Interview: Texas JUCO 2017 ATH Tekoa McKinnies with 4.39 Speed being Overlooked at Wide Receiver

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Being a team player is not always easy, no matter what the bumper sticker or commercial may say. More times than not, said team player might also be one of the best athletes on the field capable of playing multiple positions filling in at a spot or two as needed, even at the detriment of their own future. A fantastic all-around athlete who has been a great team player but is being overlooked by college recruiters is Cisco 2017 athlete Tekoa McKinnies.

Even McKinnies’ physical description is what most of us think of when the word athlete is used. Listed at 6-0, 201, the former Wagner High School standout is both fast and strong. Not only can he run and catch the ball, but he has a pretty good arm too. While with Wagner in high school, the San Antonio area school used him at quarterback. Once at Cisco, the coaches used him at safety during his true freshman season which became a redshirt year. The next spring they moved him back to quarterback but gave way to current Indiana Hoosiers starting gunslinger Richard Lagow after a nagging shoulder injury slowed him down in fall camp.

McKinnies ended up lining up at wide receiver in 2015. During his sophomore season, the coaching staff at Cisco tried to utilize his speed and athleticism all over the field lining him up at quarterback, wide receiver, kick returner, and even punt returner. Stats through five games played for McKinnies has him with 17 passes completed for 210 yards hitting a teammate for two touchdowns. He also has nine carries for 35 yards and another touchdown.

Where college coaches more than likely will want to use McKinnies is at wide receiver. Anyone can watch his reel to see his 4.39 speed make plays in Cisco’s vertical passing attack covering 173 yards off 18 receptions with two touchdowns.

Colleges in the area at both the Division-I and Division-II level are showing building interest. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with McKinnies to get the inside scoop on his sophomore season and an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Tekoa, you played quarterback in high school for Wagner. Which position did you start playing at Cisco?

“I only played quarterback in high school but moved to safety once I got to college my freshman year.”

Over the past two seasons how have you been utilized in the offense?

“I was utilized all over the field. I was used at wide receiver and quarterback, but mostly at wide receiver. That was what is best for the team.”

How did the coaches use you at receiver? Where all did you line up and what kind of routes did you run?

“I was a combination in the slot and on the outside. I was a deep threat. I ran a lot of comebacks and digs, stops, curls – a lot of routes and combinations. I can do it all.”

How has your game improved this season as a wide receiver?

“My ability to get open and my route running. I feel like I got faster this year which helped me get open better.”

What are the strengths of your game as a receiver?

“I think my ability to run and being a deep ball threat. I can get open quick. My separation – on quick routes I can get open fast.”

Did you max out in the weight room this summer?

“Yes, sir. My max on bench was 330 and my squat was 315.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at school this summer.”

Wow. Impressive.

“Thank you.”

Have you already started off-season workout since Cisco’s season is completed? If so, what are you focused on right now?

“The focus of my off-season workouts are my first step and my overall game. I’m working on getting bigger, faster, and stronger. I’m watching a lot of film learning from people older than me.”

Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Some of the D-I schools have asked for my highlights and transcripts. Some D-II schools like Central Oklahoma, Arkansas-Monticello, Henderson State, and University of Texas Permian Basin are showing interest as well. I have an offer from Southeastern Oklahoma. UTSA (Texas-San Antonio) and Abilene Christian are also showing interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes, sir. I have taken unofficial visits to Southeastern Oklahoma, University of Houston, and Houston Baptist.”

How did the visit to Southeastern Oklahoma go?

“It was great. I enjoyed it. We walked around the campus and tailgated before the game. We watched the game and then after the game I visited with the coaches.”

Do you have any visits planned upcoming?

“I am waiting to hear back from a couple of schools first. I’m waiting to hear from Henderson State, Central Oklahoma, Arkansas-Monticello, and Northeastern State.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.27.”

When do you graduate from Cisco?

“I graduate in December.”

When you decide which four-year school you will commit to, what are the most important things to you about any given school? What will influence you the most?

“I want to go to a school where I can improve on and off the field in football and in life. I’m looking for a school with a good business program. I really want a school that will improve me as a total man. I want to be at a school where I can show my athleticism and god given abilities on the field. I want to pledge a fraternity too.”

Tekoa, thanks for your time today and good luck with recruiting.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: buccaneerssports.com; No. 7 Tekoa McKinnies pre-snap at Cisco.

Photo credit: McKinnies family; Tekoa McKinnies at Houston.

Photo credit: buccaneerssports.com; No. 7 Tekoa McKinnies hauls in a pass.