Interview: Sierra Canyon 2017 OL/DL Kanan Ray Talks about USC Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Nestled in the northwest corner of the San Fernando Valley is an emerging California high school powerhouse, Sierra Canyon. The Trailblazers are off to an 8-0 record this season with their closest margin of victory being two separate 25 point wins (Taft High School and Brentwood School). Head coach Jon Ellinghouse has a talented roster with several rising stars in the junior and senior classes. One of those rising stars is Class of 2017 offensive/defensive lineman Kanan Ray.

Ray is in the neighborhood of 6’4”, 265-270 pounds, with the frame and commitment to the game to pack on 30-40 more pounds to be a top next level talent. The California born but Tennessee raised product moves really well for his size, is sound on both sides of the ball with his technique, and plays with a needed nasty streak once the ball is snapped. His play on the field has led to more and more colleges taking notice of his skill set. Arizona, Arizona State, and Washington State were among the early schools showing interest and now the list is quickly growing with UNLV, San Jose State, Oregon, and USC showing the kind of interest that is sure to bring an offer around the corner.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Kanan after his unofficial visit to USC for the Utah game to get his thoughts on the Trojans and found out which schools are pushing harder and harder to bridge that all-to important bond leading to a hopeful verbal commitment.

Interview

Kanan, how did the visit to USC go?

“It went really well. I got there and started talking to O-line coach, Coach (Bob) Connelly. He and I talked a lot. A few of my teammates went and got to talk to the coaches as well (2017 QB Niko Harris and 2017 RB Bobby Cole). I walked in there and coaches I had never met before came up and said “we’ve been waiting for you all day.” It felt like I got special treatment, and that was great. They gave me a black wrist band so I got to go into the locker room before the game. Seeing the coaches talking to the players in the locker room was really cool.”

Which coaches did you meet with other than Coach Connelly?

“I met with Scott Thompson, he’s the Trojans player personnel director. He was roommates with our defensive coordinator Coach Mike Gonzaga in college.”

What did the coaches talk about with you?

“They asked how the season was going, how much I’m weighing, and if I was excited to be at USC for the game. I’ve talked with the coaches before about football and stuff like that.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the team’s offense or defense?

“Their offense is a lot like ours. If I went there it’s not like I have to learn a new system. They are running the same type of plays that we run.”

What gets you excited about USC?

“USC is just USC. You go to USC and you have great connections everywhere. There are so many business owners out in the business world to connect with and you get a great education there. Another thing that was fun about the trip, we sat in student section. The students were passionate and crazy. It was a lot of fun sitting in the stands with the fans.”

Are you going on another visit to USC this fall?

“I’m planning on going to the UCLA game (Nov. 28). I was invited to the rest of the USC home games. I want to go to that UCLA game.”

Are there any schools picking up the recruiting efforts with you?

“University of Oregon is on me. They are one of the most recent schools. I talk to Coach (Steve) Greatwood (offensive line coach). UNLV and Arizona, San Jose State a little bit, and Washington State. I talk to Washington State’s offensive line coach, Coach (Clay) McGuire, after every game. Those schools have been the biggest contact with me.”

Do you have any other visits scheduled with other schools besides USC?

“I don’t. With our football season it is tough. I was thinking about going to Arizona game against Washington State but that did not work out. We couldn’t book a flight in time and make it work out. I’d like to go to a UCLA game but I have no contacts there.”

How the season going for the Trailblazers?

“It’s going great. We’re rolling at 8-0. We’re in league play right now. I’m having a great season and working on becoming a leader on the team. We’re working as a team right now and trying to win a championship.”

Kanan, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Ray family; Kanan Ray (left) with Sierra Canyon teammates at Utah vs. USC game (Oct. 24, 2015).