Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arizona QB Kai Millner Exceeded High Expectations in 2019
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Year after year, Higley High School is one 4A Arizona football team no one wants to play. The perennial playoff team accustomed to making deep runs into the playoffs put their full faith in a newcomer under center in 2019, junior quarterback Kai Millner. Millner did not disappoint sliding into the role like a seasoned veteran. The 6-2, 185-pound, field general completed 64 percent of his passes covering 2,387 yards with 31 touchdowns against just six interceptions. His dual-threat nature in the Knights’ Spread offense added 356 yards on the ground off 91 totes with seven more scores going up on the board. His efforts were rewarded with an 8-4 season, first team All-Region honors, and offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Iowa State, Michigan State, and Northern Arizona.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Gilbert area three-star recruit going in-depth on his season and his recruiting opportunities.
Interview
Kai, the 2019 season was a big one for you taking over the offense for the Knights. How did you prepare in the offseason to win the starting job?
“A lot of it was through Elevate, a sports academy my dad runs. I was working with a QB coach and a strength coach. I have been working hard for a long time preparing for last season. I got bigger, stronger, and faster to take on that starting role.”
What offensive set did you guys run?
“We ran a Spread. We ran a bit and threw a lot.”
How does the system fit your skills?
“I’d say I am a good passer and it allowed me to get the ball to my receivers in different ways and in different concepts. The Spread highlights what I do best and what they (receivers) do best.”
What were some of the routes you were throwing to during the season?
“My favorites are the deep post, 10-yard outs, curls, flats; all the things you would normally see in that offense.”
With you being a first-year starter with the Knights, were opposing teams trying to throw you off by disguise coverages, that sort of stuff?
“A little bit. At first, some of the teams did not know what to expect from me. I was passing a lot at the beginning and then I started running more. We switched it up to keep them on their toes.”
What defenses were you seeing?
“Cover 3 and Cover 2. At the end of season, they were trying to blitz a lot with a man over top – Cover 1. Seeing a variety of defenses helped me learn a lot.”
At what point during the season did everything start to slow down and click for you?
“After the first two games everything started to slow down. I took big steps in those games. We lost our first two, which is rare for our program. After that, then things started to click. The offense ran like a well-oiled machine after those first two games.”
In which game did you turn in your top performance?
“The Campo Verde game, the first time we faced them in the regular season (won 52-30).”
What makes that game standout?
“I had five touchdowns and a bunch of yards. That was a great game for our offense; we put up 52 points.”
Given this was your first season starting at the varsity level, you had to learn a lot. Which areas of your skillset showed the biggest improvements?
“The confidence in myself grew the most. I was confident, but the more I played the more confident I became. My team was confident in me, that helped us play well together. I throw the ball really well, but my ability to use my legs to extend plays, getting out of the pocket and throwing on the run is something I do well. All of that improved this season.”
What will you work on with your game over the offseason?
“I want to put on some weight, so the game is easier going into college. I will work on getting bigger, faster, and stronger. I will fine-tune everything. I will work on my accuracy, throwing on the run, and make sure I am doing all the little things well so I can just go out and play.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I’m talking to Colorado, Washington State, and Cal.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have five offers.”
During the season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“I did. I visited UA (Arizona) and ASU (Arizona State). I visited both teams twice. That was awesome.”
How did the time with Arizona go?
“It was a good experience. I talked to the coaches and went on the field. Both Arizona and Arizona State were really great experiences.”
Looking ahead, are you planning on visiting any schools?
“Yes. We are planning some visits, but they are not finalized. I do believe we will visit Michigan State and Iowa State in the near future.”
Kai, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Millner family; Kai Millner at Arizona State and Arizona