Interview: 2018 California QB Chase Petersen Streamlining Abilities into Top All-Around Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
During the 2016 season, California high school football fans in the Rancho Santa Margarita area got a glimpse of what Chase Petersen could do in the pocket. Nagging injuries limited his season to parts of five games, but in the time put in on the gridiron he showed his emerging dual-threat talents. With all the troublesome injuries behind him, 2017 has been Petersen’s season to shine.
Petersen stepped into the pocket for Tesoro High School during his junior season throwing for 1,273 yards with 10 scores adding 478 yards on the ground posting seven more touchdowns. The terrific stat line is nearly identical through five games into his senior season hitting 82-of-151 attempts for 1,171 yards with 12 touchdowns. Petersen’s rushing stats do not tell the whole tale, but gives insight. Logged for 60 carries, he has rushed for 429 yards with seven trips to the end zone. The 60 carries do not serve him justice with several carries tallied jumping on loose balls to avoid turnovers that were out of his control scaling back his yard per carry average.
A closer look into Petersen’s skillset as a field general shows great arm strength, the ability to read and understand defenses while checking down as needed, great footwork, and a powerful addition to the Titans run game. The 6-4, 220 pound, rising star seemingly has it all. Interest has filtered in from various Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference programs including Colorado State, Illinois, Hawaii, Washington State, Eastern Washington, Arizona State, Cal, Fresno State, and Arizona.
Off the field, Petersen continues to show his well-rounded nature carrying a 3.3 GPA scoring an 1100 on the SAT and a 22 on the ACT.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Tesoro’s emerging talent in the pocket covering the first five games of his season with a recruiting update.
Interview
Chase, the Titans are coming off a big 34-9 win over La Serna on Friday. How did the game go for you and the offense?
“The game started off slow on offense but after we got in the grove, we threw the ball and ran the ball well on them.”
For the season, how has everything gone for you in the pocket?
“I feel like I have been doing well in the pocket. I am completing over 60 percent of my passes with 12 touchdowns.”
How has your game improved as a throwing quarterback?
“I am a lot better going through my progressions. I am reading my keys on defense better and getting to my first and second looks quicker. My check downs have improved.”
You’ve been able to show your dual-threat abilities this year. What is contributing to you being so productive, and are you enjoying running the ball as much as you do?
“Yes, I enjoy running the ball. It is definitely a big factor in my game. I am a pass first, run second quarterback, but I am enjoying running the ball this year. The line has helped me out running the ball opening up holes for me.”
What are areas of your game you are still working on during the season?
“Every day I am working on transferring my weight through my throw. I am always working on being accurate with perfect timing.”
The Titans have some big games left on the second half of the schedule, are there any you are looking forward to playing above the others?
“I am really looking forward to the Mission Viejo game.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“Everything in the classroom is going really well. My grades are looking good. I am looking forward to finishing the semester with a good GPA to boost my cumulative GPA.”
On the recruiting trail, you’ve picked up a lot of interest from the spring and summer, which schools are showing heavier interest in you now?
“I am receiving the most interest from Washington State, Eastern Washington, and Fresno State.”
Which school has offered you?
“Dixie State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this fall?
“I took one to Fresno State for their first game of the season against Incarnate Word.”
How did that trip go?
“It went very well. It was a great game and I felt like the trip went well getting to talk to the coaches.”
Do you have any other visits planned for this fall?
“For now, I am planning on visiting Washington State in late October and Eastern Washington.”
Have any of the colleges told you what they are looking for from you before extending an offer?
“No, but the coaches keep asking for film on me.”
What goals do you have for the second half of the season?
“My main goal is to win league. We want to finish with five consecutive wins.”
What is your motivation on the field?
“I love going out showing people what I can do. I love playing the game I grew up watching. The feeling of getting a team win is my biggest motivator.”
Chase, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Chase Petersen in action.
Photo credit: Hudl.com; Chase Petersen at a Nike camp
Photo credit: Petersen family; Chase Petersen at Fresno State (2017)