Interview: 3-Star 2021 Florida OLB/SS Cortez McKenzie Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For a next level safety, Class of 2021 Lakewood High School standout Cortez McKenzie is one heck of an outside linebacker. In stats posted through four games last season, McKenzie tore it up comping up with 25 tackles, 12 solo, 10 tackles for a loss, recorded six sacks, four quarterback hurries, knocked down a pass, and forced a fumble. Stats posted through three games of McKenzie’s junior campaign has the St. Petersburg product with 11 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, six sacks, two quarterback hurries, and two passes broken up.
The 6-0, 185-pound, tornado uses his speed and power to make an instant impact on any play bringing the wood at the point of contact. The three-star recruit has helped his Spartans squad to a 4-0 start with the defense pitching an impressive four consecutive shutouts. The recruiting buzz on McKenzie quieted down on June 22 when he verbally committed to the Miami Hurricanes.
In an RNG exclusive conversation, I spent some time with McKenzie before his squad knocked off Boca Ciega on Friday night for quick update on his season.
Interview
Cortez, the way you attack the field is a whole lot of fun to watch. You bring the heat at the point of contact. What is your mindset when you step onto the field for a game?
“I look at it like I’m the best on the field, no one is better than me. Every game I have to play my hardest.”
Last season you were in a hybrid outside linebacker/safety role. What were your responsibilities within the defense during your sophomore season?
“My responsibility was to get as many tackles as I can. They gave me the role to get after the quarterback; that is what I tried to do last year.”
What did you work on this offseason to prepare for your junior year?
“I worked on my speed, pass rush moves, covering – stuff like that. I gained 10 pounds over the summer too.”
How are the coaches at Lakewood utilizing skills during the 2019 season?
“They are putting me into coverage more. In college, they are talking about playing me at safety. My coaches are letting me free style. I show blitz but drop back, stuff like that.”
With three games in the books, where are you showing the most improvement on the field?
“I am showing improvement with my quickness. I am getting to the quarterback. The stuff I am doing this year I could not do last year. Last year I was not covering, I was blitzing a lot. I am showing improvement with my coverage.”
The defense has pitched three consecutive shutouts to start the season. What is working so well for you guys leading to such a dominate start?
“We set a standard at the beginning of the season and we are sticking to it. We will go as long as we can without getting scored on. We are working hard to keep the streak going.”
*Lakewood added a fourth consecutive shutout stopping Boca Ciega (Gulfport) 35-0
Of all the games left on the schedule, are there any match-ups that you are looking forward to base upon the other team’s personnel?
“I am looking forward to Madison County, they are back to back champs. I am looking forward to Dunbar High School and Boca Ciega tomorrow. They put up 88 by halftime last week. Tomorrow will be a big game. They said the game will sellout in 45 minutes.”
Closing out with recruiting. When was the last visit to Miami?
“My last time to Miami was on July 22. I was supposed to go to FSU game but could not go. I am going to the USF/South Carolina State game this weekend.”
That’ll be fun. How is that relationship growing between you and the Miami coaching staff?
“It is getting better. We have not talked as much since the season began, but they want me to come down as soon as possible. Their outside linebacker coach set me a letter two days ago telling me to keep going and to keep showing good character.”
When is your next visit to Miami?
“I’m not sure. It is still up in the air.”
Lastly, is there anything you want to share with the readers out there?
“I want to say that I am underrated. I’m not done. I have more to prove. By the end of the season I will be the No. 1 outside linebacker in the nation with the most sacks and my team will win a state championship; no doubt.”
Cortez, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with the season until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: McKenzie family; Cortez McKenzie at Miami