Interview: 3-Star 2021 Missouri QB Kaden McMullen is Taking the Skills to National Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The great progress for Class of 2021 quarterback Kaden McMullen can be tracked in numerous ways, on film, in the stat column, and in the win-loss column for his Eagle’s squad. The three-star quarterback threw for 2,206 yards with 23 touchdowns as a sophomore earning All-Conference honors against 3A Missouri competition. He pushed his game forward as a junior throwing for 2,578 yards with 20 scores on 135 of 224 passing once again earning All-Conference honors adding All-District to the resume. A new development to his game is being a dual-threat seeing the 6-4, 190-pound, gunslinger tuck it 51 times for 347 yards with seven scores posted on the board. The arm talent and rising ground game has college programs buzzing with five total offers dropped.
In an RNG return to the lab, McMullen breaks down his growing skills on the field while laying out his offseason goals.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Kaden McMullen
Interview
Kaden, in the win-loss column and with your stats, all things improved for you and the Eagles last season on the field. What was working for you and the team leading to the big offensive numbers?
“During the first half of the season, I was not running as much. In the second half of the season I had more QB runs. That opened up our offense. We could do more read options leaving the defense on their heels.”
We spoke about the midway through your season then talking about where your game was at then. Looking at the season in totality, how did you improve upon your game as a throwing quarterback?
“My arm strength improved. Getting in the weight room helped that and my speed. Being a running QB is important; you don’t want to be one dimensional. I want to get stronger this offseason to break more tackles this year.”
As a you got more game reps as a dual-threat, how did your running abilities improve?
“Throwing on the run improved for me. I was not getting my shoulders square. With coaching, I was able to get it out there better. That helped our offense going deep in the playoffs. Running the ball, I was doing my QB designed runs. I would go up the middle, sometimes break it or run it just to get a first down to move the chains. That opened up the offense a lot. Defenses were not expecting. I am excited to continue it next year. I think it will help us win more games.”
Which areas of the mental part got stronger with the experience?
“The first day after the season ended, we were diving into the playbook reading defenses, that is a big part of the game. If you can read it, you can pick it apart. During the season, before each game we would go over the scheme and make in-game adjustments. I knew what the defense was doing before they did it.”
You’ve touched on this a couple of times already, but what all are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on my speed. I want to get into the 4.7, I’m at a 4.8 now. I am working on my strength to break tackles and I am working on getting my mind right for the season. I am watching more film on my own.”
Have you attended any camps yet this offseason?
“Yes. I competed at The National Combine in San Antonio (TX).”
How did The National Combine go for you?
“It was good. It was fun to compete with some of the best players in the nation.”
Are there any other national camps you may attend this offseason?
“I will be at an Under Armour camp in April, The Opening in Nashville, and at a Rivals camp.”
That’ll be fun. Have you taken any unofficial visits over the last few months?
“We went to Kansas and NIU twice.”
How did the visit in Lawrence turn out?
“It was good. I loved the atmosphere, the environment, and their coaching staff. I had a great time.”
And the NIU visit, how did that go?
“It was pouring down rain, but I had so much fun. I love their staff and their facilities.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Five.”
*Reported offers from Northern Illinois and UNLV
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am keeping my recruiting on the down low so I am offered off my film not off my offers and interests.”
Understood. Kaden, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you success at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: McMullen family; Kaden McMullen at Kansas