Interview: 3-Star 2021 California WR Makai Cope Covers Recruiting and Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season was a big one for Makai Cope. The 6-2, 190-pound, receiver sent out a notice that he was one of the best in his class in the state of California securing 47 passes for 780 yards with nine touchdowns and even spent a little time on defense coming up with seven tackles and a pick with Venice High School. His junior season has been all about showing a different side of his game taking on different routes off the tree with Culver City. The Centaurs are 8-0 with their three-star receiver pulling down 33 passes for 577 yards with four scores in stats posted through seven games. Offers have come in from Fresno State, Michigan, Oregon State, San Jose State, Syracuse, and Washington State with teams across the country showing interest.

In an RNG update interview, I sat down with Cope before his trip on Saturday to Cal for the Oregon State game covering his season and ever-expanding recruiting prospects.

Interview

Makai, Culver City is a dangerous squad this season flying to a 7-0 start behind an offense scoring an average of 52 points per game. How are you guys making it happen come Friday night?

“We take each game day by day. We work hard in the weight room, watch a lot of film, and practice hard so Friday night we all ball out.”

What style of offense are you guys running this season?

“We are running a Spread, an Air Raid type offense.

Within the offense, what are some of your favorite routes to run?

“My favorite are comeback, digs, post, corners, and streaks.”

You are a nice guy off the field, but you have not been nice to opposing secondaries this year racking up the receiving yards. Where are you showing the gains on the field this year over last season?

“Last year at Venice, I ran slants and digs; a lot of short routes. This year it is more deep ball routes. I am showing my route running skills more this season. My releases, everything has improved.”

Chris Miller and you are a one-two punch that is too tough to stop. What kind of defenses are you seeing when you line up on the outside?

“We’ve seen all, man, Cover 2, Cover 3, and Cover 4. We mainly see a soft Cover 2 or 3. Teams are scared of the deep passes because they know they cannot stop that.”

The chemistry for a quarterback and receiver cannot be understated. How have you and Zevi Eckhaus worked to get that connection?

“For me, I have known him since 7th grade. Me and the other receivers, we worked outside of school and after practice to build our chemistry. We have worked hard on our routes, releases and timing with Zevi.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“My best game so far was against Palos Verdes. We were down by a touchdown in the fourth quarter. On the last drive, Zevi hit me on five consecutive plays; he was throwing me the ball and I made it work. On the second to last play, Zevi was scrambling and I was on a post. He aired it out, and I got it on the 10. That put Chris Miller in position to score. We went into double-overtime and won it.”

What do you want to accomplish before the season is finished?

“I want to get at least 10 touchdowns or more and I am going for 1,000 yards.”

Turning to recruiting. You have the six offers; which schools are showing interest?

“Cal, Stanford, Ohio State, Arizona, Nevada, Harvard, Columbia, Penn, USC, Washington, West Virginia, Nebraska, Boise State, and San Diego State.”

Have you visited any schools over the last few months?

“Yes. I took an unofficial to Oregon State last weekend. I have also been to Washington State, Stanford, USC, Washington, and San Jose State right before school started.”

How did the Oregon State trip go?

“It went well. They had a tough loss when I was there. I like their scheme and their offense. I like the vibe of the school.”

And the Washington State visit, how did that go?

“It was incredible. I was there for a game. It was exciting. The stands filled up and the crowd was crazy. They throw a lot, on nearly every play. Their offense is similar to my team’s offense.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“This weekend I am going to Cal for the Oregon State game.”

What has you excited about visiting Cal?

“Coach (Burl) Toller is a great receiver coach, and he is an easy guy to talk to. When I talk to him, he knows what he is talking about and how to prepare his receivers. He knows how to work to get them open.”

We are getting close to Halloween. Are you dressing up this year, if so, what costume are you wearing?

“No. I will walk around with my brother while he goes trick or treating.”

Makai, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with the rest of the season and with your visit.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: George Laase; No. 3 Makai Cope making plays (2019)