Interview: 2021 Colorado QB Tyler Ward Readies for California Defenses with Calabasas
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The offseason growth and progress for Class of 2021 quarterback Tyler Ward will be showcased this fall with Calabasas High School against top California competition. Ward spent his junior season spinning the pigskin with Colorado’s Aspen High School covering 1,964 yards with 22 touchdowns in seven games played during the Skiers 4-5 campaign. Throughout the 2019 season, the 6-5, 220-pound, field general had the ability to move the ball downfield with ease covering 280 yards per game with his arm in the team’s Spread offense concept. The pairing of a very talented Calabasas receiving corps with Ward against Marmonte League foes brings an extra layer of excitement to the 2020 season for Southern California high school football fans.
In an RNG first-look, Ward steps into the Lab talking about his growth on the field a year ago and how he has prepared for his highly anticipated senior season.
Interview
Tyler, last season with the Skiers you were airing it out all over the field. What was working for you within the team’s offense allowing you to be so productive?
“A couple of my receivers were great athletes. One guy was always the fastest guy on the field no matter who we played. I had some very reliable guys I was playing with last season. I was getting it to the play-makers as fast as I can and always trying to be one step ahead of the defense. Knowing what the defense is doing helps me out.”
What style of offense were you running in 2019?
“It was a Spread/no-huddle with zone reads. I like to call it an Air Raid because of how much we threw, but it was just a Spread.”
When you were dropping back, what were some of the fronts and coverages you were seeing?
“We saw a lot of cover 4 because we were throwing downfield so much. That was the coverage we saw the most. Teams also ran a Cover 6 and Cover 3 against us. When they would man us up, they would bring heat in a Cover 7 with guys blitzing from everywhere.”
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
“My decision making and my ability to make all the throws were my best ones.”
This offseason you have transferred to Calabasas High School, what style of offense will you execute in 2020?
“The Calabasas offense is similar to the one I ran in Colorado. The offense has the same principles of the Spread with RPOs (run-pass option) and zone reads. We will throw it around lot. This season will be fun.”
With your mechanics, what you been doing over the spring and summer months to prepare for the 2020 schedule?
“My biggest focus has been on my release. I never played baseball but I had a kind of side-arm release before working with my QB coach in Colorado. Now I have an over the top release. Mechanics wise, I am getting the most out of my hips. I am becoming more powerful coming through with my hips on my release.”
Beyond working on your mechanics, what have you been doing to expand your football IQ?
“Watching a ton of film. The guy I work with in Colorado works on that a lot with me. We work on football IQ and terminology. That has been a big part of my offseason.”
Going into your senior season, which schools are showing interest?
“I have been talking to San Diego, and, before they received their commitments, I was talking to Iowa and Washington State.”
Going back to last season, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. In the fall I visited New Mexico, Colorado State, CU (Colorado), Utah, and Missouri. Three or four days before the shutdown, I visited UCLA. It was perfect timing.”
Going with your home school teams; how did the CSU visit turn out?
“It was good. I had fun on that visit. They have good facilities; it was good to see that. I talked to their coaches who are no longer there.”
And the CU trip?
“I really enjoyed the visit. They played Stanford and won. It was fun to watch them win. I talked to Coach Tucker and their QB coach. That was a good one too.”
The last one you took to UCLA, how did that go?
“That was awesome. They have some of the best facilities that I have seen. They have a great coaching staff. It was fun to meet them as well.”
If the opportunity arises, are there any visits you may take in the coming months?
“I’m not sure. Several were cancelled this spring; I was going to an Iowa spring practice, Washington State’s Junior Day, San Diego, Kansas, and Missouri.”
Going into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“A 3.298.”
Before the virus cancelled all ACT and SAT tests this spring, did you get to take one?
“Yes. I plan to take it again, but I got a 20 on the ACT on my first try.”
Last question. What goals have you set going forward?
“If they let us play, which is what we are all hoping for, my goal is to make the playoffs. I have no statistical goals; I only want to get better each game.”
Photo credit: Ward family; Tyler Ward at Missouri and at the 2020 Elite 11 Regional (CA)