One to Watch Interview with 2020 California DE Kamar Watkins
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In all high school sports, every senior season is special. All the years of hard work is built up for a showcase season with every player seeking a conference title and a state championship. Those dreams are very much in play for Kamar Watkins and his Muir High School squad this season. The Mustangs are 3-1 but have had to deal with opposition forfeits cutting short opportunity to display all the hard work for a full regular season to next level scouts. Regardless, when the lights have turned on come Friday night in California, Watkins (6-1, 230) has shinned on the field coming up with 20 tackles, 13 solo, with 13.5 tackles for a loss, and 12.5 sacks.
With interest coming in from UNLV, Sacramento State, and San Diego State, I sat down with Watkins covering his senior season to date.
*Click link for RNG video interview with Kamar Watkins
Interview
Kamar, you are doing a great job of using your speed and leverage to make plays in the backfield for Muir this season. How are you preparing for each game taking on the challenge of going up against offensive tackles?
“I do a lot of preparation. I am watching film learning their tendencies and my coaches help me prepare. I am always learning when they are pulling and when they are pass blocking so I can make plays.”
How did you prepare in the offseason for your senior year?
“I worked on my hands, get off, and shedding blocks quicker.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game?
“My get off is way faster than last year and the use of my hands has improved. I was bull rushing a lot last season not using my hands. I am way faster this year.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“Our game against Western was my best. I dominated that game. In the first half they switched the lineman blocking me. I was killing their guard. I was being disruptive on every play.”
The Mustangs are nearing the halfway mark of the season. What goals are you wanting to accomplish when the season is over?
“I want to be Defensive Player of the Year in Pacific League, of course I want to earn a scholarship, and I want to lead our league in sacks.”
At 3-1, how is the team looking?
“We are looking very good. We got a transfer who is not playing yet. We get him back against Burroughs (Burbank), that will help. There is always room for improvement for our team. We have not reached our full potential as a team yet.”
The team hosts Glendale (1-4) on Friday. What kind of game are you expecting from the Nitros offense?
“That is a forfeited the game. We may play Temple City in a scrimmage in its place. Our coach is trying to set up the game so we can play.”
I’m sorry. That has to be frustrating when all you want to do is play during your senior season.
“It is frustrating.”
Kamar, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Mustangs success in Pacific League action the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Muir HS/Watkins family; Kamar Watkins