Interview: 3-Star 2023 California QB Richie Munoz Talks League Offensive MVP Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Like a trailer for an action movie one cannot wait to see in the theater, Richie Munoz gave us a long look at the coming attractions this spring with La Salle Prep. The 6-0, 195-pound, dual-threat averaged 265.8 yards passing per game tallying 19 touchdowns during the Lancers’ 3-2 campaign. Taking off when needed, Munoz further helped his cause as Del Rey League Offensive MVP for the 2020 season rushing for 248 yards with two trips into the end zone.
With two offers down and interest rising, Munoz stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed conversation talking football and recruiting.
Interview
Richie, you have such a smooth stroke, can get the ball out in a hurry and do it from different arm angles. Over the years, how have you developed your release?
I got comfortable with my release. At first, my release was really low. Then I started working with Coach Danny (Hernandez). He helped me with a faster release and doing so with different arm angles. He loves the way I can throw at different angles. Coach Danny always tells me, “don’t let gift be a curse.” He wants me to make it where there is nothing college coaches can say bad about me with my game and arm delivery.
Your anticipation on open windows and accuracy shows on film. Preparing for the 2020 season this spring, how often did you work with your receiving corps to get that timing down?
I worked as much as I could. A lot of my receivers live further away from me. I would get a place for us to meet up and work. We were meeting up at a park. At first, many of my receivers were out of shape but our coach got us in shape to be ready for the season.
It is one thing to see it and have the arm strength to deliver it, it is another thing to understand the coverage and what will be open. From the preseason on into the season, what were you doing to increase your football IQ making that part of your game and asset on the field?
I made sure I kept looking over film. The year before, my interceptions were a little high. I lost weight to get quicker and so I could make more plays out of the pocket. On game days, I watched a lot of film with greater detail. Going into the games, I knew their weaknesses and where to hit it.
What is the offensive philosophy of La Salle?
We go Spread; we like to throw the ball a lot. Our offense starts off with some short stuff like hitches, but when the defense comes up then we go deep. We like to go three by one. We put our best receiver one on one with their corner. When they shift over with a linebacker or a safety, we go over top. The trip side is wide open.
How does the system fit your skillset?
It fits really well. My coach lets me be me. He lets me take control of the offense and allows me to make plays with my receivers. I have really good receivers. We can communicate with hand signals. I know my receivers will be better than their DBs.
Which areas of your game showed the most growth during the five-game schedule?
It had to be my running. In my first two games I had more rush yards than all of last year. It was cool to see that work put in showing in the games. Making throws out of the pocket was another area. It was cool to see that improve too.
I did mature a lot more. Last year I had a senior receiver who taught me a lot. Having a second year in the offense helped me grow a lot. This year, our offense looked smoother and cleaner. A lot of receivers got catches this year.
What are you working on with your fundamentals this spring?
The main thing I am working on, I do want to get in the best shape possible. I am also cleaning up my mechanics. One thing is keeping my off arm closed; I can show my chest on my delivery. I am working on keeping it closed and being cleaner with my mechanics.
Are there any camps that you’ve been to this spring or any you have coming up?
This Saturday I went to the Under Armour camp. I had a fun time. That was my first time getting free cleats at a camp. It was fun competing with other top quarterbacks. I love that. I feel like if I am neck to neck with these quarterbacks, people will see how good I really am.
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
Right now, my head coach told me about a camp at Sacramento State; some Pac-12 schools will be there. There is also one at Northwestern I may go to this summer. Northwestern is a great school, great academics with a great football team.
Being an underclassman, you may not fully know, but which programs are showing interest in you ahead of the college camp season?
Old Dominion is showing interest; their head coach is following me on Twitter.
A couple of offers have been given to you. Which schools have offered you?
San Jose State and Nevada.
Which school was the first to offer?
San Jose State.
Receiving that offer from San Jose State, what was that moment like for you?
It was amazing. I was laying down with my little brother. My QB coach texted me a photo; I thought he was sending me a mechanics photo from our workout earlier in the day. He told me to call that number. I called, and we talked for a little bit. They said they were offering. It was an unreal feeling.
Richie, thanks for your time today. It was fun breaking down aspects of your game while looking ahead to your summer plans.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Munoz family; Richie Munoz