Interview: 3-Star 2020 Arizona QB Tyler Beverett Covers Saguaro Championship Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season was yet another fantastic year on the gridiron for Saguaro High School capturing their sixth consecutive Arizona 4A state championship. The Sabercats posted a 13-1 record steamrolling opposing defenses averaging 49 points per game. One of the emerging stars on the Sabercats roster making the title run possible was Class of 2020 quarterback Tyler Beverett. Beverett (6-3, 200) hung tough in the pocket delivering on 107 of 162 pass attempts for 2,093 yards with 22 touchdowns and rushed for another 304 yards on 40 totes with four trips into the end zone.
In an RNG in-depth interview, Beverett talks about his first season as Saguaro’s starting quarterback while covering his offseason workout plans and growing recruiting process.
Interview
Tyler, you got a little bit of game experience in 2017 but helmed the offense during your junior season. How did you prepare in the offseason for the task of helping guide Saguaro to another 4A state title in 2018?
“In the offseason, we always have new transfers coming in which makes it important to build the chemistry with the new guys by running routes and constantly throwing with them. Chemistry is a big thing for our offense. Our line and receivers played well this year because of our chemistry.”
What were the first couple of games like for you as you were getting comfortable in the starter role?
“It did take a couple of games to feel comfortable. The first game went well, but I had not played against teams like Liberty (NV) or Helix (CA) before. Playing against those tough opponents early helps you in-season against all of the Arizona teams.”
At what point during the season did things start to click for you and you felt like everything was a smooth-running machine?
“I think Chaparral game, that was a big one. We were down 14-0 after about five to 10 minutes into the game. We won by eight (45-37). We started slow and then we started clicking. I think after that game we started averaging 40 to 50 points a game. The Chaparral game was one of my best games.”
*Beverett was on target against Chaparral hitting 18 of 24 passes for 358 yards with three touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for 33 yards.
As a dual-threat quarterback, how does the offense fit your talents and abilities?
“We run a lot of spread and read option plays. At the beginning of the season, I was averaging about 15 yards per carry. Running our offense is effective when you have a good running QB who can throw.”
With all the important game experience garnered, how did your abilities as a passing quarterback improve throughout the season?
“The first game I was 9 of 10, I started off well. Then we played those tough games as I mentioned. The tough games did not go as well. By the end of the season and in the playoffs, I was averaging about 80 percent on my pass completions. I’ve always been good at pocket presence, but it got better. My pocket movement improved a lot. I watch Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins) to learn more; he had really good pocket movement.”
How did your knowledge and understanding of defense get better?
“A lot of it was through practice. We watch a lot of film and prepare hard. If we are in trips, what are they running as a defense to stop it. I got better at seeing their tendencies and knowing what to expect before the snap. It was a lot of reps at practice.”
What will you work on this spring with your technique and/or overall game?
“My goal is to put on another five to 10 pounds and to get faster. I am running a 4.7 40-yard dash now. I am aiming for a 4.6. I will work on my mechanics, shortening my motion and footwork.”
You have the offer from Indiana, what was that moment like for you when you received your first scholarship offer?
“When I got it, I was speechless. It was a dream come true. Indiana is a great school and great program.”
Which other schools are showing interest?
“A lot of the college camps I went to has turned into interest. I went to camps over the summer at Utah – I had a good camp there, I was named MVP at Washington’s camp, Louisville camp was good a good one, and I went to Kentucky’s camp. Wyoming is also showing interest.”
Tyler, I appreciate your time today giving me the inside story to your junior season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Beverett family; Tyler Beverett at Utah and Indiana