Interview: 2021 California LB Angel Vasquez to Also Shock and Awe at QB for Canyon
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Angel Vasquez had a breakout season for Canyon High School during the 2019 season and is poised for a second one in 2020, but at a different position. Last year Vasquez showed he had the right stuff as an outside linebacker for the Cowboys rolling to a 78-tackle season with four tackles for a loss, two sacks, and a pick earning second team All-Santa Clarita Valley honors with teams running away from him. Now the 6-3, 198-pound, Class of 2021 athlete is preparing to be a two-way warrior for his school loosening up the wing as we speak as the team’s starting quarterback; I’ve seen him throw in person, he will shock and awe. Once the lights turn on for the 2020 season, Vasquez has momentum behind him with two offers on the table and interest growing.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Vasquez stepped inside the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one getting the skinny on his recruiting process and his preparation as a starting quarterback and linebacker against California competition.
*Click link for Feb. 19, 2020, RNG video interview with Angel Vasquez
Interview
Angel, I got to see you during an extended workout early in the offseason. Not only were you getting some reps in at linebacker but you were also slinging the pigskin around playing quarterback. As the offseason has unfolded, are you still preparing to do both for Canyon High School this season?
“Yes. The way the coach has prepared everything, early in the season I will be starting at quarterback and go in at linebacker when they need me most. We will test it out the first few games. As the season progresses, then I will start on both sides. This offseason I have been conditioning to be on the field at all times. (laughs) Our offensive and defensive coordinators are fighting over who gets more time with me.”
What offensive set will the Cowboys run in 2020?
“We have been working on the triple-option, that is something new for Canyon, we’ve never done it before, and we’ve been working on the Air Raid.”
Given the uniqueness of both offenses, what have you been working on as a quarterback to prepare for the upcoming season?
“This spring I have been working on letting the ball fly as soon as possible. Most of it is getting the timing down with my receivers; we have some new receivers this season. I have been working with them. This offseason, I have also been learning how to read defenses before the snap, knowing when the holes will open up for the throwing lane, and working on my football IQ a lot.”
From a performance stance, where are you seeing the improvement?
“Gotta be my timing. I am throwing them open. They are not fully in the break and the ball is there when they are coming out. I am throwing it in spots where it is impossible for defender to get to it.”
Nice. Going the other way, what areas of your game have you been working on as a linebacker?
“Footwork, that is key. I am learning how to get from my linebacker stance to full-on coverage and I am working on my hips too. I am working on flipping my hips open to get into my zone or if I have to go to outside linebacker to cover the slot.”
What drills to improve your speed and agility are you doing?
“Ladder drills and hurdles. I am going to beach working in the sand to make my feet quicker. I’ve been doing beach workouts with ladders and hurdles.”
Must be nice (he laughs). What has been your lifting routine?
“I have been doing squats to keep my legs in shape and bench to get off blocks. During the quarantine, I have been trying to keep the muscle on until we can get back into the weight room.”
Let’s go into recruiting. I know that has been popping for you lately. Which schools are showing interest?
“Benedictine, Hamlin University, Nevada, and University of San Diego.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Two; Lake Erie College and Valparaiso.”
This summer or fall, are you planning any college visits?
“Valparaiso wants me there for an official in August. They want to fly me and my family out.”
Very cool. At which position have you received the offers?
“As a linebacker/outside linebacker.”
Looking ahead, with the importance of the two roles you will play, have you already set a routine for yourself on how you will prepare for each game during the season?
“Yes. My routine is rep at QB and then transition over to linebacker. With film study, the way our coach has me doing everything, I study as a quarterback for one hour and an hour-and-a-half at linebacker. The teams we are playing this year, we have played them before. We have an idea of what to expect from their offenses this season.”
Be it this summer or this fall, what goals have you set for the coming months?
“My short-term goal going into the season is to be at 210 pounds. My long-term goal is getting named first team All-Conference at linebacker and quarterback; I know I have the talent for both. I want to break the school record for passing yards in a game and season, and break the school record for the most tackles for a season.”
All great goals. Angel, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Vasquez family; Angel Vasquez