Interview: 3-Star 2021 WR Makai Cope Gives Insight on Utah Utes Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The high school journey all began as a freshman in 2017 showing a snippet of what we see today, an overpowering receiver with speed and elite hands that is too tough for corners to cover. From the early years at Venice High School to Culver City, Cope has been a playmaker on the field who is now taking his talents to the Utah Utes.
During the 2017 season, Cope showed that flash of star power taking four passes for 123 yards with a score. The following season he broke out securing 47 for 780 yards with nine touchdowns and even picked off a pass for the Gondoliers. When the 2019 season got going, Cope was suiting up with the Centaurs burning southern California defenses game after game for 802 yards off 46 receptions with nine more scores going up on the board.
The 6-3, 207-pound, three-star recruit was a prized prospect by college football programs drawing in 17 reported scholarship offers. As the 2020 California season nears kickoff, Cope will take the field for one last ride putting the recruiting process behind him after dropping his commitment video on YouTube (see below).
To talk about his recruiting process and how Utah became his ideal fit, Cope headed over to the RNG Lab for another detailed conversation.
*Click the link for the May 2020 RNG interview with Makai Cope
Interview
Makai, congratulations on your commitment to Utah.
Thank you.
Before we go behind the scenes, how do you feel after all this hard work put into your game knowing you will be playing D-I football at a Power 5 school?
This goes to show all my hard work paid off. I have been grinding every day, going to my trainer, and studying the game. I have been going against better competition to get better. Now I have the chance to play D-I football at a Power 5 school. I feel blessed.
How did you take all of your offers limiting the field? What was your criteria that went into your process?
I sat down with my parents. It was a long process. I looked to who was talking to me the most, who needed me, and who really wanted me. We looked at how they would utilize me in their offense. Utah had the biggest connection with me. They showed me a lot.
When did you have a feeling Utah was the right fit for you?
When they showed me the new offense that they are running. They are transitioning to an Air Raid next year. That was a huge step for me. Another thing was noticing the way they would put me in the offense. That was an indication to me they are no joke.
How are they seeing you fit into their offensive scheme?
I’m a big receiver. They see me isolating against smaller corners getting one on one matchups. They see the mismatches I create and what I can bring to their offense. If they need a big body receiver in the red zone, I can go get jump balls. They see how fast I get out of my breaks where I can be used anywhere on the field. They can use me on the outside or on the inside and move me around.
What was that one thing or group of things that made you feel comfortable committing?
The coaching staff. The Utah staff is stable and they have love for their guys. That connection and bond with Utah is so strong. They will make me feel like I am at home even though I am not. Another thing was knowing that I will be taken care of in a good environment.
When did you verbally commit to their coaching staff?
(Laughs) I’ve been committed for about two months.
Which coach got the good news first?
Coach Whit, their head coach (Kyle Whittingham).
How did you tell them you were committing? Did you come straight out or play around with it?
I came straight out. I said, “Coach, I have to talk to you and ask you something.” He said, “What’s up. I said, “I was wondering if I could be a Ute?” He went crazy and there were other coaches on the call, they all went crazy too. He was happy and excited, I was too.
The moments before that, knowing what you were about to do, what was racing through your mind?
I wasn’t nervous, I was very excited knowing the program I was committing to. I was excited knowing how I will be taken care of and utilized on the field. When I get there, I will work my butt off to play as a true freshman.
What have you done or what will you do to celebrate this big moment?
I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know. I’m just going to stay humble, keep working out, and keep my head down.
With the California season uncertain, are you going to be an early enrollee?
No.
Now I gotta ask about that video. It was sweet. How long did it take to put that together?
(Laughs) It was a process, a really long process. We went through different parts like me getting dressed and ripping off the jersey. My video guy had to work with the green screen get the kinks worked out.
Did you have any say in the direction of the video?
Yes. The way it was planned out, that is the way it turned out.
Any last words before we wrap?
Yes, make sure you watch on Saturdays.
Makai, thanks for taking time today going over your commitment with Utah. Wishing you continued success preparing for the 2020 regular season this winter.
Thank you, Ryan.
Cope’s Offer Sheet (17): Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, Fresno State, Holy Cross, Kansas State, Michigan, Northwestern, Oregon State, San Jose State, Stanford, Syracuse, UNLV, USC, Utah, and Washington State
Photo credit: Cope family; Makai Cope at Utah
Photo credit: George Laase; No. 3 Makai Cope making plays (2019)