Interview: 2020 QB Blake Sturgill is Ready to Surpass Breakout Sophomore Season Numbers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Few high school players have a rookie season on the field that Blake Sturgill turned in for Moorpark High School. The 6-2, 200-pound, gunslinger riffled his way to a school record 3,156 passing yards with 36 touchdowns helping march the Musketeers to an 11-3 record with a four-game run into the playoffs. The size and production on the field has helped put the Los Angeles area native on recruiting boards along the west coast with all ready to see him replicate and surpass the numbers posted during his sophomore campaign.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Sturgill to cover his 2017 season, offseason workouts, and summer college camp circuit.
Interview
Blake, you came out firing in the passing game setting a school record with 3,156 yards. Entering your sophomore year, did you have any idea you would turn in that type of a season?
“No. I was going out there hoping to spark something with the team. Obviously, the goal was to win every game and produce yards for the team.”
The Musketeers made a deep run into the playoffs taking on some very talented teams. Of all the playoff games, which was your best?
“I struggled in Lawndale game (won 27-21). Against Paraclete, our offense fought hard (lost 49-28). They were very talented. I think that might have been my best game too.”
What did you do well against Paraclete to make that your best playoff game?
“My passes were accurate, I had good connections with my receivers, and I was able to get out of the pocket a few times to make some plays.”
How did your overall game improve in 2017?
“Towards the end of the season, I was more comfortable in pocket, I had developed better chemistry with my receivers, and I trusted my line. I was just more comfortable overall.”
Was there a weakness to your game at the start of the year that became a strength be season’s end?
“At the beginning I was not strong reading defenses, I was making young mistakes. At the end of the season I was much better reading defenses and understanding the schemes.”
What are you working on with your game this offseason?
“This offseason I am on a strict diet to lose weight. I have put muscle on while dropping weight. I am also working on my footspeed and my elusiveness in the pocket.”
Are you working with a quarterback coach?
“Yes. I am working with Bob Gagliano. Coach Gagliano was in the NFL for 13 years (Chiefs, 49ers, Colts, Lions, Chargers, Falcons, and Packers).”
When you are working with Coach Gagliano, what are you guys working on with your skillset and technique?
“We are working on eye placement with the safety, ball placement, and working on touch on the deep ball and over the middle.”
How did spring practices with Moorpark go?
“We have gone over individual stuff, some run concepts, team concepts, and now we are doing blitz pick-ups with the offense. We are putting in new stuff each day.”
Did any college programs come by school to meet with you in-person or to watch you throw in practice?
“We had a lot of colleges come by our school. Drake (London – four-star 2019 WR commit to USC), he’s a big target that the college coaches have shown a lot of interest in this spring. Some of the schools that came by… San Jose State, Arizona, Yale, Cal, and there were a few others that I can’t think of right now.”
Have you attended any camps this summer?
“Yes. I have been to camps at UCLA and USC.”
How did the UCLA camp go?
“It went well. I got a lot of reps in one-on-ones. I did well there.”
Which camp was your best performance, UCLA or USC?
“USC. I did better during the one-on-ones there. At UCLA, I got more reps.”
Which schools that you did not mention previously are showing recruiting interest?
“Humboldt State and San Jose State. I talked to a lot of college coaches at the USC and UCLA camps.”
Is there a challenge that you have put forth to yourself entering your junior year?
“Yes. Last season was good, but I want to produce more for my receivers and the team. I want more points, bigger numbers, and more rushing yards. I am quicker on my feet now than last season, I think I will put up bigger numbers this year.”
What motivates you on the field to compete at such a high level?
“My drive – I love to compete. I compete in everything. I don’t like losing. My receivers and I talk about this all the time even in 7v7 tournaments. If we struggle, we hate it. We hate losing.”
Last question. Is there a game on the schedule you have circled?
“Yes. Westlake. They our biggest rival. They have a lot of top players. Westlake will be one of our biggest games this season.”
Blake, I appreciate your time today and wishing you good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Los Angeles Daily News; Blake Sturgill vs. Paraclete (2017)
Photo credit: Daily Breeze; Blake Sturgill throws on the run