Interview: 2018 California QB Nick Acosta Drawing National Recruiting Attention to Spring Practices
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If the 2016 season taught us anything about dual-threat quarterback Nick Acosta, it is that he can lead a team while spinning the ball around the yard. Acosta was the engineer of a 12-1 campaign for Rancho Cucamonga High School distributing the rock around the field to his highly skilled receivers and backs. The big production on the field has drawn college coaches from around the country to southern California this spring wanting to see Acosta’s progression during the off-season in person.
When Jaylon Redd (Oregon) wasn’t rushing for his 1,697 yards with 25 scores and rising Class of 2019 talent Sean Dollars (44/493/2) and 2018 back Justyn Alexander (34/150/4) were not churning up yards in the Cougars offense, Acosta was there to move the chains with his arm. The 6-0, 187 pound, gunslinger drilled 156-of-256 pass attempts for 2,288 yards with 27 scores during his junior season.
Acosta’s efforts earned him first team All-Baseline League and second team All-Inland Valley honors. He also caught the attention of Boise State, Northern Arizona, UC Davis, Cornell, Columbia, and Brown among others. The sidelines at Cougars’ practices this spring have been bustling with even more activity drawing in college coaches from all over the country with various scouts wanting to get an up-close look at Acosta.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top quarterbacks in California’s deep 2018 recruiting class covering his spring workouts and booming recruiting interest.
Interview
Nick, how is the team looking this spring in practice?
“We are looking really good. Our practices have been great. We graduated a lot of seniors, so we are working to fill those roles. It has been good to see the progress from Day 1 to now. We have a lot of potential going into next season.”
What have you been focusing on this spring?
“I’m focusing, especially with 7v7, on getting my reads down and learning how to better attack different defenses. I have worked on my football IQ, getting a quicker release, and getting bigger, faster, and stronger.”
How has your game improved this spring?
“I am getting faster. This spring I was running a 4.8.”
With spring practices taking place, are there any new wrinkles for you added to your game either personally or within the offense?
“Yeah. Last year was my first year starting. Even though you are starting you still are kind of laid back with the guys on the team and with your aggressiveness on the field. With a year under my belt, I am going full force. I am more aggressive and consistent with my reads and my throws. Now I am looking at running when I can, not when I have to run. I am more confident with my speed and my abilities this spring.”
Have you been to any camps this spring?
“I have been to the Rise and Fire camp, the LA Nike Opening Regional, and the Rivals Speed Combine.”
How have the camps gone for you so far?
“They went well. Being able to compete with some of the best kids in the nation, it is great to see where I stand among them talent wise.”
Where do you stand?
“In my opinion, I feel that I am a top tier quarterback. There are things I need to work on, but I feel that I am among one of the top QBs in the state if not the nation.”
I like it. Which coaches have come by this spring to watch you throw?
“University of San Diego, Harvard, Lindfield in Oregon, Utah State, Utah, Navy, Cal, and handful more that I cannot remember right now.”
Are you running specific drills for the coaches or are they watching a normal practice?
“They are just watching me practice. The great thing about the season we had last year, colleges are interested. They know what I can do. They are watching us in our 7v7 drills go at it.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“San Diego, Harvard, Sacramento State, Dartmouth, Columbia, and Fresno State are some of the new interest. Hopefully after the college camps this summer I can walk away with some offers.”
Which college camps might you attend this summer?
“I know for sure I will be at Boise State’s camp on June 3. I’m planning on going to an Azusa Pacific camp that will have a lot of Pac-12 coaches in attendance. I think Stanford, USC, and a lot of Ivy League schools will be there. I also plan on going to a Dixie State and Sacramento State camp.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?
“I have. I went to USC, Fresno State, and Sacramento State for their spring games.”
How did the USC visit go?
“It was amazing. I was able to sit in on the quarterback meeting and team meeting prior to the game. USC has a great campus and a great tradition. To witness it first-hand was quite amazing.”
What about Fresno State, how did that go?
“It was awesome as well. It is great to see the different schools in California that have such a great tradition that make up all the great schools we have here. Fresno State has a lot of talent. The coaches were friendly and made me feel at home. They have great facilities as well.”
Do you have any upcoming visits planned?
“I’m hoping to go to University of San Diego for a home game this fall. This summer my plan is to visit all the Ivy League schools. I’m trying to schedule those visits for July.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“I have a 4.2 GPA and I scored an 1190 on the SAT.”
Fantastic. Nick, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Nick Acosta at a Passing Downs 7v7 tournament.
Photo credit: Acosta family; Nick Acosta at USC.