With two-year mission trip looming, McKee in no rush to commit
SAN ANTONIO - Tanner McKee took a slow stroll off the Alamodome field Monday, the first day of the U.S. Army All-American practices in the books.
He was in no rush. Just like how he’s handled his recruitment.
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The only pro-style quarterback among the top 18 in the 2018 class that has not yet committed, McKee still sees no pledge imminent as he waits to take an official visit to Stanford in the coming weeks. Possible trips to USC and BYU could happen as well.
McKee feels little pressure to make a decision because the Corona (Calif.) Centennial standout is taking a two-year Mormon mission after high school. Because of that, the 2018 recruit essentially turns into a 2020 prospect. The plan is for the four-star QB to commit before he leaves for his mission, but he will not sign scholarship papers until he returns two years from now.
So Stanford signing four-star quarterback Jack West in this class doesn’t really concern McKee. Or JT Daniels reclassifying to 2018 doesn’t really lessen McKee’s interest in USC.
That’s why he’s in no rush to make a commitment. Because he’s in no rush to get to college and immediately compete for a starting job.
The quarterback is so devout that he never competes on Sundays. So no camps. No 7-on-7 tournaments. No-go Sunday at The Opening.
“It’s been tough,” McKee said. “I’ve done it ever since I was a kid, so I’ve kind of expected it. Some coaches don’t react too happily when they find out I won’t be there for the Sunday championship, but I feel like it’s benefited me.”
In a couple months, McKee will be informed where he will serve his mission. It could be anywhere in the world. So workouts could be difficult. Throwing a football might be impossible. The four-star just does not know, but it’s something his faith has called him to do.
So he’s going to do it. And then return to play college football.
“Depending on where I am, I could go to a gym or if I’m in some remote country then I’ll have to do pushups or band work,” McKee said. “As far as throwing a football, once a week we have preparatory day where I can throw a ball.”
Stanford seems to be emerging as a serious frontrunner for McKee, who also wants to take a trip back to USC soon. BYU, Washington, UCLA, Alabama, Texas A&M and Texas are other schools that have been under consideration.
Getting back to Stanford later this month could be crucial.
“I really like Stanford,” McKee said. “I’m super excited to get up there. I’ve been up there a couple times so I’m just trying to get more comfortable there and see if I could see myself playing there.”
And what about the next level, if that’s in McKee’s future? NFL teams play on Sundays. To this point, the four-star quarterback has not. There are exceptions, though, and the Corona Centennial star hopes to one day use that loophole, too.
“I don’t compete on Sundays as far as when I have control over it,” McKee said. “But if that’s your career, then you have to do what you have to do.”
With that, McKee strolled off to the locker room. In no rush at all.
