Interview: 3-Star 2021 WR Jode McDuffie Covers St. John Bosco Championship Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In the best way possible, Class of 2021 receiver Jode McDuffie is different. There are all different types of successful receivers – short and speedy, tall and fast, excellent route runners, receivers with Stickum for hands. At 5-10, 170-pounds, McDuffie is fast, quick, sure-handed, a tight route runner, and it all shows on film. But still there is something different about his style of play and the way he attacks the field as an offensive player. Whatever that “it” thing is, it has brought three Pac-12 scholarships to the table so far.

Standing out on a crowded field of amazingly elite talent is never easy, but here comes McDuffie. On the nation’s No. 1 ranked high school football team (MaxPreps), McDuffie has worked his magic for 595 yards off 30 receptions with nine touchdowns. The St. John Bosco standout doesn’t just run, with his athletic abilities, he is so fluid he seems to glide on the field in an effortless motion. When the ball is in his hands, he is no longer a receiver but flips the switch into a power tailback ready to run over anyone in his way and does not go down on first contact but fights for every yard earned.

Being on the top-rated team in the nation brings attention in and of itself, but so does hauling in passes from the No. 1 rated pro-style quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class, DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson). Playing with a roster filled with guys that will be playing on Saturday and against that same caliber of competition on the gridiron has led to offers from Arizona State, Colorado, and Oregon.

The Braves are now 12-1 having avenged a regular season Trinity League loss to the then- No. 1 team in the country, Mater Dei, in the CIF Southern Section Championship Game (39-34). For an update on his season and the team’s run through the 2019 season with a Dec. 14 date for a California state title against De La Salle, McDuffie and I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Jode, the 2019 season for the Braves has been a remarkable one so far, and you guys are not even done yet. From spring ball through fall camp and on into the season, what has this ride been like on the No. 1 team in the nation?

“It has been a long time. We’ve been working all year. It is crazy to see how everyone has grown. One sophomore, (DE) Nate Burrell, he is racking offers after the Mater Dei game. It is nice seeing everyone grow as well as myself.”

You are a standout target in a crowded receiving corps filled with amazing talent. How has being surrounded by guys like Kris Hutson, Logan Loya, and Beaux Collins help push your game to another level?

“It has helped me push my game. We are dependent on each other on plays to block and clear out defensive backs; we are dependent on each other in games. You are not the only one out there, you have help. Kris and Logan push me and give me tips so I can get better. It is fun to surround yourself around high achieving guys, guys that are with you and on par.”

Your speed shows, how fast are you?

“The last 40 I ran was during my sophomore year at a summer practice, it was 4.5.”

The speed shows in-person and on film. How are you being utilized within the offensive scheme this season?

“This season, when we take out the tight end, I am in the slot in our Spread. It is exciting to get a one-on-one opportunity with a linebacker or a safety. If a linebacker is on me, it is a wrap.”

Yeah. There is no way a linebacker can guard you one-on-one. In which ways have you seen your talents grow on the field in 2019?

“From the start of the year, it has been about the weight room for me. My speed, route running – that has gotten better over time. Throughout the year, working with the guys on my team and DJ at QB, they have helped me improve. I have seen myself grow in the weight room, I’m adding weight, and my routes have improved a lot.”

Which game has been your best personal performance this season?

“My personal best was against Mater Dei in the regular season. The way I was working, they ran man coverage the whole game, I dominated my guy the whole game. That was exciting. I hate zone coverage. I like going one-on-one, your boys verses our boys.”

Is there an aspect to your game that is a strength but may get overlooked because it does not show up in the stat column?

“We call it a scramble drill. If you run a 5 yard in, if the pocket collapses, you have to adjust your route. If you ran a long route you go back towards the quarterback or if you ran a short one you go long. That transition with your QB on a busted play is something I do well that does not show up in the stat column. I would also say my blocking is another part of my game that might get overlooked.”

With your play on the field, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Penn State, UCLA, Oregon State, and Notre Dame are showing interest.”

How many offers are you holding?

“I have three offers. I got Colorado on Monday.”

Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Before we wrap everything up, I have to get your take on the playoffs. The Braves have rolled taking down very talented teams in Calabasas (63-7), Centennial (52-14), and then avenged the 38-24 loss against Mater Dei taking the CIF Southern Section trophy in a 39-34 win over the Dons. What was that feeling like for you and the team when you had defeated your rivals?

“It was like a big fat revenge win. We showed them that they are beatable. We were not going to have that twice. It was really exciting getting the win. It was what it should have been.”

How did that game go overall for you and the team?

“In the first half, we did not come out hard. At halftime our coach was not mad at us; our coach knew it was self-inflicted. From the second quarter into the fourth, we scored 34 unanswered points; they could not do anything about it.”

A state and national title is on the line come Dec. 14 when you guys face No. 18 nationally ranked De La Salle (12-1). What are you expecting from the Spartans defense?

“We are expecting zone coverage because of our receivers and quarterback. Upfront they will have problems. I think our offensive line is very good. Skill wise, not many have what we have.”

Jode, it was great covering ground with you today. I wish you guys success in state against De La Salle.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: A3Sports/Andrew Aguilar; No. 3 Jode McDuffie in action