Offseason Update Interview with 3-Star 2020 California DB/ATH Kamron Forest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Cajon High School was a force during the 2018 California high school football season. The offense was unyielding averaging 48 points per game with a quick strike offense led by 2019 do-everything quarterback Jayden Daniels. But the Cowboys would not have posted a 12-2 record with a run to the Division-III title game without exceptional play on defense, a defense that might have grabbed a sip of water after stopping the opposing offense only to see their squad score in one play. One of the counted upon talents to help shutdown offenses on the San Bernardino roster was Class of 2020 safety/defensive back Kamron Forest.
If the ball crossed the line of scrimmage and went into the box, chances are Forest was there to make a play. The 5-10, 170-pound, defender worked his trade for 70 stops, 49 solo, with two tackles for a loss, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He did this lining up a strong safety and down on the line covering the slot. His versatility in the secondary is being expanded in 2019 with him expected to evolve into a shutdown corner. That athleticism has drawn three offers already from Nevada, San Jose State, and Utah State, and the list of interested parties is growing. That list may expand even quicker seeing him on the field as a two-way standout with time at receiver during his senior campaign.
In an RNG stylized interview, I sat down with one of California’s top defensive backs covering his junior season, offseason workouts, and recruiting prospects.
Interview
Kamron, Cajon had an amazing run through the playoffs getting to the Division III championship game. What was that playoff run like for you going up against all the tough teams?
“It was difficult. The coaching staff helped us prepare for all the sets and recognition we need for the games. It all came easy in the games because of the coaching staff.”
How did you step up your game when it mattered most in the playoffs?
“Usually in the playoffs we do drills specific to improve our game for a given team. We do basic drills in-season. We did a lot of other drills to help with ball skills based on the teams we were facing. My coverage got better in the playoffs.”
You are an active player all over the field whether you are lining up at strong safety or up on the line as a nickel or free safety. How did your cover skills improve throughout the season?
“My speed. My head coach is big on track. That has helped me with my catch-up speed. My technique, man, and off-man all improved throughout the season. My patience got a lot better as well. I was attacking the hip and attacking the ball a lot better as the season went on.”
Entering the offseason grind, what do you feel are the strengths to your game?
“My play recognition is a strength. My physicality and ability to break on the ball are also strengths. My technique as well. I have been working on that a lot.”
Is there an area of your game that might get overlooked?
“Maybe my off-coverage. We don’t get to do it a lot during the season, especially as a safety. I am playing corner this year, you will see that a lot this year.”
You mentioned the move to corner, where all might you line up on the field during your senior season?
“On offense at receiver and on defense at corner and if they need me at safety I will go back there.”
You’ve mentioned a lot of things you are working on this offseason, what else are you working on this spring?
“My top things are speed, strength, footwork, finding the ball and high-pointing it.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball with a travel team?
“Yes. I am playing with Ground Zero.”
How is Ground Zero helping you with your game this offseason?
“Oh, it is helping tremendously. They are helping a lot with my technique. Every Thursday before a game, I train with Coach Brown. We go over the routes I will see and he helps me figure what to do and how to react. With Ground Zero this offseason, we have won four championships this year.”
Nice. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Have you been to any national camps this offseason?
“Yes. I have been to the Nike Opening Regional in LA and the Adidas Three-Stripe camp.”
How did the Nike Opening go?
“It was fantastic. There was a lot of competition, but it was fun.”
What were some of the things you did well at the Nike Regional?
“I did well in the one-on-ones. I only had one off rep. I took a bunch of reps at that camp. I also did well on my shuttle. I had a 4.2 or 4.3.”
Nice. Considering the rainy and cold conditions, that’s great. What was your time in the 40?
“4.6”
Again, impressive considering the conditions and it being laser timed. Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from New Mexico, UCLA came up to my school, Utah, Washington State, and Washington.”
Nice. Do you have any planned visits for this offseason?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting San Jose State, Nevada, and I will try to get to Utah.”
Kamron, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with your upcoming 7v7 tournaments.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Forest family; Kamron Forest with Ground Zero