Interview: Spring Season Leading into College Camps for 3-Star 2022 QB Shea Kuykendall
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After an extended offseason, few California high school football players were as happy to be back on the field as Class of 2022 quarterback Shea Kuykendall. During his sophomore season, Kuykendall laid down the foundation of his three-star recruiting status playing behind senior Mehki Jordan. With the Long Beach Poly offense fully in his hands, Kuykendall (6-2, 202) was ready to showcase the skills executing the team’s Spread. Hitting 44 of 68 attempts for 546 yards with six touchdowns while rushing for 55 yards with two more scores, Kuykendall lead the Jackrabbits to a 4-0 record this spring.
With an offer down from William & Mary and interest coming in from Cal, Utah, Eastern Washington, Georgetown, and all the Ivy League schools, Kuykendall is ready to spin it at college camps this summer.
*Click the link for the Feb. 2020 RNG interview with Shea Kuykendall
Interview
Shea, catch us up. How did the 2020 season go for you this spring?
It went very well. We went 4-0. I was happy to get the short season we got to showcase how much better I have gotten in every aspect of football, mentally and physically.
Working in the Jackrabbits’ Spread offense, how were defenses lining up against you guys this season?
We were seeing a lot of defenses drop seven or eight, which led to a huge outbreak in the run game for us.
In which game did you turn in your top performance?
I’d say my top performance, not statistically, was the Serra game. In that game I showed my ability as a leader and I showed my integrity showed in that game. We never gave up. I’d like to think I had a big part in that, not letting guys get down or give up.
Even though you guys posted a perfect 4-0 record, is there a game you want back where you’d do some things differently?
I’d say I want the first game back (Serra). We could have won by a lot. It didn’t have to be in overtime, but we came out with the win.
As a competitor, in that challenging game against Serra, how did that help you grow as a quarterback?
It helped me grow from the standpoint of learning how to stay cool and if I do make a mistake, to wipe it off and move on. There is a game still to be played; it is not over on one play.
You are always working on your mechanics and overall game, and I always ask you this question. After all the offseason work put in, which areas of your game saw the biggest growth during your junior season?
My mechanics overall, my arm strength and speed. There was a huge difference from my sophomore to junior year.
Another question I always ask you, what are you working on this spring preparing for your senior year?
For my senior year, I am working on getting bigger, more muscular and faster, I am also working on the mental aspect of football, identifying coverages, things like that.
Are there any national camps coming up you may go compete at?
The Elite 11 regional in LA.
Are there any college camps you may go spin it at?
I am looking to go to one of the Redlands camps, possibly a few out of state, and I am definitely going to the Nevada quarterback camp. Everything else is in the works.
Shea, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success at all the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credits: All In/Kuykendall family; Shea Kuykendall