Interview: All the Pieces Coming Together for 2023 California QB Dre Robles
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When scouting high school football, one is always looking at the improvement of a player mixed with the potential. After the three-game season Dre Robles (5-10, 175) turned in during his sophomore season with Aquinas, it is all coming together in a hurry. Running the Falcons’ diverse offense, Robles showed off the arm, his ability to read defenses and go through his progressions without panicking. He also displayed the talent of moving around in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield willing to take a hit as he delivers a strike.
The three-game season for the San Bernardino squad will be a launching pad for great things this fall. To update us on his 2020 season and upcoming camp circuit, Robles made another visit to the RNG Lab.
Interview
Dre, after such a long layoff, how did it feel being back on the field picking apart defenses this spring with Aquinas?
It felt great. I love the intensity, the higher level of football. It was great to go against that great competition and challenge myself. I love Aquinas.
Leading into the 2020 season, what did you work on with your game?
I worked on reading defenses faster, going through my progressions, pump faking, my running game, and having more touch and more power into my throws.
What scheme were you executing?
We did a little bit of everything. We were in the I-formation, shotgun, two backs in shotgun, and Spread.
You were able to test yourself on the field against three very good California teams in Paraclete, Damien, and Rancho Cucamonga. How do you feel about your personal performance?
I felt like I proved I can play at a high level. There are things I can work on, but I was happy with how I played. I was glad to show others that I can play with high level teams.
You were working the ball around the field in the Falcons’ offense executing fakes, pump fakes, all sorts of things to help get your receivers separation that added more for you reading defenses. How did your abilities reading defenses improve during your sophomore season?
My timing has gotten better. Going into the year, I worked on my timing with route running and certain routes against Cover 2 or 1. This offseason I was building that chemistry and timing. Reading defenses improved a lot. The defenses were way better this year than last, and it was against higher level competition. This season I learned how to scheme against defenses, game plan against them, and the weaknesses to look for.
Of the three games, which game was your personal best?
The Damien game was the game where I showcased my skills best. In our scrimmage, we split reps at quarterback so the coaches could see who had better game play.
Why did you pick the Damien game?
I was able to stay in the pocket, make good passes with pressure in my face, showed my arm, my running ability, and made good reads. We started slow in the first half. The next thing was picking up the team going into the second half.
What are you working on with your fundamentals after this three-game test?
Right now, I am working on getting stronger, faster, and quicker. I feel like my passing game is there, but you can always improve. I am happy with how I was passing this season. More focus will go into working on my running game to show that I am a dual-threat.
Are there any camps coming up you may attend?
Yes, I am going to the Under Armour Elite Underclassmen Camp next Friday. In June there is a Junior Classmen combine, and I will also be attending a UNLV camp on June 12.
Let’s talk about grades. What is your current cumulative GPA?
A 4.28. This next semester I am striving for a 4.4.
Very cool. Update us on the recruiting interest you are receiving?
A lot of emails are coming in this offseason from D-I, D-II, and D-III schools. Arizona State, Duke, Liberty, Georgia Tech, and Princeton are some of the schools showing interest.
Dre, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you success with the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Robles family; Dre Robles