One to Watch Interview with 2020 California DB Asanti Mokwala

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In six games during his sophomore season, Asanti Mokwala made a big impact in the secondary for Hillcrest High School. After transferring from Centennial High School (Corona), the 5-11, 175-pound, defensive back made first team All-River Valley League honors coming up with 35 stops, 13 solo, recovered two fumble, forced two fumbles, broke up seven passes, and picked two off. Now he is back at it during his junior season showing the half-season 2017 sample size was no fluke.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the 4.0 GPA student-athlete to learn more about his growing game.

*Interview conducted before the Trojans played Kaiser on Sept. 7, 2018

Interview

Asanti, when you finished your sophomore season, what parts of your game did you consider strengths as a defensive back?

“Staying square, I have a strong jam, and I am good at mirroring the receiver and making the big play. I am good at tackling and I get the job done.”

What all did you work on this offseason to prepare for your junior year?

“I worked on my speed and agility. I ran track and played 7v7 with Gridiron Sports Academy.”

Which events did you run in track?

“I ran the 100, 200, 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, and 4×4.”

Wow. You are the track team (he laughs). Of them all, which is your best event?

“The 300 hurdles.”

What is your best time in the 300 hurdles?

“My best is 47.3 seconds.”

Back to football. With three games into the season, where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your abilities?

“I’ve seen improvement in my zone coverage, understanding what the offense is doing, seeing and knowing combo routes from receivers, playing with the game in front of me, and playing with great confidence.”

Which game has been the most challenging for you so far, and how has that challenge help make you a better player?

“I’d say last week against Grand Terrace. That was a challenge. Their quarterback was trying to pick apart the secondary. I had to lock myself in and breakdown the route combos to see what he was doing.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“My best game was Notre Dame in Week 2. In that game, I showed my ability to fly to the ball. I had no cover mistakes in that game. I jammed them up and executed to my best abilities. That game was a big step forward to the season for me.”

What goals have you set for the 2018 season?

“My personal goals are to get six interceptions, lead the league in tackles and in pass breakups. My team goals are to win a CIF championship and go to state. We have a tough journey ahead, but I have the will power, and so do my teammates, to make it happen. Hopefully, we will come out on top.”

I know recruiting is just starting to pop for you, which schools are showing interest?

“I had a lot of camp emails invites from Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Boise State – teams like that.”

Last question, and it is a tough one. Which four teams do you have in your College Football Playoff?

“Alabama, Ohio State, USC – as a wild card, and Oklahoma.”

Strong picks. Asanti, I appreciate your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Hillcrest High School; No. 7 Asanti Mokwala