Interview: 2023 Oklahoma QB Blaze Berlowitz Positioning Cushing for Playoff Run
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The skills are rising for Class of 2023 quarterback Blaze Berlowitz, and at the right time. Cushing High School is 5-2 on the season now with just two games left before the 4A Oklahoma playoffs begin. Their first-year starter in the pocket has grown with the seven games of experience hitting on 110 of 175 attempts for 1,435 yards with 14 touchdowns tossed. The skills will be put to the test again in a playoff style matchup on Friday with a road game to the Blanchard Lions.
In an RNG first-look interview, Berlowitz takes us inside the Tigers’ huddle breaking down his play at quarterback and how he prepared for his sophomore season at the varsity level.
Interview
Blaze, the Tigers are off to a great start posting a 5-2 record with three games left on the schedule. In your view, how is the team looking?
I think we look good. Actually, one of our games was just cancelled. Now we only have two more games left. Today, we had a good day at practice. We have a tough one on Friday against Blanchard, they are good. We have to go get it done.
We will touch on Friday’s game coming up. The offense has been getting it done averaging 24 points per game. What’s been clicking for you guys on that side of the ball?
Our offensive line has been playing great this season. We can run it when we want to or throw it when we need to. Our offensive line is always doing a great job which makes my job easier.
What style of offense are you executing this season?
The Spread.
How are defenses trying to stop you guys?
We are seeing 3-4 and 4-3, Cover 2, 3, 4 and man. They are keying on our main receivers. We have two good ones. They are trying to shut them down, but they are catching it, which is making my job easier.
Which routes are your receivers running?
Post, comebacks, slants, goes, all the routes on the tree.
As a sophomore coming onto the field going against 4A Oklahoma defenses, there had to be a big learning curve for you early in the season. What are some of the things you’ve already picked up that is helping you better execute the offense?
Yeah, it was tough. It took me a minute. I put a lot of pressure on myself early in the season but I now know I don’t have to do it all on my own. My job is to get the ball to my receivers and let them make plays. At the varsity level, everyone is a lot bigger than I am used to, but I am good now. I have seven games under my belt. That is good experience for me.
Going back to the offseason, how did you prepare for the 2020 season?
This offseason I did a lot of lifting, I had to get bigger. I grew this offseason and got stronger. And I kept throwing and training. I studied a lot of film to be there mentally for my team.
Did you work with a QB trainer?
Yes, sir. I worked with Tom George at QB Impact.
How did Coach George help you fine-tune your skills over the offseason?
We worked on the fundamentals – my footwork, rolling out, staying in the pocket, reading coverages, and knowing what you are seeing in certain situations.
After all the offseason work and with seven games under your belt, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your skillset as a quarterback?
One thing I need to improve on is reading defenses and not getting locked in on a receiver. I am trusting in my receivers. I still need to work on not hesitating when I make decisions and trusting my decision making.
That all comes with time and experience. Circling back around to this topic; another challenging game is on the schedule for Friday with a road trip to Blanchard (5-2). What are you expecting from the Lions defense?
We’ve seen a lot of stuff on their film. I think they will be in Cover 4 against us. We have some spots to pick on with them.
Do you play any other varsity sports for Cushing?
Yes, sir. I play baseball and basketball
Last question. With a push coming for the playoffs, how are the Tigers lining up to make the postseason?
Blanchard is looking like they will be in the playoffs. If we beat them, we should be in for sure. If we win out, we are automatically in. It all depends on who loses and wins around us. It needs to be up to us to win and not worry about others.
I like it. Blaze, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season and through the playoffs until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Berlowitz family; Blaze Berlowitz