Interview: 2022 Hawaii DB Kaden Baptista Already Taking It to California Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After the 2020 high school football season in Hawaii, there is a Pacific storm coming to California fall 2021 in the form of Kaden Baptista. The 6-0, 195-pound, athlete got a snippet of time with Villa Park High School this spring showing his overall skills as a safety and athletic abilities as a receiver. The want to be on the field, improve, and dominate the competition has thrust Baptista’s will upon others during the 7v7 and football camp seasons. Camp appearances have already been made at UNLV, Dixie State, Redlands, and Rivals, among others, with more to come.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Baptista picks us up along his journey after transferring from Konawaena High School to Villa Park with coverage on his camp circuit.
Interview
Alright, Kaden. I always love highlighting sweet plays off game film. You had a nifty pick-six reading the play, getting the tip drill in, and a little spin move to shake a tackler before turning it on getting into the end zone. How sweet was that moment for you making the big play and putting points on the board for your team?
It was amazing. I waited so long for the football season, then had to wait longer finishing school back at home. Reading that play, being on the field with the boys was amazing. Doing that was even more amazing, it allowed me to contribute to the team.
Another thing about your game that stands out is your love for contact. Where does that approach come from within to punish ball carriers that come your way?
I love to hit. I see it as you give the hit or you take it. For me, being around the Polynesian kids banging on each other made me love banging. I took a lot of beatings growing up. Being in Hawaii made me toughen up and have a nose for the ball.
What defensive scheme were you guys running in 2020 and what were your overall responsibilities?
During the 2020 season we were in a 4-2-5. My role was as a free safety my sophomore year; nothing gets past me, I call out what I see, adjust the players to what I see, and ball out.
Baptista’s 2020 Hawaii Stat Line: 22 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 1 forced fumble, 4 pass breakups, and 6 interceptions
Villa Park 2021 Stat Line (4 games): 35 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble
When the 2020 campaign wrapped, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
After that year, I sat down with my coaches to learn from them. One of my strengths was reading the play before it started. I could predict what was going to happen based on alignment, then I could adjust my team to what was needed.
When the 2021 season kicks off, where all might we see you on the field?
I will be playing receiver and that down on defense as a safety-nickelback, the star position, and up to free safety. I will be returning punts and kicks too.
What have you been working on this spring and summer with your technique and fundamentals on defense?
I have been working on my foot placement, my pad level, my strength and speed.
Seeing you at Sofi Stadium on Sunday, which 7v7 team were you playing for?
I am playing for CRS (Cam’s Real Speed). I also play for Next Level Prospects run by Coach Freddie.
How is the season going with CRS?
The Pylon Tournament was my first with them.
For your first time playing with them, and at such a big venue, how did it go?
It went well. After not practicing together, I was building a relationship with the guys. We built a good and fast chemistry with each other.
Have you been to any camps this spring or summer?
Yes, I went to a Rivals, Polynesian Combine, and a Redlands camp.
How did the Rivals camp go?
It went pretty well, but I could have done better.
At which position did you compete at during the camp?
I played receiver.
Which is your favorite position?
I made my decision as a defensive player going to the next level.
You mentioned the Redlands camp a minute ago, have you been to any other college camps?
Yes, the Dixie State camp and a UNLV camp.
Lots of college programs were at the UNLV camp; how did that go?
It went well, but it was more like a private practice. It went fast.
At the Dixie State camp and the UNLV camp, did you get to do any one on ones?
Yes, I did at Dixie State. The UNLV camp was all drills. They wanted to see our change of direction and our fundamentals.
Do you have any more camps coming up on the schedule?
Yes, sir. I am going to Redlands on the 24th, a Polynesian camp on Thursday in Utah, and another UNLV camp on the 27th.
As your camp season is heating up, which programs are showing recruiting interest?
Utah State is showing heavy interest. Utah, Dixie State, and UNLV are also showing interest.
Are you taking any unofficial visits this summer?
Yes, I am going to Washington and Oregon with their camps, but I am not sure when those camps-visits are happening. I will be visiting UNLV again too.
Kaden, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of the college camps and visits this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: RNG; Kaden Baptista