Interview: Talented 2020 California CB Asanti Mokwala Updates Season with Hillcrest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Over the last three seasons, Asanti Mokwala has been an ever-present force in the secondary for Hillcrest High School. The Riverside area talent jumped on the scene as a sophomore making plays all over the field, and has kept up the hard work. Entering his senior season, Mokwala has expanded his role with the Trojans adding receiver to his game giving next level scouts extra opportunities to see what he can bring to a collegiate roster.
During Mokwala’s sophomore season, California teams came at the 5-11, 180-pound, defender but the plan backfired helping him grow his game. Mokwala rose to the occasion coming up with 35 tackles, two picks, seven pass deflections, forced two fumbles, and picked up two. His junior season was much of the same but that is when teams started backing away from him. He tallied 22 stops and picked off four passes sending the signal that has been well-received. Five games into his senior year, Mokwala has ended 12 plays and taken away a pass alternating between free safety and corner switching on a game to game basis depending on the opponent played. His offensive game has been impactful snagging 13 passes moving the chains 188 yards.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of California’s overlooked senior skill talents for an update on his season and recruiting process.
Interview
Asanti, how has the 2019 season started off for you?
“It has started off pretty good. I am learning to play beyond my strength. I am becoming more of a complete player. I have focused on tackling, developing better instincts, and finishing at the point of attack.”
Looks like you are playing some corner and free safety this season. How does that rotation in the secondary work?
“That is based on our team needs and on the teams we are playing. Wherever their best player is playing, I am playing over him. My coaches believe I can play anywhere on the field. They are letting play. They’re watching me develop and grow this season.”
What did you work on over the summer in preparation for your senior season?
“I focused mainly on speed, recovery speed on being beaten on a route, if I am beaten, and not opening hips until a receiver makes up his mind. I have increased my football IQ for a full understanding of the game.”
How is your game as a receiver coming along this season?
“My game as a receiver is coming along good. I am learning a lot. I am getting off line as fast as possible, limiting my motion in my route, working on speed throughout my routes, staying patient in my breaks, and catching the ball anyway I can.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements on defense?
“I am showing the most improvement in my cover skills. No one has caught a ball on me, maybe one or two. But my cover skills have improved tremendously. Quarterbacks do not look my way anymore. I am playing press, zone – any coverage.”
Which game this season has been your best?
“My best game was our Week 3 game against Grand Terrace. That game challenged me. They have a receiver (Lonzel Bradford) who is similar to me and athletic like me. I know he has offers. He did not catch a ball on me. I got a pick, some big tackles, and broke up some passes in that game. I don’t see that level of competition too much in our division. To play against him was nice.”
Of the games left on the schedule, which ones are you and the team hyped to play?
“In a couple of weeks Notre Vista. There are three of us that share the same stadium, they are one of the teams. We beat them big last season. I know they are coming for revenge this season. That is a good rivalry game.”
Closing out on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Cal, Wyoming, Air Force, Cal-Poly, University San Diego, Columbia and UNLV.”
Did you visit any programs over the offseason?
“Yes. I visited UNLV in the spring.”
Nice. Tell me about the visit.
“The visit went very well. Their faculty and coaching staff greeted me with open arms. They were world class. I love their facilities.”
Are you planning on taking any trips coming up?
“I might visit Cal. I was supposed to go up there for an Arizona State game but could not make it. I may be able to go up there by mid-October. Wyoming and UNLV are two other trips I may take coming up.”
Asanti, it was great catching up with you today. I hope the rest of your senior season goes the way you want it.
“Thank you.”
*Click link for Asanti Mokwala’s 2019 mid-season highlight reel
Photo credit: Hillcrest HS; No. 7 Asanti Mokwala
Photo credit: Mokwala family; Asanti Mokwala at UNLV