One to Watch Interview with 2019 California OL Kevin Duran

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are hidden recruiting jewels throughout the Golden State with another rising talent to keep an eye on at Banning High School – Class of 2019 offensive lineman Kevin Duran. Duran (6-5, 250) was a driving force in the trenches helping his Wilmington (CA) area squad to a 6-5 record in 2017 against Division-I competition. To learn more about the under the radar recruit, I sat down for a quick one-on-one interview.

Interview

Kevin, going into your junior season, which parts of your game did you work on most?

“I worked on my strength. At the start of the season I was weaker than I wanted to be. I hit the weight room over and over. With my blocking, my pass set, for sure. My kicks, staying balanced, and being firm with my stance were all things I worked on before the season started.”

By the end of your junior season how did your overall game improve?

“As a player, I gained a high football IQ. I knew what was happening and why I was messing up.”

What aspects of your pass protection do you feel you do well?

“Not too far back, I used to go too far outside. I stay firm on the inside now.”

What about with your run blocking?

“Staying low. Before, I would stand up, that felt natural. Now I stay low and I am consistent with my blocks.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I’m working to be more explosive when I play and finishing my blocks.”

Is there one part of your game that your coach harps on you to improve in practice?

“With my pass set, getting too far on the outside leaving the inside open. I’m trying to get back into the groove from the season.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?

“I have. We don’t do one-rep maxes. We have a weight and rep it out. On bench, I pressed 185 pounds 17 times and on squat, I squatted 225 pounds 22 times.”

Are you receiving any interest from schools that have not offered yet?

“Schools showing interest that have not offered are Oregon State and Utah State.”

Do you have any offers?

“I received a verbal offer from Howard a while back.”

Have you been to any camps and/or combines this offseason?

“I went to a Premium camp. I was invited to the Nike Opening but could not go.”

Some fun questions for you. What kind of guy are you on the field, do you talk to the opposition or just let your play do the talking?

“I let my play do the talking.”

What is your favorite moment from last season?

“My favorite movement… playing hard teams like Narbonne. I like playing against a team that good.”

Kevin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 74 Kevin Duran

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 74 Kevin Duran