Interview: Downey QB Noah Paez Preparing for Big Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every senior season is a big one, but the 2022 college football recruiting class is under a special set of circumstances, especially in California. The 2020 season was an abbreviated one in the Golden State allowing a half season for most. That puts an extra importance this fall for hopeful recruits ready to showcase their skills to college scouts. One 2022 talent ready to bring the coaches’ spotlight his way is Noah Paez.
Paez (6-1, 185) worked his talents within Downey High School’s spread offense this spring. In stats posted through four games, he completed 31 of 57 passes for 524 yards with five touchdowns against zero picks. Showing his dual-threat abilities, Paez rushed 12 times for 74 yards with one trip into the end zone.
With film to get out, recruiting interest is coming around for Paez. Columbia and Eastern Washington, among others, are the programs watching as the So Cal recruit prepares for his senior campaign.
*Click link for previous RNG video interview with Noah Paez
Interview
Noah, the time in on the field during the 2020 season this spring had to be extremely valuable for you. Getting that live action against California defenses, which areas of your game grew the most?
Being honest, my timing at the varsity level. Being a leader as well. I didn’t have that yet. My confidence was another area that really grew. Throughout the offseason workouts, I worked on everything; my timing was perfect with my receivers. It came down to practices. Even before games, about an hour to an-hour-and-a-half before I had a throwing session with my receivers. On game weeks, I have my receivers stay with me for about 20 minutes to get our timing down.
What offensive set were you running and what was the philosophy of the attack?
We ran a no-huddle/Spread offense. Our goal is to get the defense tired. Every practice we work on conditioning. One of the coaches in the booth calls the play down to the sidelines, we get the play call from the sidelines and we snap it. We go fast. Down on the goal line, we go 11 and 12-personnel and run the back.
What coverages were you seeing when dropping back?
I saw a lot of Cover 4, especially against Paramount. Teams ran some Cover 3 and 2. In only one game we saw man, that was against Paramount. Cover 4, that is the most I saw. Teams knew the skills we had at receiver.
Building upon what you learned, how are you expanding your understanding of the game this spring and summer?
Since last summer, my personal goal was to be more of a leader and teacher for the younger guys. I have been teaching and helping the young guys get better. We have a lot of people that are first time varsity players, even seniors who are first time players. You have to be physical and mentally prepared every week; I’m trying to teach that to all our guys.
With your technique, what are you fine-tuning?
I am working on my pocket movement. The reason why, last year we had some teams that sent all out blitzes. I knew I needed to work on that more. There will be a lot of teams blitzing us this season. I have to find the open holes so I will have time to throw the ball.
Are there any camps coming up on your schedule?
Yes, on Friday I am going to an Eastern Washington camp. I was invited by their offensive coordinator.
Very cool. I got to see you on Sunday playing 7v7 in a Pylon Tournament at Sofi; how did that tournament go?
At Sofi Stadium, I was with (Cam’s) Real Speed (CRS). I have been playing with them for two years now. I have been working with Coach Cam since I was a kid. One of my receivers came with me. That was a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity to play at Sofi Stadium.
How did the Pylon Tournament at Sofi Stadium go for you personally?
It went well, better than what I expected. I didn’t know any of the receivers but one. That was our first time playing together. We had no practices ahead of the tournament, and we didn’t know anything about each other. But I did the best I have ever done in 7v7. We beat Zorts in pool play.
Very cool. When do the Vikings start summer ball?
We started last week.
What goals have you set for the summer before play begins this fall?
My goal is to have everyone at practice, especially the seniors. Playing a full season, the goal is for a perfect game on Fridays. Another goal is to know my offensive linemen. I knew a couple last season, but I want to build that bond with them to call out blitzes and have a great season.
Noah, it was great seeing you spin it at the 7v7 tournament and catching up with you today. Thanks for your time.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: RNG; Noah Paez