Interview: 2019 QB Darius Perrantes Breaks Down All-CIF Season and Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Any sport is about being prepared for when your moment comes. After a transfer from Crespi High School (Encino) to St. Francis, Darius Perrantes was presented with his opportunity. He took control of the Golden Knights offense leading the team to a 12-2 record and a run to the CIF title game against Rancho Verde. The next logical question for the rising talent, what next during his senior season?

No one could have seen Perrantes’ breakout season turning out exactly the way it did. The Class of 2019 talent threw for 2,917 yards with 28 scores hitting 155 of 260 passes. He added a little razzle-dazzle to his game as a dual-threat covering 324 yards off 75 totes with 11 trips into the end zone.

The 6-0, 215-pound, rising gunslinger has another season to prove to college coaches that he can get it done at the next level with his play on the field against tough California competition. Perrantes has a big arm, can throw on the run, and has a knack for making something happen. To delve deeper into his all-around game, I sat down for a one-on-one exclusive interview with the La Canada area baller.

Interview

Darius, the coaches at St. Francis seemingly opened up the offense for you in 2017 allowing you to showcase your talents as a passer. Going into the season, did you know that you would be counted on to have such a big season?

“I didn’t know I needed to do that much, it just happened. They had a great season the year before, their QB was really good (Michael Bonds). He’s at Miami-Ohio now. Coming in, I felt like I had something to prove. I went after it to make the season my own with something to prove. The team and coaches helped me out throughout the season.”

You were also able to flash your dual-threat abilities, is that a part of your game that has always been there for you?

“Oh, yeah. I used to play running back, back when I first started playing. I also use to run track, and I like to hit people.”

What type of offense do the Golden Knights execute?

“We line up in almost everything – Wildcat, under center, pro-style, spread.”

How does the offense fit your skillset?

“Coach (Jim) Bonds shaped the offense around me to help me out because I can run and pass. He tried to put in my mind that a lot of schools will go under center and in the spread at the collegiate level. I worked on my 5- and 7-step drops in the offseason to get ready for the season.”

You have a big arm with a nice touch on your deep passes, what are some of your favorite routes to throw to in the intermediate and short game?

“My favorite routes – I like slants, quick outs, screens, check downs to the running backs in the flats and swings.”

How did your overall game improve last season as a quarterback?

“I saw a new side of myself. I became a better leader and did what it took to win. I did not have that opportunity during my first two years. I had to show what I could do. In our first game, I was kind of shaky for the first couple of possessions, but I had a six or seven touchdown game. My overall game improved by reading defenses and slowing the game down, that came more by the end of the season. Not rushing and taking it one play at a time helped my game a lot.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“This offseason I am working on my speed. I’m on the bigger side, I want to get away from the big men next season. I am focused on my academics this spring.”

How did you prepare for each game last season?

“I watched an hour of film every day on the team we were playing. I looked for their weakness to exploit on Friday night. I looked for our best matchups. I looked at matchups for either our running backs or receivers. I looked for ways to win the game.”

Will the Golden Knights offense change at all for the 2018 season, or will the utilize your abilities in a different way?

“I think we will run more this year. We lost some of our key linemen and receivers. I’d say we will be about 60-40 run-pass ratio; that actually might be the same ratio as last year though. Our running back will be a monster, he’s only a junior (Kevin Armstead).”

Are you working with a private QB coach, if so, what are you guys working on specifically?

“I am working with Coach Sam Fisher. We are working on my pocket presence. Getting out of the pocket to make plays is natural for me. We are working on staying in the pocket, delivering the right ball at the right time with the right read. We are also working on using my eyes to look off defenses.”

Have you competed at any camps or combines this spring?

“I went to the Nike Opening (LA).”

How did that go for you?

“It was good. There was a lot of competition there and some great players. I think I did very well. I had two incompletions, one bad throw and one drop. Everything else went well. Hopefully I caught some eyes.”

Do you have any camps or combine scheduled for later this spring or over the summer?

“This summer I am definitely going to some local satellite camps. I might go to some college camps and for visits.”

Are you receiving any recruiting interest?

“I am from Eastern Washington.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I went to Arizona and Arizona State with my 7v7 team last year.”

When the 2018 season begins, is there a different approach or talent you will bring to the game either with preparation, mentally, or physically?

“I will mentally, now that I know what I can do. If any of my players need me to take over, I will. I will have that mentality to do what it takes to win. My body will be right for the long haul of the season.”

Of all your top plays last season, is there one that stands out to you as your favorite?

“I’d say in the CIF Championship Game against Rancho Verde. I threw a post on the fourth and goal from the 11 for a touchdown to tie it up. Unfortunately, we lost (44-42), but that would be my favorite play.”

All quarterbacks have different leadership styles, what is your style?

“I’m not the type of dude to yell at you or to embarrass you. I lead by actions and how hard I work on and off the field.”

Last question. What do you do away from football for fun?

“Sleep… and play sports with my brothers. I do volunteer work with Habit for Humanity.”

What do you do for Habit for Humanity?

“I work at their big warehouse, it is almost like a Home Depot. I help move stuff around, bringing shipments in and price them. I help carry the furniture to their cars as well.”

Darius, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credits: pasadenanews.com; No. 7 Darius Perrantes in action