Interview: 2018 Under the Radar QB Chase Petersen has All the Division I Tools

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The quick checklist in the pocket for any college football scout is size, arm, accuracy, understanding of the game, and the ability to lead a team. Entering his senior season, Chase Petersen has everything a college coach wants in a quarterback, including mobility, with the only absence being a 10-minute long highlight reel. All the next level wants from coaches are to come during the 2017 campaign ensuring an influx of college scouts to Rancho Santa Margarita.

Petersen took the reins of Tesoro High School’s offense in 2016 but was limited to about five full games of action, due to nagging injuries and California transfer rules, appearing in seven total. When he was on the field, Petersen threw for an estimated stat line of 1,273 yards with 10 touchdowns while covering another 478 yards on the ground with seven more scores. Extra time has been put in with the books as well. Petersen carries a 3.3 GPA and scored an 1100 on the SAT and a 22 on the ACT.

College scouts followed the 6-4, 220 pound, rising talent from Mission Viejo to Tesoro with reported interest from programs such as Arizona State, Cal, Colorado State, Eastern Washington, Fresno State, Illinois, Hawaii, Washington State, and Arizona, among others. Petersen will get to prove his next level worth early and often in 2017 with Division-I scheduled games against tough squads like Edison, La Habra, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked quarterbacks in California’s 2018 class gaining insight on his junior campaign and off-season workouts with a look ahead to the 2017 schedule.

Interview

Chase, how did your junior season go on the field with Tesoro?

“It went pretty well. I struggle with some nagging injuries. When I was in, we were successful. I was having fun out there. I felt like I performed well. There are a lot of things I can work on. Last year, I was new to the offense after my transfer. It took me a little bit to get use to the offense. I struggled some with the plays early in the year but once I got used to the offense it was smooth sailing from there.”

What type of offense does Tesoro run?

“A Spread offense.”

The Titans played some traditionally tough teams like Mission Viejo, La Habra, San Clemente, and Mater Dei last year. Playing against top talent like that, how did that help push your game forward?

“The only big game I got to play in was the La Habra game. That was a great game. That was our home opener. We shocked a lot of people after losing to Edison in our first game. It was awesome to go into overtime to score on a fourth down last second play to finish (won 14-13).”

What was the winning play?

“I threw a post from the 5-yard line.”

Nice. What have you been working on this off-season ahead of your senior season?

“I’ve been working a lot with Coach (Steve) Calhoun at Armed and Dangerous. He has helped me on the field with my fundamentals making sure I am sound with my technique. I went to a lot of college camps this summer. That helped me with game like situations. I have been watching a lot of film with my dad and my private QB coach as well. I’ve also been weight training with Jason Arnold at Alpha Athletics. Tesoro coaches Tom Kirchmeyer and Glen Campbell have been working with me a lot helping build me as a player too.”

You mentioned being sound with your fundamentals and technique, which aspects of your game have you been working on to fine-tune ahead of the season?

“I’ve been working on making sure my arm is up throughout my throw and using my whole body, not just forcing it with my arm.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?

“I played on a new 7v7 team called Red Zone Elite.”

How did that help improve your game?

“I was working with a couple of great coaches from the South Coast League. That helped build my confidence. It was fun working with some new people. It helped me going against different defenses. With the experience, now knowing how many different defenses there are and different coverages, and how to beat them. It was cool to run a different style of offense and different plays.”

Did you attend any camps this spring or summer?

“I went to all the Redlands camps hosted some major D-I colleges. I also went to the USC Rising Stars Camp and two Azusa Pacific camps that were hosted by some D-I teams as well (Arizona, Washington State, Oregon, TCU, Washington, and Colorado).”

Of the different camps, which was your best camp performance?

“My performance was best at the USC Rising Stars camp. I was noted in their after-camp report. Me and two other quarterbacks (Ryan Hilinkski and Bryce Young) were noted out of 70 quarterbacks that were there.”

What did you do well at that camp?

“I was very accurate. During the 7v7 session I was picking apart the defense. I got a lot of reps and coaching points at that camp. I felt comfortable in that situation.”

Did any college coaches come by Tesoro to meet with you this spring?

“Yes. Washington State, Fresno State, Arizona, Azusa Pacific, Dixie State, University of New Hampshire, and Weber State all came by Tesoro.”

When asked to describe your playing style in the pocket, how do you describe your skillset to college coaches?

“I feel like I am very good at going through my progressions, seeing the defense, seeing blitzes, and working in the pocket. I am a very good runner if I need to run; I can definitely do that. I am a pass-first, run-second quarterback.”

You’ve mentioned a lot of schools that have shown interest in you already. Are there any other schools you haven’t mentioned that are in touch?

“Washington State, Oregon, Arizona State, USC, and Azusa Pacific.”

Have you picked up an offer yet?

“Yes, sir. I have one from Dixie State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“I have taken visits to Washington State, Fresno State, USC, Eastern Washington, and Arizona State.”

Let’s turn to the 2017 season. How do the Titans look so far through fall practices?

“We have improved a lot since the spring. This is our first week of fall practice. The pads went on during Wednesday’s practice. I’m liking what I am seeing. Our offense is looking smooth and the defense is strong. I am excited.”

What are some of the big strides that have been made this summer with the team that will help win games during the season?

“We’ve been doing a lot of team bonding events and going to each other’s houses, stuff like that. That is helping with our relationships on and off the field. Our timing has gotten a lot better this summer. We are all on the same page.”

In Week 1 you guys start off with what should be an exciting game against Edison. Have you already started preparing for that game?

“Yes. I have been watching film on them already. We have not watched film with coaches yet. We will do that the week before the game. Personally, I have been watching film getting ready. I have been looking at their tendencies and keys.”

Are there any games beyond Edison that you have circled on the schedule?

“Yes. Mission Viejo. I missed that game last year.”

Have you set any personal or team goals for the 2017 season?

“I’d love to win league. It has been a while for our school to win league. It would be a huge accomplishment.”

What is one football related question you wish a college coach and/or someone in the media would ask you more often?

“About the work we put in off the field. The hours we are putting into football. The hours put in to the sport we love to play.”

Chase, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

Click link to see Chase Petersen’s Hudl reel.

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Chase Petersen 7v7 (2017)

Photo credit: wearesc.com; Chase Petersen at a USC camp (2017)