Interview: Rising 2021 California QB Khalil Ali Talks 2018 South Hills Title Run
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Players dream of the breakout season Khalil Ali produced during his sophomore season. The rising Class of 2021 talent showcased his growing abilities running the spread and pro-style set passing for 2,476 yards with 24 touchdowns and rushed for 289 yards with two more scores accounted for during a 14-1 championship season for South Hills High School. The big year on the turf has brought college coaches to the yard ready to track Ali’s progress going forward. All leads up to another tough offseason of workouts for Ali with big expectations now upon his capable shoulders.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the West Covina area talent getting the inside scoop on his play-making skills in the pocket and offseason workout goals.
Interview
Khalil, the Huskies had a tremendous season winning a title and making it to state. What was the run through all 15 games like for you?
“It was fun. I had never gone through that before. It was fun to experience. It was easy, I read defenses well. Week to week my understanding of the defenses I was going against improved a lot. It was not that hard after preparing so well for each game.”
When the team had captured the Division VI title beating Oxnard 23-14, what was that moment like knowing you had helped lead your team to a preseason goal?
“It was great. I knew that I was a part of it all and I had helped my team get there.”
Your role within the offense was a big shift starting the entire season in the pocket for South Hills. You touched on this a minute ago talking about preparing, what was your week to week preparation like for any given opponent?
“My week to week preparation, on Monday I would watch film, go to practice, and then watch film with my QB coach after practice. I would watch a lot of film on my own throughout the week and twice a week with coaches.”
Looks like the Huskies primarily run the spread offense. How does the spread fit your skillset?
“It fits it well. I can move around in the pocket and I can run RPO. I can go under center, we did that about half the time this year. It works out for me.”
With the extra and meaningful time on the field throughout the 2018 season, how did your overall game improve?
“My game improved week by week. Passing wise, with each game I was getting more comfortable in the pocket and with my receivers. In the playoffs we were in our prime.”
Which game was a challenge for you but helped make you a better player in the long run?
“I’d say the San Juan Hills game was the biggest challenge. That was the toughest game. I got hurt in the first quarter, dinged my throwing shoulder, but worked through it. They were big, and had a big and fast defensive end. All that matters, we won (19-7).”
Which game was your best last season, and why do you consider that to be your best game?
“My best game last season was against our rival West Covina. That was my first time playing in that game. I went crazy, and we won (35-0).”
*Ali was 17 of 26 for 246 yards passing with three touchdowns and ran for 27 yards
What will you focus on this offseason with your workouts?
“I am focusing on my out-of-the-pocket throws and my agility.”
Do you have a quarterback coach?
“Yes. My QB coach is Danny Hernandez.”
What do you work on with Coach Hernandez?
“We work on keeping my front shoulder closed, getting out of the pocket and out of the pocket throws with my feet set. He is a great QB coach. I worked out with him last week, he fixed one thing with my shoulder, and I am already more accurate now than I was all last season.”
With the big season that you posted, are you receiving any recruiting interest?
“Yes. I am receiving interest from North Carolina, Miami, San Jose State, and Sacramento State.”
That’s great. Khalil, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: San Gabriel Valley Tribune; No. 2 Khalil Ali in action