Interview: 3-Star 2023 Louisiana QB Reese Mooney Making Most of Starting Experience
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Quarterback play is vital to the success of any football team, and Denham Springs is bringing up one with all the promise in the world in Reese Mooney. They three-star QB (QB Hit List) developed a year ago at the freshman and junior varsity levels throwing for 1,589 yards off 71 completions with 25 passing touchdowns. During his first varsity season with the Yellowjackets, he’s worked his way into starting status over the last three helping his team pull out their first victory of the season topping Walker. In his three starts, Mooney has thrown for 691 yards completing 64-of-96 passes with six scores.
In many football circles the secret on Mooney is out. So far, seven teams have offered him. His latest football offer came from Houston, the program he is committed to in baseball.
To talk about his starting experience and the growth of his game this season, Mooney stopped by the RNG Lab for another one on one.
*Click link for Aug. 2020 RNG interview with Reese Mooney
Interview
Reese, last we spoke you were getting dialed in on the new Air Raid/Spread attack the Yellowjackets were running this season. How are you now fitting into the scheme?
It is going pretty good. We have new schemes for each opponent because they run different defenses on us. It is going good for me right now.
With your growing skills in the pocket, what have you been able to showcase this year on the field?
My footwork. Last year, it wasn’t the best but I have gotten a lot better, and I am going through my progressions better than last year.
When you drop back, what coverages have you been seeing this season?
Cover 1, 3, 2, and 4, all the basics.
How has your understanding of the game expanded with the action on the field?
It has expanded a lot this year. I’ve been getting in the film room with my QB coach a bunch. We go over film before games. I am starting to click with everything.
This was touched on you a minute ago, but going deeper. With a look at the small details to your game, where are you showing improvement from last season?
My anticipation, that has gotten a lot better, where to put and the time, and knowing coverages in general.
The team has Walker (1-5) coming to town on Friday. What are you expecting from their defense?
They will rely on No. 11, he’s a great player. I think they will run Cover 1, 3, and press man. I feel like we have the scheme to stop that. I am really confident for tomorrow.
*The Yellowjackets won their first game of the season 26-21
Was last week your first week starting?
No, it was my second week.
In that first start, were you nervous?
No, sir. I was excited. All my hard work paying off starting as a sophomore is big. It was big for me knowing all that work is paying.
I like it. Let’s turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Oregon, Georgia, Arizona, South Alabama, and Mississippi State a little bit.
How many offers do you have now?
Seven.
Mooney’s Offer Sheet: Florida Atlantic, Houston, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, Ole Miss, and Southern Miss
Which was your most recent?
Houston. They offered me on Monday.
How did the Cougars coaching staff notify you of that scholarship?
They liked the tape of my second start, I threw four touchdowns. We’d been talking for three to four months. They’ve been telling me if you get a varsity snap and you do well, we will offer. I did and they offered.
When visits resume in 2021, which schools might you go see?
Mississippi State, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Nebraska, Kentucky, Ole Miss. There are some others that I’d like to like Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, and FAU. That’s about it, and some other SEC schools.
Reese, thanks for your time today. Wish you success as the new starting QB at Denham Spring.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Mooney family; Reese Mooney