Interview: 21-Offer 4-Star 2023 California QB Pierce Clarkson Taking East Coast Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The amount of arm talent that has come out of the Trinity League is overwhelming, historic, and has been impactful not only on the high school level but on the collegiate and NFL platforms. To put into perspective, three former Trinity League quarterbacks are receiving early preseason Heisman Trophy consideration; JT Daniels (Georgia), Bryce Young (Alabama), and DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson). The next working his way to that level is Class of 2023 St. John Bosco quarterback Pierce Clarkson.
Clarkson spent his freshman season working against his peer group in the Braves’ Spread offense. During the abbreviated 2020 season this spring, Clarkson stepped up into the national spotlight helping his squad to a 5-1 campaign. Bosco used a two-man rotation under center with Clarkson and junior Katin Houser, seeing Clarkson throw for over 700 yards with 10 touchdowns while rushing for over 200 with another score posted on the board. The skillset mixed with upside has brought 21 offers forward to the four-star recruit.
Making a return visit to the RNG Lab, Clarkson updates us on his sophomore run, offseason workouts, and planned summer recruiting visits.
*Click the link for the previous RNG interview with Pierce Clarkson
Interview
Pierce, it may not have been the full season desired but you did get to sling it around the yard against varsity Trinity League competition this spring. Evaluating your performance, how do you feel about the sophomore season produced?
I think I took bigger strides as we got deeper into the season. After our first scrimmage, I felt confident going into our first game. The first game did not go as I thought; I would have loved to get some passing touchdowns but I got a rushing touchdown.
In that game, I saw myself doing unnecessary things. After that, I got locked in and then I got more comfortable. Everything started to fall into place and click, and I kept improving. Going into our last week, I felt like I was that guy. I had that confidence that was new to me. I’ve always had confidence, but this season felt like I could do anything. Anything coach asked me to do, I felt I could do it. That is where my confidence was end of the season.
As mentioned, it shows on your film the familiarity within the Braves’ offense. Being comfortable within the scheme and having that connection with your teammates, how did that freedom help boost your play during the season?
It definitely helped. Especially the stuff that was not on the field, the stuff with my teammates and building the bond between us. That helped our play on the field. We clicked this season. I could tell them what I needed and they’d tell me what they needed. They helped me a lot. I could not have been as successful if I did not have those guys around me.
When you were in the pocket, what were some of the defenses you were seeing this season?
Going into the season, there was a big difference from last season. I was a different quarterback than during my freshman year. During my freshman year I was not as mobile. I could move but I was not the dual-threat I was this year. This year, in the first game we saw a zone. We saw zero coverage for one play, Cover 4 and 3 with some Cover 2. That is how teams played us.
Deeper into the season, teams saw I could run. After that, they would switch it up. They’d spy me and change their game plan having their defense protect against my run. They were wanting me to throw, which I prefer. Teams are scared of a quarterback that can hurt them with their feet when the concept or play breaks down. Me having that ability made defenses change throughout the course of the game.
Getting these live reps against top talent, how did your understanding of the game take those giant steps forward?
Going into each week, I have a great coach in Coach Low. He helps us prepare every week. We are watching film and taking quizzes; he prepares us well. I am also taking mental reps, closing my eyes and envisioning the play. You see what you will see on the field, where you will go with the ball, and your timing with the play. That was as important as anything and that slowed everything down for me in the games. That was another reason I was able to have success on the field.
Of the games played, which was your best personal performance?
My best personal performance… I’d probably say the Orange Lutheran game. That was one of my more explosive games. I had three touchdowns in first half off three passes. I was feeling myself. That was one of my better games from the season.
What are you working on with your footwork and lower body this spring?
Right now, I am working on my speed. With my footwork, I am focusing on being inside the pocket, getting the feel and how much space I need to create. I am working on how much space I need and how much space I need to get that ball out to make an accurate throw. That feel for the pocket is what I am working on, not having anything forced or having to think about it. You can’t think about it during the game. You have to keep your eyes downfield getting that feel without rushing out of the pocket.
Which areas of your upper body and throwing motion are you keying on this offseason?
My throwing motion and putting it all together. To throw you need your lower body as much as the upper body. I am working on my accuracy and anticipation. I am really focused on timing. This season, I want to be on top of my game throwing into small windows and anticipating.
Are there any camps you’ve been to or any coming up you may go to this spring or summer?
None yet. Next week I will be at a Rivals camp in LA and at the Quarterback Retreat. On June 12, I will be at Wake Forest for a camp and a visit. That is pretty much all I have scheduled for this offseason. I am still working on scheduling things around practice. I don’t want to miss anything with school.
Let’s get into your recruiting. How many offers do you have?
I have 21 offers.
Nice. Which programs were the last couple to offer?
NC State, Virginia Tech, Louisville, Michigan State, and Kentucky.
Clarkson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arkansas, Central Florida, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, NC State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, UNLV, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Washington State
Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Notre Dame, UCLA, Georgia Tech, Miami, West Virginia, and Arizona State are showing interest. That is all I can think of right now.
You mentioned the Wake Forest visit, are there any other visits you may take this summer?
Yes. I am planning on visiting NC State, Indiana, and Virginia Tech. There are a lot of schools on the east coast I am working on visiting this summer with visits opening up. For the schools on the west coast, Oregon is one I plan on taking. But those west coast trips that are easier to get to, there is not as much of a hurry to get to on west coast right now. The east coast trips take a lot of planning. The four or five-hour flight trips, those are ones I am looking to hit this summer. The two-hour ones, I will probably hit a little later.
When you start taking these visits, what are some of the things you are interested in learning about and/or seeing that will help inform your recruiting decision?
I can’t say exactly. I can’t really tell you that right now. Right now, I don’t have a good enough idea. As we get closer and as I visit these schools, then I will know when I am home. I am looking for a great education and an opportunity to play. All the schools have great environments, I want to be surrounded by great people and a great culture.
Pierce, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your upcoming visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Clarkson family; Pierce Clarkson