but are preparing for a big first season competing at the 6A classification. Not only are fans in the Houston area pumped about the gridiron talent that will be on display this year, but so are college coaches. Melton has attracted the attention of regional programs like Houston, Prairie View, Sam Houston, and North Texas, among others, thus far.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Lone Star State’s emerging 2020 talents to learn more about his game in the trenches and upcoming college camp circuit.

Interview

Cedric, what has you pumped about the Hurricanes moving into the 6A varsity ranks in 2018?

“What has me pumped is the people we have on the roster. We did really well on JV last year and we have great coaches. If we play like we did last year, we should have a great year in 2018. That has me pumped. We are doing really well in the weight room. We are looking good.”

How did your sophomore season go on the field?

“It went great. We went 6-3.”

Which areas of your game saw the most improvement last season playing right tackle?

“My run blocking got a lot better, especially on my pull plays. On my pull plays, I was going to wide and missing guys. Midway through the season I got much better.”

Was there a type of defensive tackle or end that challenged you but made you better in the long run?

“Going against quicker guys was a challenge. My coach got me to step back wider making the end step out wider. I worked on closing the inside gap as well. Listening to my coach, that is what made me a better player last season.”

Which game last season was your best?

“That’s a hard one; they were all good ones (laughs).”

Which areas of your game are you focused on this offseason?

“My pass blocking and my one-on-ones.”

Are you staying at right tackle for your junior year or will we see you at another position?

“Yes, sir.”

Are you doing any work at tight end?

“At the combines I am a tight end, but my main position is right tackle for my school.”

Are you working with a private offensive line coach this offseason?

“No. I am working with my offensive coordinator at Klein Cain. I have been working with a trainer. I have been working with Rischad Winfield. We’ve been working on my catching, footwork, hips, and explosion off the ball.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“I went to a Rivals camp.”

How did that go?

“It went well. They liked my athleticism.”

Do you have any upcoming camps planned?

“Yes, sir. I am going to camps at Prairie View, Houston, Sam Houston, North Texas, Arkansas, Texas, and Texas A&M. All the camps are invite only camps.”

Nice. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“North Texas, Houston, Sam Houston, and Prairie View are showing the most interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have been to Houston, Sam Houston, North Texas, and Prairie View.”

How did the Houston visit go?

“It went well. I went to their spring game. They did well in the spring game.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“I am going to Arkansas in July and Houston again. I have plans to visit a lot of the schools I have already visited again.”

Back to football. What does the team have to do this spring to ensure a great 2018 season?

“We have to get our heads together and get in the weight room even more. We have to listen and focus on our coaches and we will do well.”

Cedric, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Melton family; Cedric Melton pregame and at Univ. of Houston