Interview: 2021 Serra WR Brody McKinnon Talks Football and UNLV Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the frustrating parts of football for a skill player, there is only so much of the pigskin that can go around to feed everyone. This especially holds true for Serra High School (Gardena) during the 2019 season. Three-star Class of 2020 quarterback Doug Brumfield (UNLV) and five-star 2022 quarterback Maalik Murphy have the best and worst of it with so many options play after play. The ground game is in top hands with Elijah Davis and the aerial assault has four-star senior receiver LV Bunkley-Shelton and three-star 2020 receiver Ronald Gilliam (UNLV). Another Serra skill player pushing for the pigskin is rising 2021 talent Brody McKinnon.
After transferring from Mira Costa High School, McKinnon is taking in varsity California football in a different way. The jump from Division VI Bay League to Division I Mission League is a difference, and so is getting accustomed to the new offense with players who have spent years working together. McKinnon jumped onto the recruiting scene a year ago pulling down 53 passes for 987 yards with 14 touchdowns earning first team All-Bay League and second team All-Area honors. As the season gets deeper into Mission League play, watch for McKinnon to emerge as yet another skill threat for the Cavaliers (4-2).
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the 6-0, 185-pound, target, who has an offer from BYU, for an update on his junior campaign.
Interview
Brody, how has the 2019 season gone for you so far?
“It has been fun actually and a great learning experience.”
Tell me about the learning process you are going through with the Cavaliers this season.
“I have LV and Ron in front of me. If I am not doing something specific, they will help me out or teach me the right way to do it. A lot of times they are teaching me about my cuts; if I do them too slow or if I take too many steps. They are showing me a faster way to do it.”
What style of offense are you guys running this season and where are you lining up within the set?
“We’ve been running two-receivers, one tight end, and one running back. I have been lining up on the outside.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game as a receiver?
“Since I have gotten to Serra, my blocking has gotten a lot better. My routes, with those guys showing me how to run them correctly, my hands – we work on that every day, and all the little things. They are pushing me to improve my weaknesses and get better with my game.”
Mission League action is heating up with a home game against Notre Dame (4-2) on Friday. What are you expecting from the Knights defense?
“I am expecting our defense to hold them scoreless. We have too many weapons like Devin Kirkwood and JP (Justin Pinkney). Our run defense is really good with Lando Brown, Joshua Sekiyoba, Tyray O’Dell, and Justin Houston stuffing the holes.”
Quick turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“UNLV and Washington are showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this fall?
“Yes. I went to UNLV for the Boise State game over the weekend.”
How did the trip go?
“It was cool. It was really fun. I got to see what it is like in Las Vegas for a game. I thought the fans were great. The stadium was sick. It is cool now, but they will be sharing the stadium with the Raiders next season.”
Brody, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you guys success the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Brody McKinnon