Interview: 3-Star 2019 QB JP Andrade Talks MVP Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A lot that goes into the success of a team and how college coaches view recruits is their productivity on the field. Off the field, Class of 2019 quarterback J.P. Andrade is a 4.0 student and an outstanding young man. On the field, there is a lot I can write about the 6-2.5, 196-pound, gunslinger who won 2018 Offensive MVP for the Palomares League but it might be best to share what Chris Rix shared with the world via Twitter about the three-star recruit before going into his RNG catch-up interview.

*Click link for Aug. 29, 2018, RNG interview with JP Andrade

Interview

JP, you were slinging the ball this year at a prolific rate. What all worked so well for you during your senior year allowing you to be so productive?

“The offensive line giving me time and protecting me was the biggest thing. That allowed me to get the ball to my best playmakers. The play calling by Coach (Steve) Bogan (head coach) and the play of the offensive line was the big reason for all the success.”

You produced two 1,000-receiving yard seasons for Cade Cadam and Aalias Williams, what was the chemistry with those two guys that worked throughout all 13 games?

“For Aalias, we’ve been throwing together for two years. I have known Cade all my life, we always grind and take extra time to perfect our craft building that chemistry on and off the field.”

How did the mental aspect of the game improve for you this past season?

“Most of it was Coach Bogan. He is the best coach I have ever been coached by. He expanded my mentality and approach with his knowledge and with his offense. My pre-snap and post-snap understanding of the game improved a lot this season because of him. It all expanded me as a player and as a leader. It is a blessing.”

With the mechanical and technical parts of the game, which areas showed the biggest growth in your talents as a quarterback?

“My throwing motion has improved a lot. My ball path has gotten better. It is not perfect, but it is a great improvement from before. I have improved tremendously all the way around. I feel that I am a lot better as a passer than last year. I am quicker with my release and getting more whip on it. I am still working on it.”

Now that all is said and done, what do you feel are the overall strengths to your game as a quarterback?

“I’d say my mentality. I have a no fear mentality. My pre- and post-snap reads are great. I can’t wait to get to college to learn and grow on that. My knowledge of the game is a strength. My willingness to take a hit. I will stay in the pocket to deliver the ball to my play makers.”

What do you feel sets you apart from other quarterbacks in your peer group?

“My leadership and mentality. When we are down or up, I am always leading. I keep the same mentality all the time. I am always the same guy before and after the game. My understanding of the game sets me apart, along with my study of film, and hours and hours in practice.”

Is there an aspect of your game that might be overlooked by scouts that does not show up in the stat sheet or on a highlight reel?

“I found out about a couple of things that surprised me with my play this year, expanding plays was one of them. You can’t do it in 7v7 or in camps. I was making the first guy miss and delivering the ball downfield. I was making a big play out of nothing, out of a broken play.

“Another thing that might be overlooked. Turning the team around from a 3-7 season in 2017 to 10-3 on the field, 9-4 after we had to forfeit a game, this season. I’m proud of that and what we accomplished as a team this season.”

Last question. You have the preferred walk-on offer from Florida and an offer from South Alabama, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from Idaho, Idaho State, University of San Diego, and Washington State.”

Photo credits: Andrade family; JP Andrade

Stat sheet: Chris Rix