Offers flowing in for Florida CB Kal-El Pascal, Auburn official getting locked
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The foundation was set during Kal-El Pascal’s junior season, but the lion’s share of attention has been garnered during the offseason. The 2024 cornerback (6-0.5, 185) out of Miami’s Dr. Krop High School has shined in every moment provided impressing next level scouts during the spring evaluation period and on into summer collegiate camps. Now holding 20 offers, the three-star talent is adding more serious looks as one official visit gets locked down.
The month of May kickstarted another round of scholarship opportunities for Pascal with Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Auburn laying down their offers. That attention and relationship building continues.
“The teams staying in contact with me are Tennessee, the head coach from NC State, coach (Dave) Doeren, he has stayed in contact with me after their camp; I met with him after their camp,” Pascal said. “I was one of only two players that met with him after the camp. I was fortunate to be one of the players. Auburn, Georgia, and I was in contact with Pitt, but they got a commitment. I have also been in contact with Maryland and Georgia Tech.”
The Wolfpack coaching staff isn’t the only crew to take a shine to Pascal after seeing him compete at one of their camps.
“I’ve camped at NC State, Tennessee, and Georgia,” Pascal shared. “I balled out at all three. At Georgia, I put on a show for coach Fran Brown (DB), and for the head coach at NC State, coach Doeren, and coach Joker (Phillips – WR), and at Tennessee for coach Willie Martinez (DB). I’ve been doing my thing out there showing them what I have.”
Dr. Krop High School is not a traditional Florida powerhouse, but that status is shifting. The Lightning took on all challengers at Georgia’s 7-on-7 tournament colliding against other regional stalwarts making their way to the Bulldogs’ finale under head coach Tommy Caporale’s guidance.
“At Georgia, we competed in their 7-on-7 tournament, it was extremely fun,” Pascal stated. “Coach Cap took us up there, he gave us an opportunity to show out and compete, and to show what we have and to show that Krop can compete in these tournaments with the big-time schools.
“Our freshman receiver, Jaden Page, he balled out. Our sophomore receiver, Xayvion Quarterman and our quarterback, Jamaal Haggins, they all balled out. Xayvion caught interceptions as well. I had three interceptions at the 7-on-7 tournament and seven PBUs. Jaden Page and I were invited to a private workout with coach Fran Brown; we balled out there. I locked up everyone I went against. I opened eyes at the Georgia tournament, and so did Jaden Page; he opened eyes. He was routing guys up.”
Asked about the conversations college coaches had with him when pulled aside for his outstanding play, Pascal replied, “Something similar every coach says is that they love how I can play against slots and on the outside. They love that I can play safety, play man, and be versatile around the field on the backside. They love how I can run, track the ball, and they love my ball skills.
“Tennessee’s coach, coach Willie Martinez, he told me that he loves how I play football. He said since they have their OVs coming up they can’t offer me until after their official visitors but that they will be in contact with me. It is the same with NC State.
“I was grateful for the opportunity set in front of me. No matter what, I am grateful to coach Cap for setting us up with these opportunities. Without this college tour… he gave all of us a chance to showcase ourselves. I appreciate coach Cap for that. He doesn’t have to do it; he is choosing to and that really stands out.”
In early April, Miami hosted Pascal. The three-star defender may return to Coral Cables for an upcoming camp.
“I might go to the UM Legends Camp to showcase what I have along with some of my teammates,” Pascal stated.
A late July paid for trip to The Plains is in the works.
“I am setting up my Auburn official with coach Wesley McGriff, coach Crime Dog,” Pascal said. “He is recruiting me hard. He’s always hitting me up and texting me. He’s trying to build that relationship with me. I appreciate every coach who is doing that. Some coaches make it real; they build that relationship with the players.”
More official and unofficial visits are in the works for Pascal.
“I am trying to set up visits with Georgia and Georgia Tech,” Pascal shared. “Syracuse may be in the mix for an OV. After Tennessee decides what they are going to do, the same with NC State, they will be in the mix as well.”
BEYOND THE INTERVIEW
While working his craft in Athens, the Bulldogs’ coaching staff were not the only ones impressed with Pascal. First round 2013 NFL Draft pick Jarvis Jones also liked what he saw in Pascal.
“After the private workout, Jarvis Jones (LB) spoke with me saying he was impressed with how I looked,” Pascal stated. “He said the same for Jordan Page. He said he can see that player in us.”