Interview: 4-Star 2020 California WR Jalen McMillan Adds Another Monster Season to Resume
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him. A familiar echo repeated time and time again by defensive coordinators getting ready to play San Joaquin Memorial High School. The player they are referring to is Class of 2020 wide receiver Jalen McMillan, and the reason is, he keeps putting up monster seasons against Division III California competition.
The Panthers were one of the state’s best in 2017 capturing a CIF Central Section title with a 45-31 win over Tulare Western. One of the guiding forces to the trophy was then- sophomore Jalen McMillan. The 6-2, 180-pound, target used a wide-array of abilities and talents to a 78-reception, 1,810-yard and 21-touchdown season. The follow up to his breakout year has been much of the same except opposing teams are committing up to three defenders to his side of the field. The Panthers are still one of the state’s best with a 13-0 record readying to play Tulare Union in the Championship Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 8. The stats posted with all the attention is still pretty amazing; 66 receptions for 1,280 yards with 17 touchdowns and two carries with another trip into the end zone. Showing just how fast and dangerous he is in the open-field, three kick returns for 137 yards and one punt return for 62 more all-purpose yards.
College coaches are smitten. To date, 24 offers have gone out and the list is long and distinguished: USC, Cal, Washington, LSU, Oklahoma, Nebraska, UCLA, Colorado, Alabama, Hawaii, Kansas State, Fresno State, Nevada, Ole Miss, Washington State, Oregon State, Tennessee, Utah, Florida, Georgia, and Notre Dame.
With all that is going on for McMillan on and off the field, I got a few minutes with him for an in-depth one-on-one covering his season and recruiting.
Interview
Jalen, the Panthers turned in an unforgettable season posting a 13-0 record with a championship trophy. What was the run like this season?
“It was a grind. We won it all last year, we had a target on our back this year. We knew needed to produce. We had adversity all season, but we got through it.”
The offense was unkind to the opposition averaging 48 points per game. What made the offense work so well as a unit?
“We can throw and run the ball. I was double- and triple-teamed, that opened up spots for the other receivers and running backs to make plays. We had a pick your own poison thing going on this year.”
You put up a monster season at receiver, what were some of the routes and ways you were receiving the ball within the offense?
“If I was matched up one-on-one, we would throw over the top on a go. If they were playing off, I did a lot of comebacks, curls, and digs. They’d leave the middle open, we’d expose that as well. We did everything in the route tree.”
Are there a couple of favorite routes you like to run?
“I love running digs, comebacks, and curls.”
You kind of already answered this, but how were defenses scheming against you in hopes of slowing you down?
“They loved to double and triple team me.”
Your speed stands out, what is your best 40-yard dash time?
“My best was a 4.5 as a sophomore. In track, I ran a 10.7 in the 100.”
Wow. In addition to your speed, what are some of the other things you do well on the field that makes you such a dangerous receiver?
“I like to run a lot of go-routes. If I am running a curl, I make it look like a different route, my eyes will go another place; it is an art. I can high point well, my hips are fast, and I can turn in an instant.”
Offseason workout goals?
“My goals are to get stronger, there is always improvement with route running and hand-eye coordination, and getting stronger and faster.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Clemson, Ohio State, Purdue, and Michigan are showing interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 24 offers.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
“The last ones were Ole Miss and Hawaii.”
Have you taken any visits this fall?
“Yes. I visited Oregon and Washington for game day visits, and I visited Oregon State, but it was not a game day visit.”
How did Oregon go?
“I loved it. The campus is beautiful, the coaches are amazing, and there are great people there.”
What about Washington, how did that visit go?
“Their coaches is what makes that football team perfect. Their coaches build relationships. They have their own policy, they focus on the player as a person not just as a football player.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Yes. I have one to LSU and one to Oklahoma.”
What has you excited about the LSU visit?
“I like their play action offense. Odell and Landry came out of that program. Their program seems like a good fit.”
What about Oklahoma, what has you excited about going to Norman?
“Their offense is my type of offense. They have an amazing fan base and their coaches are really-really good.”
You mentioned track earlier, do you plan on playing any other varsity sports this winter or spring?
“Yes. Baseball.”
Nice. Which events in track are you going to run?
“The 100, 200, and 400.”
You said your best time in the 100 was a 10.7, what is your best in the 200?
“22.1.”
Lots and lots of speed. Jalen, it was great learning more about you, your game, and your recruiting process today. I appreciate your time. Good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: McMillan family; Jalen McMillan at Oregon