Bonita 2019 QB J.P. Andrade Talks Record Setting Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The yearly progression for Class of 2019 quarterback J.P. Andrade is exactly what coaches want to see, an upward trend with a lot of upside left in the game. The 6-2, 184 pound, gunslinger is working the Spread offense as a one-man gang showing touch, zip, and accuracy for Bonita High School against tough California competition setting numerous records along the way.

The early beginnings of Andrade’s high school career showed signs of what was to come, and against all the odds. Andrade took over as the leader of the Bearcats offense during his sophomore season completing 163-of-299 passes for 2,072 yards with 19 touchdowns. A greater emphasis to win ball games was placed upon the junior’s shoulders in 2017, and he responded. Andrade hit 236-of-397 pass attempts covering 2,985 yards with 25 scores posted on the board. Along the way he broke several school records including most passing yards in a season, single-game passing yards (485), most completed passes in a season, and most completed passes in a game (37).

An offer is already on the table from South Alabama for Andrade with looks from all over the country. Interest from Pitt, Kansas, North Texas, Toledo, and Indiana, among others, could quickly turn to offers with a big offseason filled with camps, combines, and 7v7 action coming up.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s overlooked prospects in the pocket covering his big junior season for Bonita.

Interview

J.P., how did the 2017 season go for you in the pocket?

“It went very well. I feel like I really improved my game this year. My reads were quicker, I made better decisions, I was standing tall in the pocket, and ripping the ball down field. I feel like I improved the game of those around me. I improved throughout the season and made the most of the opportunities I had.”

What type of offense does the Bearcats run?

“The Spread. We run a lot of RPOs (read-pass option), quick stuff with a mid and deep game.”

How does the offense fit your playing abilities?

“It allows me to showcase my abilities in the pocket. Reading defenses is a big strength for me. In the Spread, I can make quicker decisions. I can sit back and tear it up. With our concepts, I can do well.”

Do you have a favorite pass route you like to throw in a game?

“I do not have a favorite. I like throwing mid- and deep routes. If I had to pick, I’d say the comeback.”

How did you push your game forward during your junior season over where you were at in 2016?

“Maturity wise, I saw a lot of improvement in how I handled myself on the field. I started as a sophomore, I was anxious and jittery then. My leadership improved a lot this year. I saw myself being more of a leader. I saw a big impact on how I led the team. We were a young team this year. I was able to get others to step up their game. I was more poised in the pocket and more relaxed. I had better ball placement from Game 1 to Game 10.”

Was there anything mechanically you were doing differently this year that helped you improve your game?

“During my sophomore season, I was dipping my shoulder and pushing the ball. I worked on my mechanics more in the offseason, I really worked on staying level. That helped me get more velocity on the ball. It helped throughout the season. It helped my accuracy.”

How did you approach each game during the week to ensure success on the field come game time?

“By watching a lot of film. I am a film addict. I look to see their tendencies, strengths, and weakness. I make sure everyone on the team is watching film. I make sure everyone is held accountable for that. I have the mentality that each game could be your last, you got to give each game your best.”

When you scan the defense pre-snap, what are you looking at to pick apart the defense?

“I’m looking at our mismatches. I’m looking at who is in the game and at how many safeties and linebackers are out there. I got quicker at seeing it. Post-snap as well. Who is coming down and who is blitzing. I look to see who is in personnel wise and the down and distance.”

Which game was your best this season?

“My best game was against Poly (Riverside – won 36-12). I threw for 485 yards with four touchdown passes and I completed over 70 percent of my passes.”

What was working for you to put up 485 yards passing?

“It was the preparation during the week that made a difference. Team wise, we were ready and prepared. The rest of the team did really well against Poly. Everything was clicking for us. Everything felt relaxed and we were ready based on how well prepared we were that week.”

You’ve put up some big numbers for Bonita over the past two years in a challenging position. When you compare yourself to other quarterbacks that are highly rated, what differences if any are you seeing?

“I’m seeing the athletes they have around them. A lot of the top D-I prospects have other top prospects playing receiver for them.”

When college coaches talk to you, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They like how I read defenses and how I go through my progressions. They like that I am calm and poised. They also like my accuracy. My accuracy is one of my strengths. My throws have to be on point in our offense.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Toledo, Kansas, Pitt, Purdue, Indiana, North Texas, and Louisiana Lafayette are showing interest.”

Do you have any offers yet?

“I have an offer from South Alabama.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Not this fall but over the summer I went to Harvard, South Alabama, Pitt, Hawaii, Purdue, SMU, Toledo, Indiana, and Central Michigan.”

Do you have any planned visits set for 2018?

“I plan on visiting Louisiana-Lafayette’s Jr. Day and I hope to visit Kansas as well.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“4.0 unweighted.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I take my first test in March.”

Are you playing with a 7v7 team this spring?

“Yes, sir. I’m playing with a team out of La Verne – all the guys from Bonita. We are working on building chemistry this spring for next year.”

Which parts of your game do you plan to work on this offseason?

“I am working on getting more size and strength to prepare for my senior season and for college ball.”

Are you looking at any camps or combines for the spring or summer?

“Yes, sir. I will be at the Army All-American Combine next week at the Alamo Bowl and I will be at the Rise and Fire camp on Jan. 20.”

What goals have you set for yourself over the offseason?

“My goals are to be more consistent and better all-around on and off the field. I’m working on being the best that I can be in every aspect of my life. On the field, I’m working on increasing my arm strength and pushing others around me to be better every day.”

J.P., thanks for your time today and good luck at the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see J.P. Andrade’s Hudl highlight reel

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Photo credit: La Verne Online; No. 2 J.P. Andrade in action