Interview: The Ascension of 2022 Etiwanda QB Isaiah Vasquez Continues
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As initial varsity football seasons go, Isaiah Vasquez turned in a gem. The 5-10, 174-pound, dual-threat mixed it up with the pass and the run throwing for 2,264 yards with 15 scores and rushed for 259 yards taking seven individual trips into the end zone. The 2019 season with Etiwanda was one of growth for the rising Class of 2022 field general understanding the intricacies of the Eagles’ offense and how California defenses deploy and disguise their coverages. With the base to his abilities set off the experience garnered, Vasquez is pushing his game forward, both the physical and the mental, this offseason.
For an update on his offseason approach to the 2020 season with a look back on lessons learned during his sophomore campaign, Vasquez sat down for a detailed RNG interview.
Interview
Isaiah, the Eagles offensive attack was multifaceted last season going out of the shotgun. What style of offense were you executing?
We were mostly executing a Spread and we went into the Pistol some with one tight end – we did a lot of quick stuff. It was tough at first, but then I got into my groove, that is when we started doing our thing. We came up short in the playoffs but we are ready for this season.
As mentioned, the offense was quick hitting while also airing it out downfield. With the variety of passes in the playbook, how did your skills as a passer grow last season?
In the beginning it was tough as a sophomore quarterback to take it all in. When you play more, you gravitate towards what the coach is telling you. Last season was a great learning experience helping me with the upcoming season and college.
The offense called for some RPO (run-pass option) with you reading and running. How did your talents as a dual-threat improve during the 2019 season?
It improved, it made me read the defense seeing if they are watching me or the receiver or running back. If they watched the receiver or running back, I would take it.
Are you guys executing the same attack during the 2020 season?
Yes, we are mostly likely doing the same thing but adding some new plays and formations.
What have you been working on with your skillset as a passer this offseason?
I have been training as hard as I can with COVID restrictions on us. I have been weightlifting and working hard to come back as best as I can be for the season. With my technique, I have worked on my release, because last season it was there but it could have been better. I have been focusing on my speed to be faster out of the pocket and throwing on the run. All the stuff that comes with playing QB, I have been working on.
In which ways have you been expanding your understanding of the game?
Film, that has helped me a lot reading coverages and seeing them disguise their coverages. Playing 7v7 is helping me with seeing them rotate safeties. I am realizing more and more what defenses are doing as I get more experience.
After all the hard work put into your game, with the 2020 season finally getting close, what do you feel are your strengths overall as a quarterback?
My strengths, I feel like I am at an all-time high with my throwing. I am way better than last season. My speed has gotten a little bit better, but I can get even better. I have time before the 2020 season to improve. This season I will be doing everything.
With opportunities limited, how have you kept the chemistry going with your receiving corps this offseason?
My receiving corps, we are close. We get together at a field and throw doing the route tree.
What is the practice schedule for the Eagles this fall?
We have not heard anything. We heard we could go back, but then we were stopped, and now we don’t know. As of right now looks like we will be back in pads in December.
Isaiah, I appreciate you taking the time updating us on your offseason workouts today. Keep up the hard work.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Vasquez family; Isaiah Vasquez