Interview: 3-Star 2020 Newbury Park QB Ben Gulbranson Talks Panthers Football and Cal Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Any quarterback stepping in to take over the reins of an offense in place of a high-profile quarterback has their work cut out. Before Cameron Rising signed with the University of Texas as part of the 2018 class, he was a four-star gun slinger for Newbury Park making the Panthers a dangerous Ventura County squad to play. Even though Rising’s shadow may loom large for most, luckily for the Panthers, if anyone can step into the huddle to replace Rising, Class of 2020 quarterback Ben Gulbranson is the one up to the challenge in every aspect needed.
Gulbranson was a backup during the 2017 season to Rising but made a big impact on the field when given the chance showing signs of things to come. The 6-3, 210-pound, strong-armed QB hit 12 of 20 passes for 195 yards with one touchdown against just one interception. Gulbranson’s 16 yards per completion average was impressive, but he is already proving his sophomore season performance was no fluke. In the Panthers opening 39-0 win over Thousand Oaks, Gulbranson hit 17 of 26 passes for 307 yards with four passing scores. Time will tell if he can keep up the pace but let the record show that early in the 2018 season he is averaging 18 yards per completion.
If the early bird gets the worm, the college football coaching staff working the recruiting trail early to identify the next quarterback as a future starter for their squad is the winner; that winner with Gulbranson is Cal. Cal locked in on the southern California recruit during the spring beating out offers from Arizona State and San Jose State for his verbal commitment on June 22.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star ranked recruit after the Panthers opening win to learn more about his overall game with a quick recruiting update.
Interview
Ben, the Panthers started the season off as all teams covet with a big win and a shutout (39-0), how did the team look overall?
“The team looked great overall. We have great team chemistry. Our offensive line blocked great – they gave me time to throw, our receivers made crazy receptions, and Chris Middleton ran well. Our defense looked good putting up a goose egg against TO (Thousand Oaks). That was a big win going up against one of our rivals. It was fun being with all the guys on the sidelines. We were trying to get all the guys into the game. Everyone played, that is always a great thing.”
How did the offense flow against Thousand Oaks in Week 1 from a quarterback’s perspective?
“The flow was there, we had a lot of big plays. The drives were not sustained, we had a lot of bang-bang drives with big plays. We had a great first drive, a very solid drive. We scored a touchdown on a Chris Middleton 1-yard power run. We ran the ball quite a bit and had success with that. We had success throwing as well.”
What did you work on over the offseason and during fall camp to improve your game as a quarterback?
“Anticipating throws, I worked on that a lot during 7v7. I have been working with my receivers on chemistry and going quick. The varsity game is a fast-paced. In our offense, you have to anticipate where they will be. We put a lot of work in this offseason to develop the timing.”
Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your skillset early in the 2018 season?
“The biggest improvement is, I think, staying patient in the pocket. A lot of quarterbacks, when they see pressure they want to get out of the pocket. I am working on that; I am working on staying patient, trusting the offensive line will block their guy and the receivers will get open. Having patience in the pocket is a big part of your game as a quarterback.”
What are some of the things you are focused on improving upon throughout your junior year?
“There are a couple of things I am working on this season. One is taking what the defense gives me. I had a couple of shots with the ball downfield and throwing underneath. I have to take what the defense is giving me and let the receivers make plays. From a leadership stand point, I was playing freshman and then JV ball, the game and team was simpler. We have a very diverse team and diverse offense. I am focused on getting the guys focused on one goal – winning.”
For those readers that may not be familiar with your style of play, would you describe your style of play?
“I am a pro-style QB. I am a pocket passer. I look to throw first before I run. If I am scrambling, I am still looking downfield to throw the ball before I run, but I can run if the play breaks down. I feel that I have a strong arm and I am accurate. I can put it where it needs to be and I feel that I can make any throw that is needed on the field.”
Is there an aspect of your game that might get overlooked?
“Maybe my ability to scramble. I can shrug off defenders to keep the play alive.”
On the recruiting trail, you committed to Cal on June 22. How did Cal become your ideal fit?
“They saw me throw during the spring evaluation period and then offered me about a month later. I had interest in them already, before they offered. Cal was already a dream school of mine. I visited them in June. During the visit, I met the entire coaching staff. They seemed like great guys and a great staff. I believe they have a great future ahead with the program. Coach (Beau) Baldwin (offensive coordinator) and Coach (Marques) Tuiasosopo (quarterbacks) are great offensive minds. Coach (Justin) Wilcox is a great head coach. Coach Wilcox is genuine and runs the team well. I could see that he is someone I want to play for in college.
“The academics were another big part of my decision. Cal is a prestigious school. I believe they are the No. 1 public school in terms of academics, and I can play in the Pac-12. Playing in the Pac-12 is a dream of mine. Plus, Cal is somewhat close to home. I really like the bay area. Cal is the place where I want to be in college.”
Are you going to get a chance to take any unofficial visits to Cal for a game this season?
“We have not talked to much about it yet. I know they are playing at USC this year (Nov. 10), I’d like to go to that game to see them play. This year, it might be tough to get up there. Our bye was Week 0, we play 10 straight games now.”
Back to football. This Friday the Panthers get Pacifica, what kind of game are you expecting from the Oxnard area squad?
“I know the type of players they have through 7v7 and ProWay. I know some of their guys. I know they are a fast and athletic team, and they have good size. It will be a tough game, but we are up to the challenge and ready to compete.”
Which upcoming games are contests you are excited to play or are big rivalry games for the school?
“In the Marmonte League, we are the underdogs in that league. I am excited to see where we are at compared to the other teams. We play against the best of the best in Ventura County in our league. I am ready to get to league and play those high-caliber teams to see where we stack up against them. I like playing very good teams instead of playing an easy schedule.”
What are your personal goals for your junior year?
“Personally, I don’t care about stats. I just want to win as many games as possible. I want to grow as a player, gain more varsity experience, and adjust to the varsity level so we can win more games.”
Ben, great getting time in with you today. Good luck on Friday against Pacifica and with the rest of the games on the 2018 schedule.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: Gulbranson family; Ben Gulbranson at Cal (June 2018)