Interview: Overlooked California 2018 TE Chris Kane is a Talented D-I Caliber Possession Receiver
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The basics of football are truly quite simple – run the ball, throw the ball, kick the ball, and stop the ball. With the basics of the passing game in mind, San Clemente High School hybrid tight end/receiver is that possession receiver who could make a big impact for the right Division-I team as part of the 2018 recruiting class.
If there was a label building to go in front of or behind mentioning the Tritons’ high school squad, one of many, would be a comparable “Tight End U” to “Tight End HS.” San Clemente head coach Jaime Ortiz routinely prepares young men at all positions on both sides of the ball for next level success but the tight end position seems to be a growing standout position. During the 2015 season, former San Clemente tight end Cole Fotheringham (Utah) tore it up with 45 passes pulled in for 600 yards with 10 scores after hauling in 50 passes for 585 yards with eight scores in 2014. Yet another went D-I as part of the 2017 class, Isaac Rex. Rex signed with BYU after securing 26 passes for 275 yards with three touchdowns during the 2016 schedule.
With guys like Sam Darnold (USC) and Jack Sears (USC) slinging the ball around the yard, every receiver and/or tight end with an opportunity to snare a pass best step up their game for the Tritons. The line of talent streaming out of the California squad is alive and well with Kane. The 6-5, 220 pound, playmaker was third on the squad in 2016 with 28 receptions covering 361 yards with five scores during his breakout junior campaign.
Kane is still raw in some areas but showed marked signs of improvement throughout his junior year. A few things he does really well includes getting open for his quarterback giving a big target with oven mitt hands to secure the pigskin. Another knack that college coaches will love is Kane’s uncanny ability to find a hole in the defense allowing his offense to move the chains play after play. Kane is a mismatch for any linebacker and/or defensive back with his size and over powers in the slot and on the outside in the run game as a willing blocker. One area of improvement being worked on in the off-season is blocking off the line with a hand in the dirt. If anyone can get Kane D-I ready at the tight end position, it is Ortiz.
The recruiting trail is starting to open up for Kane after the Tritons captured a CIF state title in 2016 with a 22-17 win over Del Oro and an invite to the Under Armour All-American invite only camp held in Orange County (CA) on Sunday, February 12. The two teams showing the most interest so far in Kane is UCLA and Oregon State. As the camp circuit season heats up, so should Kane’s rise on recruiting boards across the country.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the bigger under the radar talents in California’s 2018 recruiting class to get his thoughts on the 2016 season while getting an update on his off-season plans.
Interview
Chris, the Tritons had a fantastic 2016 season winning a CIF championship over Del Oro. What was the run like for you going up against teams like Chino Hills, Heritage, Valencia, Murrieta Valley, and Edison?
“So special, especially how every game was a tight game. Everyone worked together and came together. We pushed through it and came out on top on all of them.”
How did you step up your game in the playoffs?
“For me, mostly it was when the opportunity in the games to make the most of it. Getting a catch and getting the most yards after contact I could and getting that key block in the run game. I was working to put my team in the best place possible to succeed.”
How did that run in the playoffs help you improve your overall game?
“For me, my mindset was that I was here for a reason and so are they. I cannot overlook any team. The mental aspect of the game improved for me through the playoffs.”
Props to you for going across the middle. What is your mentality on play calls where you know you could take a big hit dragging underneath the zone?
“It really is just knowing you are going to get hit but that is the play and you do what you have to for your team. Every once in a while you have to take one for the team.”
You seem to have a knack for finding holes in the zone. Is that something you work on in practice or is that something you pick up from watching film?
“We go over it in practice, but it is having trust between the quarterback and receiver. Jack (Sears) and I had a great season when plays were breaking down and with my finding that spot. We were able to connect.”
You line up on the line, outside, and in the slot, how do you see yourself on the field? Are you a hybrid tight end/H-back or a receiver?
“For me this season it was good because we had another tight end, Isaac Rex who is going to BYU. I told the coaches I will do whatever you need me to do. I knew all of the positions so I got on the field more knowing what to do. I consider myself a hybrid tight end. I am still working on blocking from the line. That is my biggest thing to work on this off-season. I was more of a route runner and pass catcher during my junior year.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“Being a leader. This year we are losing some key players. I will have to step up and take control. From a playing stand point, I want to improve my blocking, route running, pass receiving, and become more agile.”
You attended the Under Armour All-American Camp recently, how did that camp go for you?
“I had a great time. That was my first experience at one of those types of camps. I had a great time and made a bunch of new friends. Guys were congratulating me on the run we went on. Seeing all of the talent from the west coast was awesome.”
What did you learn at that camp that will help you going forward?
“What to expect at the next level. The overall pace of the camp was fast. In high school you may have a couple of guys that are not up to par out on the field, but everyone there was fast, strong, and everyone belonged.”
What other camps might you attend this off-season?
“I’m attending the Opening in LA and I’m probably going camping this summer with various schools. I’m not sure with which schools yet.”
Which schools are showing the most recruiting interest in you right now?
“UCLA is the hardest. Oregon State is showing interest too.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I went to two UCLA games last season.”
How did the UCLA visits go?
“They were awesome. I had a great experience being on the field pre-game. I talked to their tight ends coach, Coach Rip (Scherer). He was very positive to be around. I had a great time.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“No. Not yet. I will meet with my head coach talk to him about schools to visit with him.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.5.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“Not yet. I’m taking them this spring.”
What other sports do you play for San Clemente?
“I was on the basketball team.”
How did the season go?
“We just ended. It was a great season. We were expected to finish last but we won league. That was a testament to the team and how we all came together.”
Last question. Back to football, what is the most undervalued part of your game that you want everyone to know you do really well?
“I’d have to say my clean routes that I run and my hand strength. I’m able to catch every ball. I’m able to catch all the hard (velocity) passes and tough to reach passes. If it is in your area you have to catch it. I have great effort catching the ball.”
Chris, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Billy Tucker/Under Armour Camp; No. 61 Chris Kane
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 88 Chris Kane pre-snap (2016).
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 88 goes up high for a pass (2016).