Interview: 2024 DB/WR Orion Kupu Played Beyond His Years Against 6A Arizona Teams
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The stat line gives only a peak into the show Orion Kupu put on during the 2020 high school football season with Higley. In part time work on offense, the 5-10, 162-pound, talent hauled in eight passes for 118 yards and carried the rock seven times for 44 yards. Earning a starting spot in the Knights’ secondary in Game 4, Kupu stopped 40 plays with 34 solo tackles, knocked away three passes, picked off two, forced a fumble, picked one up, and blocked a punt.
With all the upside in the world in front of him and a show of grit and determination, Kupu is one of Arizona’s top rising talents in the 2024 class. For more insight on his game and offseason workouts, Kupu stopped by the RNG Lab for a first look interview.
Interview
Orion, you played far beyond your freshman classification on the field during the 2020 season. Was there a point during the schedule where everything started to click and you no longer felt like that underclassmen mixing it up with 6A Arizona teams?
Yes. During my first day of practice, I was getting roughed up and there was a lot of talk from my teammates, but some were comforting me. I kept working hard all season, and earned my starting position at safety. After my first game when I got a big hit on punt block off a fake punt, I hit him really hard, that’s when they started playing me on defense.
When did you earn your first start on defense?
They noticed I should start after game three. I started in Game 4.
Wow. Even more impressive looking at the stat line.
Thank you.
I was perhaps most impressed with your play on defense. Correct me if I am wrong, looks like you were playing free safety, maybe some nickel, and corner?
Yes.
How did your defensive coordinator utilize your skills in the secondary throughout the year? What were the scenarios that moved you from safety to corner?
In practice, he saw me put all effort in to what I was doing. I told my coach I was not afraid, and he liked how I played and how I was physical. Then he started moving me around the defense.
Getting those reps, how did your game improve on defense?
I most improved at shedding blocks from the offensive linemen. And I got better at chipping them so the guy behind me can make the play. My man coverage improved. I did not allow any catches playing man.
You got some snaps on offense as well. How did that part of your game show signs of improvement?
My route tree, I never practiced routes in practice. At home, I worked with my brothers after my homework. As the season went along, they got better.
What have you been working on as a defender this offseason?
The tightness on my hips. I have been stretching and doing yoga to improve my hip flexibility. I have been working on my speed.
And with your game on offense?
I have been working on my strength, trying to build up to block for my teammates.
What are some of the drills and exercises you are doing to increase your speed and agility?
Running on the treadmill and working out with my trainer doing lunges to improve my explosion off the ball and my acceleration.
Have you dropped a 40-yard dash this offseason?
Yes, I ran a hand-timed 4.6.
Awesome. Are you playing 7v7 ball?
Yes. I am with a new team. The team is all freshmen and a couple of seniors. We just beat Premium and Tucson Turf yesterday (Sunday).
How is playing 7v7 going for you?
We are doing great. Everything is getting easier. I am visualizing routes and seeing the drags. I am seeing everything.
Orion, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your 7v7 season this winter and spring.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Paul E. Photography/Kupu; Orion Kupu