Interview: 3-Star 2021 CB Kamren Blanton is Building Momentum off Success

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Hard work and determination breads success on the gridiron, and Class of 2021 cornerback Kamren “Kam” Blanton is reaping the rewards. His sophomore season with Long Beach Poly was filled with learning through experience and evolving into a next level defender. The 6-0, 170-pound, defender end the season with 19 stops, 15 solo, picked off a pass, and broke up eight passes. His work in the offseason throughout the spring evaluation period and into camp season has helped him land offers from Arizona State and Utah State with top Division-I programs showing interest.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star prospect covering his play on the field and offseason workouts.

Interview

Kamren, you had a lot of opportunities to improve upon your game last season with time on the field. Which areas of your game showed the most growth in 2018?

“I feel like I did a better job of being more aggressive. After I transferred from South High, I was more aggressive going against top receivers. I handled my business at that level last season. Playing at a D-I level, we focus more on film and how to trail routes. I understood offenses better and had better footspeed to cover the top receivers.”

What are the different coverages the Jackrabbits’ secondary executes?

“We run a zone – a Cover 4 type of defense. When we go man, it is lockdown time. We are really aggressive in man-to-man coverage. There are not a lot of passes being caught in man against us.”

How are you working on your technique for the 2019 season?

“I have worked with Premium a lot. They taught me how to be more patient, how to be lower in my stance, and taught me how to be faster. I ran track this season; I am much faster now. That has helped a lot.”

In your opinion, how did spring ball with the team go?

“We look really good. We have a young team, but we will do a lot of damage this season. We are solid. At the (7v7) Battle at the Beach, we made it to semifinal against Mater Dei. We will be at Mission Viejo this Saturday ready to battle again.”

What are you guys working on during summer ball?

“We are working on getting our plays together and installing more of our defense. We have been in the weight room heavy working on getting stronger and faster.”

You mentioned playing 7v7 with Premium this spring. Beyond what you already mentioned, how did Premium help take your game to another level?

“It helped a lot. Playing with Premium, that exposed me to so much. We put in a lot of hard work. It opened up my recruiting a lot. I am thankful for that.”

Did you go to any camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to a Notre Dame camp and to the USC Rising Stars and Elite camps.”

What did you think about Notre Dame being on campus for the camp?

“It was special. I feel like it was one of the nicest looking colleges I have seen. I was also there for an unofficial. I saw the stadium, locker room, and facilities as well.”

How did the Notre Dame camp performance go?

“I showcased my corner skills. One of the coaches wanted to see me out there covering different receivers. I impressed their coaches. I should be going back out there for a game this fall.”

Nice. Which schools are showing interest going into the season?

“I am receiving interest from Notre Dame, San Jose State, Oregon State, and USC.”

Which schools have offered you?

“I have offers from Arizona State and Utah State.”

You have two offers now, what was it like for you receiving that first one from Arizona State?

“It was motivation. I talked to my dad about the offer, he told me you have to work even harder now.”

Did you visit any schools this offseason other than Notre Dame?

“Yes. With Premium I went to Arizona State and USC.”

How did the ASU visit turn out?

“It was really nice. We got to see their facilities; they are really nice. I had a really good time.”

Looking ahead to the 2019 schedule, is there at least one game you are already excited to play?

“Yes. Centennial (Corona) – I am ready for that game. I know they have one of the best receivers in the nation (Gary Bryant). I am ready to lock him up.”

Kam, it was great catching up with you today going over your workouts and camps. Thanks for your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Blanton family; Kamren Blanton