Interview with QB Ryan Stanley, a rising star in the 2015 class
The future is wide open for dual threat quarterback Ryan Stanley. Fresh off earning MVP honors at the Golden Arm competition on Sunday in Atlanta, Stanley’s recruiting stock is surging making him a rising star in the 2015 recruiting class.
The Flanagan (Pembroke Pines, Florida) standout was a nightmare for opposing defenses racking up 2,400 yards passing with 24 touchdown passes against only four picks, many times only playing half a game. Against Class 8A-12 rival McArthur, Stanley threw five touchdown passes in the first half but sat the second half before he could tie the record of seven touchdown passes in a game.
The Falcons improved upon a 6-5 season in 2012 under departed coach Don Simon going 9-1 under new head coach Devin Bush with Stanley leading the way on the field. Many football fans may remember Bush from his time destroying wide receivers for Florida State before becoming a first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 1995 NFL Draft.
Flanagan’s star quarterback shared his thoughts on the Golden Arm competition, recruiting, and the Falcons 2014 season in a one-on-one interview.
Ryan, how did you feel about your chances going into the competition?
“Heard the No. 1 quarterback in the nation (Ricky Town, St. Bonaventure, Ventura, California) was going to be there. I knew I had a good chance to see how I compared to other top players in the nation. I always thought I had a chance to win.”
What was your favorite experience from the competition?
“What I liked about the competition, it was a fair shot. They (Tony Ballard) could’ve picked the No. 1 quarterback in the nation but didn’t.”
Have any schools contacted you since your win on Sunday?
“UAB, offered right after. Offensive coordinator Bryant Vinson contacted me via Twitter. We had tried to set up a visit before but it never worked out, but they offered me anyway.”
What schools are recruiting you right now?
“Miami, West Virginia, Louisville, Cincinnati, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Iowa State, South Florida and Bowling Green have all been in contact.”
What are your top three schools?
West Virginia, Louisville, and UAB are my top three schools. I’m really appreciative of UAB giving me my first offer.
Do you have a time frame on when you will verbally commit?
“I’m going to go through the season and see how it plays out. I’m not rushing anything.”
What college program is your favorite?
“Growing up I have always been a Florida State fan.”
The offseason is a time to improve different parts of one’s game. What are you working on during your offseason?
“I’ve been playing 7-on-7 ball with Florida Elite. It’s helping me make my reads at the line without a defensive line rush. I’ve been doing a lot of ladder work and increasing my strength and weight. I’m up to 195 pounds.”
Do you plan to attend any Junior Days or Spring Games this off-season?
“I’m going to UM’s junior day, USF’s junior day, and FSU’s spring game this weekend.
What camps are you going to this summer?
“I’m hitting several camps this summer to give coaches a chance to see me. I’m going to FSU, UM, Purdue, Cincinnati, and Louisville” (with plans for a couple of others).
How did the Falcons do last year?
“We were 9-1 in the regular season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Deerfield Beach.”
As a team how is Flanagan preparing for next season?
“We had a young team last year. We’re getting stronger and so much better. We have a special team chemistry that no one has. We came together and stuck together after coaching staff left after the 2012 season.”
Who are some of your teammates that fans should know about if they don’t already?
“Wide receiver Robert Foy is underrated. Wide receiver Walter Jackson, wide receiver Emonnee Spence is a transfer and a UM commitment and Keavon Mitchell.”
What individual honors did you earn after last season?
“I was named First-Team All County by the Miami Herald and a First-Team selection by the Sun Sentinel.”
Photo credit: Athletes in Focus, No. 7 QB Ryan Stanley