Interview: Talented 2021 LB Angel Vasquez Adding Starting QB Duties to Resume
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It does not happen often, but when it does it is for good reason – rarely do we see a high school team’s starting quarterback also flip the field starting on defense, but that will be the case for the multi-talented and athletic Angel Vasquez in 2020.
Vasquez was needed on Canyon High School’s defense last season setting down the pigskin to help stop it. In his first season playing outside linebacker, he tore it up putting an end to 78 plays with 43 solo stops, four tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception with teams running the other way. Going into his senior season, the 6-3, 195-pound, Canyon Country standout is needed back on offense and he is ready to start slinging the rock around the yard again.
After scouting Vasquez at a ProWay 7v7 Showcase, we sat down for a one-on-one interview delving into his abilities on the field and how he is preparing for the dual roles going into his senior year.
Interview
Angel, you are a mauler on the field playing linebacker. That style of play comes with determination and an attitude. When you take the field for a game, what gets you fired up to play at that level?
“I make sure I get nine hours of sleep the night before. On game day, I have to get that right song with the team. I take my time getting ready for the game listening to music and watching film, that is why I am always confident on the field – I’m ready.”
Within the Cowboys’ defensive scheme, you were playing that outside linebacker role. What were your responsibilities within the system last season?
“Last season we ran a 4-3. My responsibility was mostly blitzing or man-on-man coverage against their best slot.”
How did your overall game improve on defense?
“Last season was my first time ever playing linebacker; I had always played quarterback. I started off slow learning the position but as the season progressed it came naturally. The game got slower and I got faster. My man on coverage improved a lot so did my blitzing. I was getting the snap count down in games. It only took a couple snaps to get the cadence and I was never off sides.”
A lot of your tackles seemed to be running a guy down going the other way. How were opposing offenses scheming against you last season?
“Yeah. In the beginning they did not know who I was. But after the fifth game, they went to the other side. They schemed around me running to the left and they’d pass to the other side as well.”
What are you working on as a defender this offseason?
“My footwork and my coverage. We are going into a 4-4 this year; I will do more in coverage this year. I am also the starting quarterback this year.”
How are you getting ready for the season playing QB? How is that coming along?
“It is coming along a lot better than I expected. I got some snaps at varsity playing QB last year, but I am now getting back into the rhythm. I am getting faster. Playing with ProWay (7v7), everyone is ranked and talented. There is not as much talent in our conference as I will see in most of these 7v7 tournaments.”
Playing 7v7 with ProWay, how is that helping your game this offseason?
“Making my reads faster progressing from one receiver to another receiver and with my check downs. On defense, I have to be more aggressive playing man-on-man.”
Angel, it was great catching up with you today after seeing you in 7v7 action on the field. Wishing you success with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Angel Vasquez