Defensive Move Is His Best

Nikia McKinney, a sophomore at Fullerton College, will be the first to say he resisted the idea of moving from wide receiver to cornerback.

His parents, and not the Fullerton coaches, first suggested he make the switch about midway through last season. McKinney didn’t like the suggestion much for some logical reasons.

Defensive backs get noticed mostly for interceptions, which are rare, and being beaten by receivers, which is much more frequent. Plus, receivers have many more chances to score touchdowns than defensive backs.

“I was just so stuck on being a receiver,” McKinney said. “I liked being the one to catch the ball. It seems like no one pays attention to the defense, anyway.”

Still, as last season progressed, it became clear that McKinney’s best chance to play was going to be on defense. Fullerton just had too many talented receivers in front of him.

So, McKinney relented, made the move and has proved to be a quick study. This season, he is starting at cornerback for the Hornets (0-2).

“He’s a legitimate prospect,” Fullerton Coach Gene Murphy said. “He redshirted here in 1993 and didn’t miss a practice. He’s that kind of kid. He just takes care of business in the classroom and on the field.”

McKinney had seven tackles, five solo, and deflected a pass in a season-opening loss to Mt. San Antonio Sept. 16. He intercepted a pass and deflected another that was intercepted by teammate Mike Parsons in a loss to El Camino Saturday.

McKinney’s early success has come partly because of quickness. His speed allows him to make up for mistakes and close rapidly on receivers that beat him at the line of scrimmage.

McKinney also has the right outlook to be successful at the position, which often leaves players in one-on-one situations.

“I’m an only child so I’m used to being by myself,” McKinney said.

*

More McKinney: He also is an outstanding track athlete. He was a sprinter and long jumper at Cerritos High. He ran the anchor leg for Fullerton’s 400-meter relay team, which won the State championship last spring.

McKinney also competed in the decathlon last season. As expected, he struggled in the strength events (the shotput and javelin) and excelled in the running events.

The only event that scared him was the pole vault because he feared serious injury. Despite having never tried it before last season, he cleared 10 feet.

But once the season ended in May, it was time to concentrate on football again.

“I had to quit running in circles and start back-peddling,” McKinney said.

*

Football poll: El Camino remains top-ranked in the weekly Southland Poll. Los Angeles Valley (3-0) is second, Long Beach (3-0) third, San Bernardino Valley (3-0) fourth, Moorpark (3-0) fifth, Rancho Santiago (1-1) sixth, Bakersfield (1-1) seventh, Mt. San Antonio (2-0) eighth, Palomar (1-1) ninth and Hancock (3-0) 10th.

Citrus (3-0) and Rio Hondo (3-0) are close to breaking into the top 10.

In this Saturday’s 7 p.m. games: Rancho Santiago (1-1) is at Long Beach (2-0), Golden West (2-1) is at El Camino (2-0), Palomar (1-1) is at Saddleback (1-1) and Pasadena (1-1) takes on Fullerton (0-2) at Cal State Fullerton.

Orange Coast (0-2) is at Mt. San Antonio (2-0) at 4 p.m.