Interview: Top 2020 Canada CB Peter Kemeni Updates Season and Duke Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

It is an opinion, with more opportunity for him to prove it with upcoming camps and combines in the offseason, but Class of 2020 cornerback Peter Kemeni might be the best at his position in all of Canada. How that translates against his U.S. counterparts, 10 of Clarkson North’s (Ontario) games during the 2018 season were against U.S. teams; Archbishop Moeller (OH), Elder (OH), Erie (PA), Lorain (OH), St. Ignatius (OH), St. Frances (MD), St. Xavier (OH), Cheshire (CT), Cathedral Prep (PA), and Bishop Sullivan (VA). Kemeni is big, 6-2, 185, and fast, and did a fantastic job all season working on the island.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Kemeni covering his junior campaign and emerging recruiting prospects.

Interview

Peter, how did your junior season go on the field?

“I think it went well. I didn’t get any picks, but I locked down my side. I only gave up three receptions on my side all year. As a team, we were playing in the states all season. We did really well going 6-6. I think we were the first Canadian team to do that well against U.S. teams ever. That was special, and a big part of my junior year.”

As mentioned, you played against a lot of top U.S. competition, how were they trying to test you early in the season?

“Early in the season they were coming out on the first play and series trying to catch us on a play we had not seen from them before. As the game went on, they realized we are better than they thought then they went back to their normal style of play. They’d try to throw early, but then they’d stop testing us and started trying to run the ball.”

As the year went on, were offenses scheming against you in a different way?

“We had a really good DB core. I was locking down my side, they did not come my way much with the ball unless they were running. I feel that I changed their style of play with my cover skills.”

Which game last season was the most challenging for you?

“The most challenging game was against St. Frances (Baltimore). I think they were ranked No. 4 in the nation (No. 1 in Maryland). I manned up against an Indiana commit (Jordan Jakes). I locked up against him. He was good. It was me verses him. He was tall too, like 6-5. They kept trying to throw fades against me with him but it wasn’t working.”

How did that challenge make you a better corner in the long run?

“It made me better because he knew what he was doing. He was technically sound, had good releases, and ran good routes. I had to make sure not to bite on routes. I had to stay on my toes, and I could not take plays off. I had to be ready on every play. It was also a boost for my confidence. I only allowed one catch to him the entire game.”

Which game was your best last season, and why do you consider it to be your best?

“I consider the St. Ignatius game to be my best. That was a big rivalry game for us after last season. Also, my cousin plays on that team. I had about four pass breakups, two could have been interceptions. I did well in run support. They avoided my side a lot, but stat wise that was a good game for me. I was technically sound in that game and I was on point.”

From the game tape, you play press coverage and off coverage. How did your cover skills improve throughout the season in both coverages?

“As a bigger corner, they think you cannot turn your hips or that you have poor footwork. Playing Cover 3, or showing it, that forced me to work on my hips and footwork. I feel I move well. I am always working on that in practice. Playing the different coverages helped me improve my game and athletic ability.”

What were some of the other key areas of your game that improved throughout the year?

“My tackling improved a lot. I was not ankle biting, I was picking them up and taking them to the ground. People do not expect corners to tackle, but great DBs tackle. My off coverage improved. Watching film, that was a big part of our success. Analyzing what teams are doing, having eye discipline and not biting on routes comes back to studying. Studying was a big part of my improvement, and becoming more of a technician of the game. If you are not technically sound, you will get exposed.”

Over the offseason, what all will you work on before your senior year?

“This offseason I will work on my off coverage. I think I am good at it, but my strong suit is man. I want to work on it, develop more patience, improve my technique, develop a better slow back pedal with a quicker break and faster feet. I will always work on my speed.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“My best was a 4.6 at a Syracuse camp.”

Nice. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“I am receiving interest from Indiana State, Kent State, Coastal Carolina, Duke, Maine, New Hampshire, Liberty, Rutgers, Colgate, Lafayette, and TCU.”

Have you received an offer yet?

“Yes. I have an offer from Wilfred Laurier University.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I just visited Duke.”

How did the Duke visit go?

“It went really well. That was a big step in building a relationship with their coaching staff. I met new coaches that have not been a part of my recruiting with them yet, and I was able to meet my recruiting coach in person.”

What all did you do during the visit?

“They took my height and weight and we toured the facilities. I was there for Duke’s game against Wake Forest. I also had a meeting with Derek Jones (defensive backs).”

Do you have any planned visits you may take this offseason?

“I am hoping to visit Kent State and Rutgers. I wanted to visit both during the season but I could not make it. Hopefully, I can catch one of their spring practices, or something like that.”

Peter, it was great learning more about your game and recruiting today – thanks for your time.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Clarkson North; No. 17 Peter Kemeni