One to Watch Interview with 2021 California Dual-Threat QB Raymond Price

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A freshman season at the junior varsity level playing quarterback does not make a high school career, but it does provide some insight on what Sacred Heart Prep football fans can expect of Raymond Price going forward. If anything, fans can expect some dynamic plays on the field. At the collegiate level, excitement is building with a first offer on the table from Howard.

Price started out the 2017 season as a back-up on the Gators’ JV squad but worked his way into a starting role midway through the schedule. In addition to forging a path ahead in the pocket, he also earned snaps with the varsity team playing corner and receiver helping ease the transition from one level to the next for his sophomore campaign.

With spring practices on the books and various camps and combines behind the 6-1, 185-pound, field general, I sat down with one of California’s emerging 2021 talents to learn more about his overall game and offseason preparations.

Interview

Ray, how did your freshman season play out on the field?

“Playing on the JV team, I think I formed a good relationship with the guys. I opened eyes. I was more of a runner before, as the season went on I developed my game more as a passer. I want to be a true dual-threat. I thought my season was fantastic. I did not start right away, but I got better and won the job during the season.”

You mentioned your game grew as a passer, how did your overall game grow last season?

“I developed my game as a passer. I was in the pocket more picking apart the defense. I worked on my pre-snap reads, which improved. The defensive coordinators are always trying to hide stuff, we (quarterbacks) have to be the smartest people on the field at all time. We have to know the coverages and react. We have to keep the offense going downfield. My footwork, throwing mechanics, and the mental part of the game all improved last season.”

You got a couple of snaps at the varsity level in 2017, what was that like for you?

“I played receiver and corner, it was a great experience. Although I was not playing quarterback, I still got to sit in the QB meetings. I was able to develop a relationship with the guys. Our starting QB (Brad Yaffe) is going to Oregon, he was a good role model for me. He showed me some keys and tools to running the offense. It was a great experience. I also developed a great relationship with our head coach, Coach (Mark) Grieb.”

What are you working on with your game this offseason?

“Everything I worked on last season. Now that I have that experience in my tool box, I want to keep developing it. I am working on a 7-step drop, along with my 3- and 5-. I am working on perfecting my mechanics, developing a relationship with my receivers, tight ends, and running backs, and learning the offense. Learning the offense even better will help me succeeded.”

Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your skillset?

“The thing defensive coordinators will have to respect my ability to throw the deep ball. I think I can read the safety very well. As a dual-threat, they will have to respect my ability to run the ball. I feel I can take it for a score on every play. If I slip through one of those gaps, I can break a 60-yarder.”

How have spring practices gone with Sacred Heart?

“Great. We are building team chemistry. We are working on our passing game, getting a step ahead of everyone else. In spring practices, we did well as a team. I feel like we will step up as a unit and be better this year.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“On Sunday, I went to a USC, on Friday I was at Cal Lutheran, and I’ve been to an Azusa Pacific camp. I have also competed at a Rivals camp and the Polynesian Bowl Combine – there were a lot of highly ranked players there.”

How did the USC camp go?

“I felt like the USC camp was great. There were a lot of people there, but I still feel like I stood out in my class. I feel like that was my best camp of the year. I got to talk to a couple of coaches after the camp who told me that I did well.”

Do you have any upcoming camps set?

“I have five more. I am attending the UC-Davis QB Academy, Sacramento State, UNLV and the following weekend I have camps at Fresno State and San Jose State.”

Have you visited any schools yet?

“Yes, sir. I have taken visits to Cal, San Jose State, and UC-Davis.”

Do you play any other sports for Sacred Heart?

“Basketball.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“English.”

What do you do away from football for fun?

“I play Fortnite, that is a popular game with teenagers. I like hanging out with my friends and building a strong relationship with them.”

Is there a hidden talent you have most people would be surprised to find out about you?

“Dancing, but dancing for fun not serious dancing.”

Raymond, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Price family