Quarterback or safety? College coaches tracking 2026 California ATH Jesse Vega
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The technical skills are still developing, but two things about Jesse Vega cannot be denied, the Class of 2026 talent is a playmaker and already has next level athleticism. Jumping onto the varsity scene as a freshman safety with Upland, Vega (6-1, 192) spent his sophomore season executing Summit High School’s (Fontana) offense. With college scouts watching this fall, Vega will enforce his will on both sides of the ball for Valley View (Moreno).
Showcasing his dual threat abilities, Summit got 1,537 yards passing with 13 scores and 853 yards rushing with another 12 touchdowns last fall.
Vega spoke about the offensive attack, “We were more of a quarterback power offense with play action off the power. We went under center, out of shotgun, and some empty but not much.”
Asked about what he showcased on the gridiron in 2023, Vega replied, “I feel like my playmaking ability was good, and I made the players around me better. I feel like the season went well for me personally.”
The new offense Vega will run in 2024 was discussed, “We will run a Spread with empty sets – an Air Raid attack.”
All attention is on learning the Eagles’ offensive scheme.
“I will be working with my QB coach, who is also my offensive coordinator, all spring to prepare,” Vega stated.
Vega continued giving details to his offseason work in the pocket, “I am working on the basic fundamentals; I feel that gets overlooked. It is back to the basics. I am working on the fundamentals. I am working on my footwork and my release; I am working to make everything perfect. I am working on my base being shorter and throwing on the run.”
Receiving next level looks as a defender, Vega was asked about the roles he will take on with the Eagles, “I will be going both ways. Hopefully I will play some special teams and return kicks.”
The Eagles’ staff already has a plan for Vega on defense.
“We are a base Cover 2; I will roll down in Cover 3,” Vega said. “I usually will roll down. I can get physical in the box. They also have me blitzing off the edge.”
The same amount of work and effort is going into Vega’s game this spring as a defender.
“I am working on my cover skills and being a student of the game,” Vega shared. “I am trying to learn; I am trying to learn as much as I can. I rotated in on varsity as a freshman at safety. Last season, my coach didn’t want me to play defense because I was too valuable on offense.”
Four trainers are helping Vega prepare for his junior campaign.
“I am working with David Musa on speed and agility, coach Mike Esquivel at quarterback, Robert Bourne and Herman Atkins are helping me at safety,” Vega shared.
Vega is putting his developing skills to the test competing at exposure camps.
“I competed at the Polynesian combine in Vegas, and I have the Under Armour camp in Seattle coming up,” Vega stated.
Asked about his performance at the Polynesian camp, Vega replied, “I think it went very well. The camp showed me what I have to work on as a DB.”
Along the recruiting trail, Georgia Southern has offered Vega with strong regional interest rising.
“I am talking to UNLV, Washington State, Boise State, and USC,” Vega shared.
Game-day visits in 2023 were taken to UCLA and USC. The Rebels welcomed Vega to campus while he was in town for the Poly camp.
“It went really well,” Vega said. “I think the coaches are high on me. I like their philosophy. Everything is hustle there; no one walks around. They are about business for sure.”
Vega continued covering his time with the Rebels, “I toured their facility, and I watched their scrimmage; I was there for two days. I was introduced to their new DB coach, coach Nicco Fertitta. I talked to coach Nicco; I really enjoyed his philosophy. He is not too fond of the transfer portal. He likes to develop players; I liked that. He has played the position. I grew up watching him (Bishop Gorman, Notre Dame), it is inspirational being around him.”
More trips are on the itinerary.
“I am going to Boise State, USC, UNLV, and ASU’s (Arizona State) spring games, and possibly UCLA’s,” Vega stated.