Interview: 3-Star 2021 Missouri WR Demetrius Cannon is an Unstoppable Force
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you were a defensive coordinator scheming against Trinity Catholic High School during the 2019 season, best bet you had sleepless nights trying to figure out how to scheme against Demetrius Cannon. With size, speed, and that confidence needed to be a standout playmaker, Cannon wore out 3A Missouri defenses helping his Titans squad to a 9-4 campaign. Line him up on the inside, he’s not afraid to go across the middle, or line him on the outside where he can go one-on-one with a corner with speed not allowing a safety to come over top, there was no stopping him watching him go into Cris Carter mode, that is all he does is catch touchdown passes.
Word is getting out on Cannon among coaches at the next level. Thus far the Class of 2021 three-star recruit has 10 offers in his lap with new interest coming in from teams like Wisconsin and Mississippi State. To learn about his recruiting options and his play on the gridiron, we got together for an RNG exclusive interview.
Interview
Demetrius, the Titans had a great season making a run to the semifinal round of the playoffs. For you personally, how did the season go?
“It went well. I felt like I was improving throughout the season along with all my teammates. My teammates helped me improve and I helped them. We had to be a family this season; any other team would have folded if they were in our position.”
No doubt you were a dangerous target in the Titans offense. What were some of the routes on the tree you were running this season?
“Mostly goal line fades, slants, curls along with some hitches and outs.”
When you were lining up on the outside, what were some of the coverages you were seeing from opposing defenses trying to slow you down?
“Cover 3 and 4; I saw very little man coverage – hardly any man coverage at all.”
You have a knack for getting off the line and shaking corners from the snap. What are some of the techniques or moves you use to get off press coverage?
“I always keep my hands up to use my hands and I make sure to dip my shoulder so when the DB shoots for the shoulder he misses. You have to make your move believable. I sell my move the best I can.”
Another unique part of your game is making difficult catches look easy. You show great concentration and strong hands when securing a pass. What are some of the other traits to your game that make you so dangerous?
“My physicality. I like to show the DB who I am from the beginning of the game and then wear him out. I will talk him out of his game, shake him up and scare him a little bit.”
How did your overall game improve during the 2019 season?
“I improved my focus and leadership; those were big things for me that I improved upon this season. With a freshman quarterback, I had to build him up and let him know he can believe in me. My routes got sharper and quicker. I don’t feel like I am the average receiver. I am physical but I also have some finesse to my game too.”
What will be the focus of your offseason grind?
“The focus is on speed first and my hands – making my hands stronger and better. I will try to hit 210 (pounds) before the season starts.”
How many college programs have extended an offer so far?
“Ten.”
Cannon’s Offer Sheet (10): Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri State, Purdue, Tennessee, Toledo, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia
Which schools are liking you but have not offered yet?
“Wisconsin, just talked to Mississippi State today, and NIU.”
During the season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I went to Vanderbilt, Illinois, Mizzou, and Purdue.”
How did the Vanderbilt trip go?
“It went well. We walked around the academic center, they are big on academics at Vanderbilt, and I got to see the dorms. We went onto the field and saw the locker room as well.”
And Mizzou? How did that go?
“It went well. It is always nice to go there; it is like my home team. The players and coaches treat me nice.”
What about Purdue? Tell me about that one as well.
“It went well also. It seemed like a good place to be. Everyone is nice – the fans, coaches, and players.”
Do you have any other visits on the schedule going forward?
“I want to go to Kentucky, Minnesota, and Kansas.”
Demetrius, I appreciate your time today and hope the upcoming visits are great ones for you.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Cannon family; Demetrius Cannon at Vanderbilt