Interview: 2022 Washington QB Payton Accetturo Opened Eyes with Varsity Play in 2018
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In team sports, it is always about the next man up, especially in football, when a teammate is injured. What happens then is up to said individual to rise to the occasion. During the 2018 season, Payton Accetturo was playing up a level competing against junior varsity talent instead of his peer group. When needed, he was called up to start for Kentlake High School helping the Falcons to a 6-4 finish against 4A competition. The 6-2, 185-pound, rising talent completed 42 passes for 600 yards with six touchdowns in five games drawing attention to his game with his massive upside.
In the midst of an offseason with heavy expectations before he steps foot on the field for his sophomore campaign, I sat down with one of Washington’s rising stars in the 2022 class to learn more about his game in the pocket.
Interview
Payton, few freshmen get to do what you did for the Falcons in 2018. Entering the season did you know you would have such a big role on the varsity squad?
“I knew eventually I would get to see the field but I wasn’t starting when the season began. There was a senior in front of me. When he was injured, when he went down I knew I was going to have to step up and take the role.”
How did you prepare for each game?
“Film study. I spent hours on Hudl every week. After practice I would get extra time with our offensive coordinator, who is also our QB coach, going over everything.”
What were some of the areas of your game you had to step up from your peer group to going against tough 4A Washington competition?
“I had to become more of a leader. When I was on the JV squad as the starting quarterback, the energy was way lower. I had to bring the energy. I tried to do the same with the varsity guys, bring that energy and make sure everyone is okay. If we had a bad play, I would tell them to keep their head up and make sure everyone was still in the game. Guys on the varsity level are a lot bigger, that was an adjustment. I had to read safeties on every play pre- and post-snap. After a series or play, I would tell my coach what I saw, the coverage, and we’d go over how to fix it. Knowing what defense is doing at all times was a big step up for me last season.”
Other than reading defenses, ow did your overall game improve last season?
“I got a lot better all the way around. At Air Football Academy, I trained with a lot of great guys. That prepared me already for the varsity spot. Everything was easier as I went on with the season.”
Which game was your first in that role with the varsity squad and how did you feel?
“My first varsity game was against Federal Way – they are a great team. I was nervous, but it got better as the game went along. I was calm after that and everything became easy.”
After all that you learned about the game and about yourself as a quarterback, what do you feel are the strengths to your game entering the offseason?
“A strength of mine is my composure in the pocket. I am a pocket passer with really good accuracy. And I know how to read defenses.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my footwork, reading defenses better, and playing 7v7 to help with my game.”
Which 7v7 team are you playing for this spring?
“Heir Football.”
How is playing with Heir Football helping?
“It helps a lot. Playing 7v7 helps me read defenses – it makes the games a lot easier.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements this offseason?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements with my arm strength. I am in the weight room a lot more this year building my strength.”
Are you going to any national camps this offseason?
“Yes. I am going to the U.S.A. National Camp and to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland (May).”
I know it is very early in your process, but do you already have schools showing interest?
“Yes. I am receiving interest from Navy, they are showing the most interest right now, Willamette, a school in Oregon school, Dakota Wesleyan, Simon Frazier, and Eastern Illinois.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I visited Washington last Sunday.”
How did the Washington visit go?
“It was great. The coaches were great, the staff was great there.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. In April, I am going to visit Navy.”
Nice. Are you playing any other sports this year?
“Basketball.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“English.”
Last question. What is a special skill you have that might surprise people?
“I’m not sure… I am a very good story teller.”
Payton, it was great learning more about your game on the field today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Accetturo family; Payton Accetturo at Washington
Great interview