Interview: 2021 California WR Makai Cope Lands Michigan and Syracuse Offers on Camp Circuit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Any high school football player willing to go outside their comfort zone to prove they can play against anyone and at any time deserves great respect, especially if the trip was successful. For Venice High School’s emerging Class of 2021 receiver Makai Cope (6-2, 180), he showed up and showed out at a Grand Valley State camp in Michigan catching the eye of multiple colleges walking away with offers from Michigan and Syracuse. The Los Angeles area talent took his varsity experience from the 2017 season with the Gondoliers, where he caught four passes for 123 yards with a touchdown and even put in time on defense as a defensive back, to the test and is ready to show he is among the best in his peer group when the lights go on for the 2018 season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Venice talent to learn more about his overall game and how he landed two Power Five Conference offers.

Interview

Makai, you got that rare call-up last season as a freshman to varsity ball with Venice, what was that experience like for you?

“That experience made me happy. I did not expect that call.”

What was your welcome to the varsity moment?

“I’d say it was during a game. It was our homecoming game, after my touchdown everyone came to me to congratulate me.”

As a receiver, how did you have to adjust your game last season?

“Last year, I had to read the defense and read how the corner was playing me. I had to know right away my release and routes so I could get open for my quarterback based on the defense.”

What were some of the things you feel you did well last year as a receiver?

“I did well catching all my passes. I was able to get a first down or more on every opportunity.”

What have you been working on this offseason with your overall game?

“I headed straight to my trainer to work on releases, route running, getting out of my breaks, and sharp cuts. In the weight room, I’ve been working on my length strength and speed.”

You played some defense last year as well, how did that go?

“That went well. That was my first time playing defense in a while.”

Are you playing on both sides of the ball again in 2018?

“Yes, but just a little at free safety and corner.”

What have you been working on with your defense?

“On defense, I’ve been working on my back pedal and coming out of my back pedal. I have also been working on my breaks and deflecting the ball.”

How have spring and summer practices gone with the Gondoliers?

“They have gone well. We have been working really hard in the weight room and in the classroom. We are ready for the season.”

Did you get a chance to showcase your skills at any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to a Grand Valley State camp in Michigan and attended an Oregon camp. At Oregon and Michigan, I got to tour the facilities while I was there.”

How did the Grand Valley State camp go?

“It went well. I picked up two offers; Syracuse and Michigan.”

Congratulations. What did you do well to pick up those offers?

“I routed up everyone. I was the main person out there. I wanted it the most. I kept getting my reps in; I went against everyone. I showed up and showed out.”

What was that experience like for you getting those two offers from big-time programs?

“It was great. It shows all my hard work is paying off. It gives me a reason to keep working hard.”

Are you receiving any other recruiting interest?

“The main one right now is Oregon.”

Are you competing in any other sports for Venice?

“Yes. Track.”

Which events?

“The 100 and 200 meters.”

What goals have you set for your sophomore season?

“My goals are to catch every pass thrown to me, get 1,000 or more receiving yards, and being a well-rounded teammate. I want to do whatever I can to help my team win a championship.”

What are you doing for fun this summer away from workouts and football?

“Swimming and going on vacations to visit family.”

Makai, thanks for your time today and good luck with your workouts and fall camp.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Cope family; Makai Cope at Venice High School