Interview: 2023 California QB Dre Robles is Proving to be a Rising Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Anytime a freshman balls out against varsity level competition, it is worth stopping to take notice. At Notre Dame High School in Riverside, Class of 2023 quarterback Dre Robles is doing the improbable and that is picking apart California defenses, much of whom are at least four years his elders. Robles (5-10, 165) has completed 50 of 74 passes for 701 yards with five touchdowns and carried the rock 22 times for 109 yards in stats posted through three of the Titans five games played. His play is picking up matching experience with maturity and an understanding of the game beyond his grade classification.

With Notre Dame High School about to enter the thick of Sunbelt League action, I sat down with one of California’s rising freshman talents out of the 2019 season to get the inside scoop directly from the source.

Interview

Dre, I want to start off with congratulating you on a great start to the season, especially being a freshman.

“Thank you.”

Over the summer, did you know you would be called upon to the lead the team this fall?

“That was the goal, but I came in with underdog mindset. I came in to do the best I could to help the team win. I had to compete and show that I would be the leader of the team to win the job.”

How have you adjusted to the speed of the game over the first few contests this season?

“The adjustments were easy. Over the offseason, I was playing against high school varsity competition in 7v7. I was used to the speed already.”

Picking up the speed of the game in 7v7 is one thing, getting the timing down with receivers and understanding how quick defensive backs are at the next level, but it is another thing with defensive linemen coming at you wanting to pound you into the ground? How have you adjusted to that part of the game?

“I stay clam and I stay focused. I make sure that I read my keys, move the ball downfield and move the chains so we can get first downs. They are in my face a lot but I have to be calm cool and collected.”

You are mature beyond your years.

“Thank you.”

What style of offense are you running with the Titans this season?

“We run everything – a two-back, out of the gun, an empty set, four receivers and sometimes five, and we have a goal line-power formation with just one receiver outside.”

You are obviously slinging the ball around the yard well with 701 yards passing in stats posted through three games, which aspects of the game are improving for you?

“I am getting more completions and I am being smarter with the ball. I have more control over the offense and I am making better decisions than I did early in the season.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“My best game stats wise against Hillcrest. I was able to show all my abilities and skills in that game. I was able to show my run game too; I am not scared to tuck it and run it. When we were passing, I was calm.”

Do you remember your stat line from the game?

“I think I had four touchdowns and 360 yards passing.”

The Titans get a bye this week, what have you been working on with your game to tighten up for the run through the Sunbelt League?

“I have been working on the fundamentals, my mechanics, and all the basics. The goal is to refresh my mind so we can win league.”

Of the remaining games, which ones are key for you and the team?

“Our next game against Paloma Valley (Oct. 4). That might be the toughest game of the rest of the season for us. That will be a great game.”

Dre, it was fun getting time in with you today going over the great start to your freshman season. I wish you and the Titans continued success through league action.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Notre Dame High School; No. 5 Dre Robles