Interview: Sound Play at Corner for 2020 Talent Kasen Kinchen Brings Oregon Offer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Opposing Washington 4A receivers may want friends glued at the hip, but Kasen Kinchen was no friend to opposing passing games in 2017. The rising Class of 2020 corner was a mirror image of hopeful receivers shutting down passing games hanging on the hip on one side of his island to the other. The play on the field with Lake Stevens is bringing in national recruiting attention for the 5-11, 165-pound, defender with an offer on the table from Oregon and growing interest among Pac-12 schools. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I got a few minutes in with Kinchen between college camps to learn more about his game and offer from the Ducks.

Interview

Kasen, when did you get the call-up to the varsity squad?

“I was between JV and varsity my freshman year, and I was the starting at corner from the summer during my sophomore year.”

What was the transition like for you as a freshman to 4A varsity football?

“It was hard but I got used to it quick.”

You play fundamentally sound at corner, what do you consider the overall strengths of your game out there?

“My strengths, I can lock down a side of the field. I am a good one-on-one defender.”

Which defensive schemes do you like?

“I like going man, Cover 4, and Cover 2.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am trying to gain weight. I want to be 175 pounds for the season. I am also working on getting faster and being more explosive.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes, sir. I played with Heir Football.”

How did playing 7v7 ball with Heir Football help improve your game?

“It helped a lot. I worked with Reggie Jones, I did a lot of one-on-one sessions with him. He is one of the biggest reasons why I am where I am at today. He has helped me develop.”

Will you play any other positions in 2018 besides corner?

“Yes. I am playing receiver, at the Z.”

Are you excited to get snaps in at receiver this year?

“Yes. I am really excited.”

Have you been to any camps this offseason?

“I went to the Northwest Showcase and to an Oregon State camp.”

Do you have any other upcoming camps planned?

“I might be going to the Oregon Saturday Night Live Camp and to an Eastern Washington camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Washington came by school to speak with me, Coach Greg (Bob Gregory), Oregon State came in, and Arizona has been showing a lot of interest.”

You have an offer from Oregon, right?

“Yes, sir.”

How did Oregon offer you?

“They offered me in May. Coach (Keith) Heyward (co-defensive coordinator) called Coach Reggie (Jones) from Heir Football to let him know they were offering me. Coach Reggie called my dad and told me I got the offer.”

Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“History.”

Do you play any other sports for Lake Stevens?

“Basketball and I am going to run track next season.”

What goals have you set for yourself over the summer months before the 2018 season begins?

“I want to gain weight, get more explosive, and get faster. I’d like to become a better tackler.”

Kasen, thanks for your time today; it has been fun. Good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Kinchen family; Kasen Kinchen at WSU and with Heir Football