Interview: Under the Radar 2018 California WR Isac Velasquez Showcasing Next Level Talents

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Proof of talent in any sport is the ability to replicate success time and time again. One overlooked Class of 2018 California recruit who has proven his playmaking abilities on the field game after game, year after year, is Isac Velasquez.

During his sophomore and junior seasons with Alta Loma, Velasquez was a packet of instant offense for the Braves. In 2015, Velasquez hauled in 33 passes covering 591 yards with five scores and carried the pigskin 42 times adding 389 more yards to his resume with four more trips to the end zone. On special teams he added 110 punt return yards. With one year of varsity experience under his belt and an off-season working on his craft, the Braves coaching staff relied on No. 24 even more during his junior season with a stat sheet that included 50 receptions for 998 yards with 11 touchdowns, 17 carries for 229 yards and a score, and five punts returned for 88 yards. Velasquez even picked off a pass taking it back 59 yards. The hard work paid off in other ways with accolades from opposing coaches earning first team All-League honors in 2015 and 2016. He was also tabbed as the 2016 Brave of the Year Award winner.

A new challenge has come Velasquez’s way after transferring this spring from Alta Loma to Diamond Ranch High School. The arrival of Velasquez has the fan base excited as well as head coach Eric Martinez. Coach Martinez had plenty to say about his new all-purpose athlete, “Isac is one of the top overall athletes that can change the outcome of a game by his play making ability. He is an explosive football player. Isac is very fast and elusive in space. His work ethic and competitiveness reminds me of when I coached NFL Seattle Seahawks Bobby Wagner when I was the defensive coordinator at Colony. Nobody is going to outwork Isac when he is in his zone.

“I have coached a lot of players that have moved on to play Division I football when I was at Upland and Colony. Isac is at the top of that list with the best of them. I now know why he got the same award as Eric Weddle (Ravens) did when Weddle was in high school. He is that good! Whatever college gets Isac, is getting a steal. He is an impact player that will help his college team right away his freshman year.”

Recruiting interest is starting to pick up for the 5-10, 173 pound, difference maker, and in a big way. USC, San Diego State, Colorado, Cal, Fresno State, Princeton, Navy, San Jose State, and Utah are all showing interest. A deeper look at Velasquez shows an offensive threat with true game breaking speed capable of taking the rock to the house from anywhere on the field. His dedication to selling his routes while running them cleanly comes across instantly. While Velasquez is shifty, he does not dance to attract attention but gets north-south in a heartbeat after making a defender miss. A trait college coaches love to see; he also is a willing blocker in the run game working to help the offense anyway he can.

One school getting an early chance to impress one of the rising stars in California is Fresno State. The Bulldogs are hosting Velasquez on Saturday for an unofficial visit. Ahead of his visit, I sat down with Velasquez going over his spring workouts, high school career, and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Isac, you’ve been a highly productive player on the field since your sophomore season. How did your 2015 season go on the field?

“I felt like it went well being my first time on varsity. I was inexperience, but I knew I had to step up my game. I was just trying to do whatever I could for the team.”

Which positions did you play?

“Wide receiver and slot back.”

What was your weekly preparation like for each game last season?

“My sophomore year was about gaining experience and confidence. During my junior year, I worked even harder. Each week we would watch film in preparation. On Monday and on Tuesday, we went over our offensive scheme and our plays for that week. On Wednesdays, we went against their defensive schemes in practice. On Thursday and Friday, we installed our special teams and did our walk-throughs.”

Who was the toughest cornerback, nickel, safety you went against last season?

“Last year, I really do not know their names, there was a guy at Colony and a guy at Don Lugo that were fun to go up against.”

How did those pairings help you improve your game?

“Playing against the best you have to perform your best. Man-to-man, I felt like I was quicker getting off the line than those guys. I worked on my fighting hands and ran more precise routes against them.”

How are you preparing this spring and summer?

“Preparing for my senior year, I have been lifting weights and getting bigger and faster. I want to help my team win in the fourth quarter. I have been working hard with the team to create a bond. We need that bond to win our games. It takes all 11 to win out on the field.”

What areas are focusing on intently to improve?

“Mostly bursting after catches and my field vision.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?

“I was playing Rhare Breed.”

How was 7v7 ball helping improve your skillset?

“It helped me by reading the defense more – Cover 2, Cover 3, or man-to-man. 7v7 helped me to know where people are in places so I can get open. It has helped me getting off jams, with my technique, and understanding defenses better to run my routes.”

You transferred from Alta Loma to Diamond Ranch, how will the coaches at Diamond Ranch use you within in their offense?

“I can tell they will move me around a lot to get me into open space. They are going to get me on the outside, in the slot, motion me to the running back position, and do jet sweeps. I will play some cornerback and safety too.”

Are you excited about playing defense this season?

“Yes, I am. I want to be a multi-position athlete and be on the field all the time.”

Have you attended any camps yet this spring?

“I went to the Rivals Three Stripe camp.”

How did that camp go?

“I felt like I did pretty good. I was just trying to do my thing. I think out of 1,547 participants, I had the 13^th best cone drill.”

Your reel shows great game speed. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“A 4.45 on March 15 and a 4.49 on Feb. 8.”

Where did you clock those times?

“At Diamond Ranch High School.”

What is the best shuttle time you’ve laid down?

“4.15.”

Are you going to attend any other exposure camps this spring?

“I will attend the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland (May 21).”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“West Point (Army). I just talked to them two days ago. Coach (Sean) Saturnio (assistant coach) wants to offer me a full-ride. He is recommending me to their head coach, Coach (Jeff) Monken. I went to USC’s spring game. Last week I went to San Diego State and I went to University of San Diego. Colorado, San Jose State, Navy, Princeton, Utah, and Cal are all showing interest. I will be visiting Fresno State this Saturday.”

How did your visit to San Diego State go?

“I liked it. I liked how Coach Tony White (recruiting coordinator) explained the culture and how things are run there. They are a program coming up.”

What has you excited about your visit to Fresno State on Saturday?

“Getting to know the coaches and the area. I know they like to pass a lot. I feel like I can fit into their program and do big things at Fresno State.”

Do you have any other visits planned coming up?

“I am planning on going to San Jose State, Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Sac State (Sacramento State), and Oregon this summer.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.6.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I’m taking the SAT on May 10.”

Is there a next level player you enjoy watching play the game? Someone you might watch to learn more about your position?

“I really like watching De’Anthony Thomas (Oregon – Kansas City Chiefs). He is one of my idols. We might be small but we are quick.”

Isac, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your visit to Fresno State and good luck on the SAT.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: InsideSoCal.com; No. 24 Isac Velasquez dives for the end zone (2016).

Photo credit: Velasquez family; Isac Velasquez at SDSU.

Photo credit: Diamond Ranch High School; Isac Velasquez at Diamond Ranch High School.