Interview: 2023 California QB Carson Dean Prepared to Lead San Joaquin Memorial to Titles
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The planned start to the 2020 California high school football season is nearing, which is ramping up excitement throughout the state. After over a year of extra time put into fine-tuning the skills and pushing the athletic talents forward, all aspiring collegiate talents are ready to showcase their abilities with the pads on. That passion and desire to get on the field burns bright with Class of 2023 quarterback Carson Dean.
Dean spent the 2019 campaign with Fresno’s Clovis High School’s freshman team transferring to San Joaquin Memorial during the offseason. The Panthers were one of California’s best last season with a 12-2 record behind the arm of four-star Finn Collins (Arizona State). The top talent at San Joaquin and the winning ways puts an extra emphasis on their new 6-2, 175-pound, gunslinger to be ready, which he is.
After seeing Dean spin it at Visionary Sports Group Camp in December, he stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one covering ground on his yearlong preparations for California varsity football.
*Click on the link for the Dec. 14, 2020, RNG video interview with Carson Dean
Interview
Carson, during your freshman season you were spinning it against defenses in your classification for Clovis High School’s freshman team. How did your 2019 go overall for you personally?
For my 2019 season, I had close to 2,000 yards passing and 19 passing touchdowns. I also rushed for eight scores and 350 plus yards.
What style of offense were you running then?
We ran a Spread to try and open the run, and then pass on the defense. If they dropped back, that opened up the run game. We had a good running back. One helped to open up the other.
Dropping back, what were some of the coverages you were throwing against?
I mostly went against Cover 2 and Cover 4. Those are strong defenses against the pass, which is why our running back had like 40 rushing touchdowns last season.
When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a quarterback?
I felt as if I am a great quarterback at breaking down defenses, even if they were trying to throw me off. I was taking what they give me, I am really good at that.
Over the offseason you transferred to San Joaquin Memorial, what style of offense will you be executing with the Panthers during the 2020 season?
We will also be running the Spread. It is very easy to pass in Spread. I have TJ Hall and David Pierro to throw to. If they try to stop that, it opens up the running backs, and we have two good ones in Jordan Hornbeak and Tyler Mackulin.
How have you prepared yourself mentally for the challenges of the 2020 season at the varsity level?
Mentally, I have been studying hard, studying the playbook every night, and watching a lot of film.
What have you been doing to fine-tune your craft as a passing quarterback this offseason?
This offseason I have been training three days a week at Nemesis, a weight lifting and Olympic center, to be more explosive. I have also been working with Josh Strong, an ex-CFL QB. We’ve been working on my mechanics and footwork. And I have been speed training three days a week with ex-NFL Jets cornerback Kevin Sweany.
Which areas of your game are you already seeing improvement after the extended offseason?
I am seeing improvement in my arm strength. Now I am getting about 65 yards on my deep ball. I am showing huge improvements in my footwork with quicker footwork. I am getting out fast and taking any throw the defense gives me.
What have you been doing to stay sharp preparing for the upcoming season?
My Memorial receivers and I work together. I run practices with them working on timing and the playbook. I try to go to as many camps as I can, many are shut down because of COVID.
How did the VSG Camp go for you?
It was good. I was able throw some bombs with the receivers out there. I competed well.
What is the practice schedule for the Panthers?
Right now, because of COVID, we are not practicing. When we do practice, we practice for a couple of hours about four times a week lifting, doing speed training, core work – we do it all.
When the 2020 season gets going, what goals have you set for yourself?
My goal for the next three years is to win a state championship. With this shorten seasoned in 2020, I want a Valley Championship at least.
Carson, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you continued success preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credits: RNG/Dean family; Carson Dean