Interview: 2019 QB Hank Bachmeier Turning in Another Fantastic Season for Murrieta Valley

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Even though Hank Bachmeier is just a junior, it seems like he has been kicking butt at the high school level forever. The Class of 2019 talent has been slinging the ball around the yard since his freshman year with Murrieta Valley turning in one accomplished season after another… and his 2017 campaign is only adding to his growing resume.

Stat fans love guys like Bachmeier, for he has given them much to dissect. In 2015, he threw for 2,854 yards with 36 touchdowns against eight picks. The low interception number is amazing, especially for a freshman playing California varsity ball, then at the Division-II level, but his 67 percent completion rate tells the tale. A 9-3 season in 2015 gave way to a 11-3 run the following year with their field general taking that big next step forward. He hit 234-of-311 passes for 3,862 yards with 46 touchdowns. Another amazing alert – he threw just three picks and completed 75 percent of his passes.

The terrific season helped push the Nighthawks into the title game before a heartbreaking 45-35 loss to San Clemente. With the spotlight the brightest, Bachmeier completed 12-of-20 passes for 265 yards with three touchdowns outperforming USC Class of 2017 commit Jack Sears, 223 yards with two touchdowns.

In California, with all the winning comes a bump up in competition level. Murrieta Valley is now a Division-I team, but that has not slowed Bachmeier a bit. The 6-2, 200 pound, gunslinger has passed for 1,321 yards hitting 85-of-120 attempts with 19 touchdowns. A new element has been added to his game, running the ball. Bachmeier has carried the rock 35 times in five games covering 235 yards with two additional reasons to celebrate.

All the productivity on the field is bringing college coaches to the Murrieta campus. Bachmeier is up to 10 scholarship offers with Colorado, Fresno State, Boston College, UCLA, Boise State, Minnesota, Utah, Ole Miss, UNLV, and Cal all wanting him. The list should reach 20-plus by the spring with Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Washington State, Mississippi State, Yale, UConn, Louisville, Michigan, and Tennessee, among others, all showing serious interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru one-on-one interview, I sat down with Bachmeier after the Nighthawks upended Oaks Christian 38-20 and ahead of their crosstown rivalry game against Vista Murrieta getting insight on the season, a preview of Friday’s game, and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Hank, statistically speaking, you are having another fantastic season. What is working well for you on the field allowing you to be so productive?

“Having another year of experience helps. Understanding protections and knowing where the blitzes are coming from all helps tremendously.”

How is your game improving this season?

“During the offseason, I cut out bread, added sugars, and dairy. I leaned out and worked out hard. I’m in better shape and I’m feeling better by what I am putting in my body. I feel lighter and quicker. I have added running into my game. Now I am a pocket passer that can run.”

Tough to argue against the great connection you have with Marquis Spiker. He has pulled in 40 passes for 640 yards with 14 touchdowns so far this season. How have the two of you built such a strong connection on the field?

“We are great friends on and off the field. We’ve been playing together for three years, that helps. He is very smart knowing what routes he needs to run and where I want him to go so I can get the ball to him. He understands defenses too. He makes great plays and bails me out a lot.”

How are you preparing for each game this season?

“On Saturday, I run for a little bit, do some homework and then watch film. On Sunday, I watch the shell of what the secondary and corners are doing. The next day I get in closer. I look at linebackers, their blitz tendencies, and their tells. Then I look at the line, their blitzes, and their red zone defense. After that, I watch it all again making sure I am seeing everything. I look to reaffirm what I have studied so far.”

Are there any adjustments you’ve had to make to your game this season over last year?

“As mentioned, physically, I cut my diet back. I think that has helped me out. Running has been a big addition.”

Last time out, the Nighthawks picked up a big 38-20 win over Oaks Christian. You were 14-of-24 for 254 yards with three touchdowns. From the view in the pocket, how did the game go for you?

“They are a great team with some great players. They are a well-respected program in California. My line did a great job giving me time. When you have time, you can go through your reads. You can focus on your receivers without moving around the pocket. The line helped me out against Oaks Christian.”

You guys have a tough road game on Friday traveling to Vista Murrieta. How will their defense challenge you guys?

“This will be my third year playing them. They are our crosstown rival. They are a hardworking team. They like to stack the box and get after the quarterback. Our line knows where to step to block the blitz. We just have to execute the game plan. It will be a great game.”

Are there any other league games you are hyped to play?

“Next week, our game is on Fox Sports West verses Chaparral (Temecula). I am looking forward to that one.”

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

“We’ve lost two games, now we are focusing through league and getting ready for playoffs. We want to finish this year strong. We have to execute our game plan, practice hard, and finish season out right.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“There are a lot. Louisville, Michigan, UConn, Vanderbilt, Florida State, North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State, Washington State, and Yale. There are more ACC and SEC schools. I cannot think of all them off the top of my head. Indiana is one. Tennessee came by today. Oregon and Oklahoma State are showing interest as well.”

What did Tennessee have to say about your recruitment?

“I’ve been talking to their quarterback coach, Coach (Mike) Canales, for a little bit. From what my coach told me, he’s been watching my tape. They think I’ve been doing a good job and want me to keep doing what I am doing. It was a great honor to have them come by school to see me.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this fall?

“Yes, sir. I’ve taken visits to UCLA, Cal, Colorado, and Minnesota last weekend.”

How did the Minnesota visit go?

“They have been recruiting me the hardest. It was a great visit. Coach (P.J.) Fleck (head coach) is a passionate person, over the phone and in person. He confirmed that. He is a great person. I think Minnesota will be successful in the future. The guys on the team have bought in on him.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“The only one that is confirmed is Boise State later this month – for the Wyoming game (Oct. 21).”

What has you excited about visiting Boise State?

“I visited them over the summer. I love the relationship I have built with their staff. Boise State is one of my favorite schools. I followed them as a kid growing up. They’ve had a lot of great years there. They are about working hard. I love the offense. I love the schemes and the shifts within their offense. Their offense is so unique. I would love to play in their offense. Boise is a great town. Boise State would be a great place to go to school and play football.”

Hank, thank you for your time today and good luck against Vista Murrieta.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Bachmeier family; Hank Bachmeier and family at Minnesota

Photo credit: Cal-Hi Sports; No. 19 Hank Bachmeier in the pocket