Interview: 3-Star 2021 Louisiana ATH/WR Malik Nabers Covers Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Regardless of the offensive scheme, every college football program wants a talent like Malik Nabers on the roster. Nabers is that difference maker on the outside able to beat corners off the line, bust zones with his routes, and shakes off being in traffic with elite concentration and strong hands. All of this was on display throughout the 2019 season in Lafayette, Louisiana. Nabers (6-1, 185) was a focal point for Comeaux High School’s offense snagging 58 passes for 1,225 yards with 15 touchdowns earning first team All-District honors. He pushed his overall stat line racking up 1,500-plus all-purpose yards with 19 total scores. In addition to being a standout receiver and kick returner, he also lined up on defense for the Spartans playing corner helping his squad to a 6-6 season against 5A competition.

Nabers unique skills have made him a must-get prospect on the recruiting trail with 14 offers on the table ranging from ACC, Pac-12, and SEC programs. To talk about his play on the field during his junior run and his recruiting process off it, we sat down for an in-depth conversation.

Interview

Malik, the Spartans were a scrappy team throughout the 2019 season fighting into the second round of the playoffs. What were your roles as an impact player for the Spartans this season?

“The goal was for us to take it as far as we can. I was out there to help the team at receiver, to have the role was an honor. I was getting the ball as much as I could. When our running backs got tired, they would throw it to me. I had a big role on offense.”

Where all did you line up other than receiver?

“I played some QB in the Wildcat, running back, corner, and I returned kicks.”

You two of them, but on one of them you had was one of the most unique kick returns for a touchdown I have ever seen jumping with full extension at about the 19-yard line and taking it back all the way. Walk me through that big play.

“Before the play, I didn’t think they would kick it to me. They did a squib kick and let it roll to me. I read the bounce, it bounced up over my head, I followed my blockers and ran through it.”

That was a great return. Your speed, especially your burst, stands out. How fast are you?

“My fastest 40-yard time was a 4.51 and a 4.5-flat.”

Where did you put that down?

“That was at a camp. On the field, I feel that I am faster than that.”

You definitely have elite game speed. We all know you can go up and get it on offense, but what are some of the other strengths to your game as a receiver?

“I get up the field as fast as possible pushing the defense, catching the ball in traffic, sideline catches, and diving catches. Jumping for it, that is easier for me. Contested catches, slants, digs, and bullets, I feel all of those are strengths to my game.”

You got some single coverages, but how were most teams trying to defend you?

“It was more of a bracket coverage. If not a bracket, a high safety running towards me as soon as he saw pass. On a called fade against press man, the safety would run to my side. I saw some triple teams to take away the inside routes.”

Going on the other side of the ball, how did your game improve on defense?

“It improved a lot. I was able to practice with the defensive backs and learn what they do. I learned how to break as fast as possible. Once I learned that, it was easy to guard receivers. Being a receiver, you know how they run their routes, you know their breaks and where they are going to cut. It was fun.”

Which game was your best personal performance in 2019?

“My best was against our rival Southside. That was a cool game. I caught my first pick-six. I had two picks, one of them was a diving interception. I had two receiving touchdowns as well.”

Coaches are responding to your play dropping offers. How many offers are you holding?

“I have 14 offers.”

Nabers’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Kansas, Lawrence University, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi State, South Alabama, Tennessee, and Tulane

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Florida, Notre Dame, SMU, LSU, Colorado, and Alabama.”

Nice. Going forward, do you have any planned trips to visit some campuses?

“Yes. I might go to Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Tennessee. All the schools that have offered, I will try to go to those schools as well.”

With your offseason workouts, what will be the focus for you?

“The focus is to get bigger. I will workout to get a 4.3 time on my 40. I will work on my route running, being faster out of my breaks, precise with my routes, and my explosion. I will work to get my legs stronger and work on my vertical.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports for Comeaux?

“Yes, sir. I am on the basketball team and I run track.”

Which events in track are you running?

“The 100, 200, 4×2, and 4×1.”

Last question. The College Football Playoff is set. Of the four teams, which two do you think will make it to the championship game?

“I think Clemson and LSU will make it.”

Malik, it was fun doing the interview with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Comeaux HS/Nabers family; Malik Nabers in action