Interview: 2022 WR Kai Rapolla is Decimating California Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As they say, “the film don’t lie” and the film on Class of 2022 receiver Kai Rapolla is next level elite. With size and speed, Rapolla has the hands and athleticism mixed with supreme concentration making him an unstoppable force for Rancho Christian High School. The scary thing for California defenses, not only does he have another year remaining but he is putting all the physical with the mental becoming a true technician at his position.
Rapolla had a breakout season in 2019 dropping jaws throughout the Eagles’ 10-game schedule. The 6-2, 175-pound, target put up video game numbers averaging a mind blowing 27.1 yards per catch after pulling down 29 passes for a team leading 787 yards with 12 touchdowns. The Eagles are three games into their 2020 campaign this spring with their standout receiver back at it. In stats posted in the squad’s first outing, Rapolla produced roughly 170 receiving yards off five receptions with two scores and took a kick back to the house.
As word spreads of Rapolla’s abilities, college coaches are taking interest. Columbia, Cal, Colorado, and Utah State are among those watching Rapolla’s growth on the field.
Taking his first visit to the RNG Lab, Rapolla takes us inside the Eagles offense covering ground on all that he does at receiver.
Interview
Kai, when you left the field at the end of the 2019 season you were doing some Houdini-esq plays showcasing great concentration and ability to adjust to the ball. Over the long offseason, what were you working on with your skills as a receiver to prepare for the 2020 schedule?
A lot. We have a new head coach, Coach Bankhead. He’s been training receivers his whole life. He gave me his input and wisdom. With him, I have been working on understanding when to run a route verses certain coverages, when to stem, and my release work; that is something that I needed to work. All that work is shaping me to be the player that I am.
What were you doing to boost your speed and agility?
I didn’t run track my sophomore year, but I did a ton of cone work and worked on my hip mobility. I did lot of footwork for sure.
What offensive set are the Eagles executing this spring?
We run a Spread.
Which routes within the scheme are you running?
All of them. The whole route tree. I am doing a lot of outs, posts, comebacks, and that sort of thing. We like to use them all.
How are defenses lining up against you and the Eagles’ passing attack during the 2020 season?
They started pressing first, then they moved off, then they rotated a few guys on me. I am seeing more hard inside leverage.
After all the hard work put in over the summer, fall, and winter months, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skills?
My biggest improvement is my route running, utilizing stems, and having better releases.
Is there a trait to your game that may get overlooked?
High pointing the ball would be a trait that may get overlooked. When the ball is in the air, I am confident I will get it even in good coverage.
On Friday you guys take the field against Santa Rosa Academy. What are you expecting from their defense?
We are ready to compete and show them what we got. We’ve had some unfortunate losses, but we are ready for a win this week.
Looking ahead, are there any camps this spring or summer you may attend?
I am trying to go to a National Preps camp soon. There are a couple of Pac-12 schools, like UCLA and Cal, if they open up, that I’d like to go to if I can.
Kai, I appreciate your time today. Wishing the team great success the rest of the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Rapolla family; Kai Rapolla