Cal Football 2019 Signee Profile and Scouting: WR Makai Polk

Profile

Makai Polk is a 6’3”, 185 pound wide receiver from El Cerrito High School in El Cerrito, CA. He is rated as a consensus 3-star recruit.

Polk received 11 total offers, including schools such as Oregon, Arizona, and Tennessee. He committed to Cal in September of 2018 before signing on Early Signing Day.

Polk is actually officially listed as an athlete, and he played his first two years of varsity ball (sophomore and junior seasons) at Dorsey High School where he played primarily on defense. He then played at El Cerrito High School for his senior season where he broke out as a wide receiver, catching 30 passes for 900 yards and 10 touchdowns. He made first-team all league as a defender and the second team as a receiver.

According to 247Sports, Polk ran 4.38 20-yard shuttle and post a 32.4” vertical leap. That shuttle time is absolutely elite and points to a guy with a great combination of size and quickness. The vertical jump is also pretty good for his size. He also has a self-reported 4.6 40-time on his Hudl page, which would also place him from average to slightly above average.

He certainly looks to have more experience as a defender but Cal must like what they see with Polk as a receiver, and it is hard not to agree from a physical standpoint. Let’s see if the tape agrees.

Scouting Report

Early on it is not hard to see a lot of talent from Polk. These highlights show both offensive and defensive clips, and while Gerald Alexander certainly would have fun with this kid as a defensive back, I definitely agree with the decision to put him on offense, and it isn’t just because of need. This is a pretty dang good receiver recruit.

Polk is a big receiver who moves well and jumps well, which normally points to a very high ceiling. With Polk’s inexperience playing the position, you would likely expect that to come with a raw player. However, that is not the case here.

Polk fully understands the position and shows solid hands, the ability to win jump balls, and good route running ability. He also looks to be a player who could make some noise after the catch. If I had to compare him to any current Cal player, he looks a whole lot like Jordan Duncan, but I believe Polk could have a higher ceiling if he reaches it.

Overall, this is another great addition to the incoming class. Polk is a guy who could contribute early and has the physical tools to allow you to dream on his ceiling. Polk has already been shining in practices and could certainly become a factor even as a freshman. He is definitely someone to watch as someone who can help the offense both now and in the future.