Interview: 3-Star 2020 Mater Dei WR Kody Epps Updates Recruiting and College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Mater Dei High School went back-to-back with California and national championships in 2018 receiving key contributions across the board and on both sides of the ball. If the Monarchs are to three-peat in 2019, they will need rising talents like three-star 2020 receiver Kody Epps to step up into big voids left by their graduated leaders on offense like Bru McCoy (USC), Sean Dollars (Oregon) and Mike Martinez (UCLA). Epps was able to grab some of the spotlight during his junior campaign with 12 receptions for 212 yards with a score and took back five punts for 53 yards and is in position for a breakout senior year. His talent has already pulled in offers from Nevada, Oregon, and San Jose State with a whole lot of schools ready to watch him haul in passes from five-star 2020 quarterback Bryce Young throughout the upcoming schedule.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Epps for an update on his offseason workouts and summer camp circuit.
Interview
Kody, it is never easy for an underclassman to crack the field for a team like Mater Dei, especially for Mater Dei. How did you prepare yourself week to week for the action you were putting in during games?
“It all came from experience. I have always been in big games. You have to keep your head level and I always meditate before each game. I play fast out there. I feel I play best when I play fast. Once I take away the stress from school and the week, I go into each game with a clear mind ready to play.”
Every year the Monarchs play a tough schedule, and last season was no different. Of all the tough games, which game was your best?
“My best was probably the IMG game. I had the No. 1 safety in my class covering me the whole game. I was open on every other route I ran. I had some big catches and a big punt return in that game.”
Going up against all the amazing talent Mater Dei has in the secondary, how did your game improve throughout the 2018 season?
“It improved by being able to get into my routes faster. Going up against Elias Ricks (CB) and Darion Green-Warren (CB) in practice made me better. For me, that is playing against two different types of corners. Darion is patient and smart. Elias is long and quick. Those guys helped me a lot last season.”
What are the strengths to your overall game?
“Getting open. I have always been able to get open – period. I make moves after the catch – I get YAC (yards after the catch) yards. I have great awareness and I am a student of the game. I can change my routes in-game. I can change the way I run them – those are my strengths.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on this offseason?
“I have focused on being more explosive. I catch the ball naturally but I am trying to prepare myself to better in traffic, staying focused throughout the catch, and my route running – I want to run each route the best that I can run them. I have also practiced and trained with nothing else on my mind but being focused with the game or practice. This offseason, I came to the table focused on what I learned and need to improve on with Jeff Johnson (trainer).”
Have you attended any camps this spring?
“Yes. I attended a UCLA, Under Armour, Adidas, and the Opening Regional in Oakland.”
How did the UCLA camp go?
“It went amazing. I won every rep. I caught every ball going my way. I did not lose the whole day. I could not have asked for it to go better for me.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted at these camps?
“My best was a 4.6 at the Opening.”
Nice. And that is laser-timed. Do you have any camps upcoming?
“Yes. I am attending a USC camp on the 12th and possibly a Cal camp on the 22nd and a Chapman University camp on the 15th.”
Going into all of these college camps, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Oklahoma State, USC, UCLA, Notre Dame, Utah, Michigan State, Oregon State, Yale, Wyoming, and Arizona – those are the ones I can think of now.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have three offers.”
Have you visited any schools yet?
“Yes. I have been to Utah, Fresno State, and Washington State.”
How did the Utah visit turn out?
“I liked it. It was during our bye week in the 2018 season. It was fun. I liked the atmosphere, fans, and players at Utah.”
What about Washington State, how did that go?
“That was also amazing. I loved it up there. Washington State is a college town. I dig it up there. I like their coaches and I like their offense. Their offense is similar to Mater Dei’s. And they have good food up there. That is always a plus.”
Aside from the planned camps, are you taking any visits?
“I am talking to my uncle and dad about that now. I have USC on the 12th, that is an unofficial visit. I will take some coming up, I am just not sure where yet.”
Kody, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.”
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Epps family; Kody Epps at Fresno State