Interview: 4-Star 2021 DE/OT Akili Calhoun Talks Cal Visit and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
An unstoppable force is emerging from the defensive trenches at Liberty High School. The Brentwood area team is coming off a 13-1 season with an end of year No. 10 California state ranking (MaxPreps) and is once again one of the top teams around with a 7-0 mark. No matter if the Lions have the ball or trying to get it back, Class of 2021 recruit Akili Calhoun (6-4, 245) is on the field imposing his will on others leading to the big wins. The four-star truly shines at defensive end where he has earned offers from Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon State, San Jose State, and Washington State. But he is also a key player at left tackle on a unit averaging 30 points per game.
For an update on his season and recruiting process, Calhoun and I caught up for the first time since the summer for an in-depth interview.
*Click link for June 26, 2019, RNG video interview with Akili Calhoun
Interview
Akili, you have the difficult task of playing both ways in the trenches. Knowing this was coming, how did you prepare your body for the responsibilities of the season?
“I put it upon myself to work harder than everyone I play with and compete against so I could do the best possible on both sides of the ball. I did a lot of conditioning. Even with the team, I pushed myself harder and worked on my own to help prepare for the season.”
Guessing you get this a lot, how has playing offensive tackle helped your game as a defensive end?
“It has helped a lot. It has helped me understand how an offensive tackle moves and the technique that is needed to go against an end. As an end, I know what I can do to make that job harder for offensive tackles. I know what I need to do to get past him. If I can get hip to hip, once you are hip to hip, you dip the corner and they cannot get you. I am learning a lot of tips that will help me get to the quarterback easier.”
Over the offseason, what did you work on with your game as a defender?
“During the offseason, I did track. That helped keep me in shape and get my speed up. I worked on a lot my moves; at practice we go over everything. With my strikes, I am trying to make it as powerful as I can coming down with heavy hands. I work on it every day to get it down.”
What are the coaches having you do on the field within the defensive scheme?
“Usually I am just a defensive end, but sometimes, depending on the team, I will get some reps inside to take advantage of a slower offensive lineman to get to the quarterback faster.”
Which areas of your game are showing the most gains?
“Mostly my strength and how to better shed blocks. I am better at anchoring myself and setting the edge against the run.”
How is your game coming along on offense?
“It has come a long way. I am working religiously with my offensive line coach. He knows exactly what he is talking about. I am learning the proper techniques from him.”
Which game has been the most difficult for you this season, but how did that challenge help make you a better player?
“The game that was most difficult was first game back was from my MCL sprain. Going back out there right away, that was challenging.”
Offers are piling up for you. How many do you have now?
“I have six offers.”
Which programs are showing interest?
“LSU is sending me game invites. UCLA, USC, Notre Dame, and Washington are also showing interest. That is all I can think of right now.”
Have you visited any schools recently?
“Yes. I have taken two visits. I went to Cal for my first unofficial. I liked it. It was cool. They level of play there is good. Arizona State was my other visit. That was a lot of fun. I enjoyed everything there. The atmosphere was really cool. The campus is so big, it is like a town of its own.”
Are there any trips coming up?
“I want to get to Washington State at some point, but I am not sure when. I may go back to Arizona to check out Arizona and for another visit to Arizona State. If anything, most of my visits will be this spring. The most important thing for me right now is the season.”
The Lions take on Pittsburg on Friday. What kind of game are you looking at going against their offense and defense?
“I think we are going against another super power in our league. We are both at the top of our game. It should be a very good game. I think this will be a hard-fought game. Whoever grinds for it gets the win.”
Akili, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Calhoun family; Akili Calhoun at Cal (Oct. 2019)