Interview: Rising 2023 California QB Justin Gil Showed Varsity Starting Talents in 7v7 Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In the talent rich football circles of Southern California, there is a buzz about Class of 2023 quarterback Justin Gil. The dual-threat lit up his peer group during the 2019 season passing for over 2,000 yards with 30 touchdowns. The momentum built was pushed forward in the abbreviated 7v7 season playing against four- and three-star talents throughout the region leading Trust the Process deep into tournaments in California and Arizona slicing up teams like a high school veteran.

The offseason grind has not stopped for Gil as he prepares to compete for Villa Park High School’s starting job this summer. Once the season gets going, Gil already has next level squads ready to watch his progress in Portland State, Sacramento State, and UNLV with planned visits to TCU and SMU.

In an RNG update interview, Gil stepped into the RNG lab covering his growth as a quarterback through the spring months with a unique coach’s perspective from Mike Esquivel.

*Click link for Justin Gil’s March 11 RNG video interview

Interview

Justin, I got to see you sling the ball around the yard at a 7v7 tournament back in March. What have you been working on with the technical parts of your game since then?

“Since then I have been working on my mechanics looking smoother and with a quicker release.”

Where are you seeing the improvements already in the work put into your game over the spring months?

“Working over the same things again and again in the same drills, I have fixed my release point to hit my receivers faster.”

How have you worked to expand the mental aspect of the game as a quarterback?

“I have been taking a lot of time watching film, getting stronger in the weight room, learning how defenses work and how to counter them in any offense.”

Which areas of your game are you working on with your QB coach?

“My biggest thing has been fixing throwing on the run, off-platform throws, and being flexible in every position I may be in.”

To get ready for the 2020 season, what has been your daily workout routine?

“I wake up, run on an empty stomach, I run about four miles total on a trail, and then I lift with my dad and brother. In my off-time I do homework and then I get a throwing session in or speed work in.”

What have you been doing in the development of your arm strength this spring?

“Lifting nonstop every day and working on the deep pass with weighted balls.”

What style of offense will you be executing with Villa Park this season?

“A pro-set, but sometimes we mix it up going into a Spread.”

How do those offenses fit your skills?

“In the pro-set, it is more of a running offense. The play-action and footwork helps me get out of the pocket, and that set helps me when reading defenses. My fit in the Spread, I think it is a lot better fit for me. I am a dual-threat. That offense spreads the defense out, and you can do more in a Spread.”

What goals have you set for yourself for the 2020 season?

“The No. 1 goal, take my team to a championship and win it all. Individually, get a scholarship.”

Justin, it was great catching up with you after seeing you in action this spring. Wishing you and your teammates success this summer getting ready for the 2020 schedule.

“Thank you.”

Coach’s Corner: Quote on Justin Gil from coach Mike Esquivel

Trust the Process Athletics (TTP) 7-on-7 offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Mike Esquivel worked with Justin this past off season. Coach Esquivel is a quarterback coach that is known over the last 16 years to mentor and groom quarterbacks to the next level such as Josh Nunes (Stanford), both Hilinski brothers Tyler (Washington State) and Ryan (South Carolina), Nate Romine (Airforce), DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson), and Hank Bachmeier (Boise State) to name a few. Coach Esquivel is used to identifying quarterback talents early. He compares Justin to some recent quarterbacks he has coached over the years. Esquivel had this to say about Justin Gil ability.

“Justin is a game changer no doubt! He is the type of quarterback that comes once every four years that is special. He works with several great quarterback coaches as well around southern California that has help set him up for success. I have had the privilege to coach Justin this past 7-on-7 season for Trust the Process Organization (TTP) owned by Herm Akins. When Justin steps on the field, his presence sets the tone for practice and games. He is built like a junior and for only being a freshman his arm strength is college ready. I call him the modern-day Rocky Balboa.

“He is a fierce competitor. Always finding ways to get better and finding ways to improve his style of play on and off the field. He has the attitude where nobody is going to step in his way. He will never quit or give up in anything he does. By Justin working with several outstanding quarterback coaches including myself in the area, he is able to take ideas and concepts from all of us and put it in his tool shed and use it effectively.

“Justin shows great signs of being a leader at an early age. He reminds of a player I coached at Upland, Nate Romine, who is built like Justin and earned a full ride scholarship to Air Force. Romine led Upland to a 24-2 record as a starter when I was there. Romine and Gil are a mirror image. Nate and Justin both are hungry to win and compete at the highest level. They are hungry to be the best in their class, hungry to lead a team to a championship.

“A perfect example of how I know and see Justin being a Mountain West Conference type of quarterback in the near future like at Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, etc.… is what he did for Trust the Process’ 7-on-7 team just a few months ago.  We were in a situation where our top quarterback had a conflict with his baseball schedule. We turned to Justin to step in for us at a tournament in Arizona. Without hesitation Justin stepped up and led us to a 6-1 record for the two days beating the tournament champion in pool play.

“He was flawless Day 1 with stats you would see from a 5-star quarterback. Never have I had a quarterback as a true freshman step in for a top team and lead them deep in the playoffs on their first debut. He earned our Division-I players’ respect after Justin’s first game. That really helped Justin’s confidence the rest of the 7-on-7 season. Along with our other outstanding quarterback Matt Getting (Middle Tennessee State commit), Justin helped lead our top team in the organization to a championship the following tournament in Irvine.

“Already college coaches are taking notice of Justin. I have unofficial visits ready to go for Justin to Boise State, Weber State, and Air Force to name a few for this fall. I can’t wait for him to take the reins this season as a varsity starter and show his ability on the field in clutch moments!”

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Photo credit: Mike Esquivel; Justin Gil