Interview: 3-Star 2021 Serra DB Devin Kirkwood Covers Season and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Any high school athlete seeking inspiration for what may come if hard work is put into their game over the offseason, Devin Kirkwood has a story for you. Playing behind a wealth of upperclassmen talent during his sophomore season, finding time on the field was hard to come by. But that did not stop him from working hard to attain his personal goals over the spring and summer months. The 6-4, 179-pound, defender has reemerged as one of California’s top versatile defensive backs working his craft for 24 stops, 17 solo, a pick, and six passes broken up this season. His play has contributed to a 5-4 season for Serra (Gardena) with aspirations of a big run in the playoffs with a higher seeding based on the regular season finale against Chaminade.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I got inside the helmet with Kirkwood covering his play on the field and his rise off it with seven offers sitting on the table.
Interview
Devin, how has the 2019 season gone for you so far?
“It has gone well. I have been helping my team win games. We have struggled at times with injuries, but we have still played really well as a team.”
What were the key points to your game that you worked on over the summer months leading into the season?
“I worked on not opening the gate, staying square, and shooting my hands at the 45.”
Where all are you lining up on defense within the scheme?
“At corner and safety.”
How have those workouts helped you develop into a better player this year?
“It has helped a lot. It is showing in how I play at corner and when I come down as a safety. It shows in my coverage and how I rally to gang tackles at safety.”
Your understanding of the game has had to grow as well. How has your football IQ improved and how is that helping you make plays on the field?
“My football IQ has helped a lot. I am using down and distance to the routes. I am cutting off the route before they are running it. On third downs, I know they are going to the marker not deep. I am playing the yards and the situations. If he releases in, it is a dig or post. If he releases out, it is a streak, a comeback, or a stop.”
Which coverages are you guys running?
“Cover 2, Cover 3, and Cover 0.”
So far this season, which has been your personal best game?
My best game was against Bishop Amat. I had an interception, two deflections, and some good open-field tackles.”
College programs are liking what they are seeing in you. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Notre Dame, Arizona State, Nebraska, Washington, Washington State, Boise State, Oregon, Penn State, and Arizona.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have seven offers.”
Kirkwood’s Offer Sheet: BYU, Nevada, Oregon State, San Jose State, USC, Utah, and Utah State
From the summer to now, have you visited any schools?
“Yes. I went to Oregon and Oregon State (fall), and to USC (summer).”
How did the Oregon trip go?
“It went well. We went around campus, talked to the coaches, talked with players, and hung out with some of the players.”
And Oregon State?
“That went really well. I spent a whole two days with them. They showed me around campus, the school, the stadium, and we saw their game against Utah. I watched how they take care of their players. I liked how they welcomed me.”
Back to football. The Cavaliers got a big win (32-25) over Alemany on the road last week. How did the team look in the win?
“We looked good. We had two injuries in the game, but we kept playing hard showing we can get the win for our teammates.”
You close out the regular season at home against Chaminade. What do you guys have to do get the win over a very talented Eagles squad?
“We have to come in level-headed and not think because we beat Alemany and they beat Chaminade that we can beat them. We have to fly around, be ready, and not give up big plays.”
Looking at the playoffs, what are the implications of this game win or lose?
“If we win, we go to fourth or fifth in D-II seeding. If we lose, we are at the bottom of the bracket. We would draw a top seed if we lose.”
Devin, hoping for the best for you and your teammates the rest of the way. Thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Kirkwood family; Devin Kirkwood at Oregon State and USC