Interview: 2019 QB Ryan Hilinski Updates Three-Campus California Weekend Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Quarterbacks are accustomed to taking control of any given situation pushing forward against great odds time and time again. The on-the-field mentality for Class of 2019 gunslinger Ryan Hilinski has crossover to off the field action setting up a three-campus California tour of the over weekend helping push his recruiting process forward. Luckily for Hilinski along with Fresno State, Stanford, and Cal, all went really well.

Hilinski showed flashes of brilliance during his sophomore season connecting for 1,582 yards off 124 completions with 12 passing touchdowns. Orange Lutheran High School took some lumps during the 2016 season with a young squad but actually did really well all-in-all playing in one of the toughest conferences in the nation, the Trinity League. Orange Lutheran finished 5-6 last season with college coaches seeing all of the potential in the world in the game the 6-4, 215 pound, quarterback brings to the field. Early interest includes Indiana, Nevada, Washington, and Tennessee, among others, but three other schools wanting to learn more about Hilinski got him on campus for a one-on-one meeting with tours of the campuses and the athletic facilities.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with the rising California talent to get the inside scoop on his unofficial visits to Fresno State, Stanford, and Cal.

Interview

Ryan, you had a big weekend with some unofficial visits. Where all did you go?

“We went to Fresno State, Stanford, and then to Cal.”

Who went with you?

“Some guys from my area and then some guys from my 7v7 team, Team Premium. Guys like Spencer Lytle, JT Shrout, Ethan Ray, and Jalen Hall were all on the visit.”

When did you start your first visit with Fresno State?

“We got there Friday afternoon at 3:00.”

How did the visit go?

“It was a really good visit. When we showed up, Scott Thompson (tight ends coach), I knew him from his time at USC, he recruited my brothers – love him, he greeted me. He spoke with me the most. Coach (Jeff) Tedford (head coach) spoke with me a lot too. Their quarterbacks coach (Kalen Deboer) was gone.  Tedford has worked with a lot of great quarterbacks over the years like Aaron Rodgers, Akili Smith, and Trent Dilfer. He talked to me about Fresno State. He said he wanted me to come back for some camps and that he would go down to school this spring. I will throw for him then and we’ll see what happens.”

How was the visit set up for you guys?

“When we first got there we toured the locker room and training facilities. After that they fed us and showed us a presentation about Fresno State. Then we did a quick photo shoot. I got to wear my No. 4 jersey. After that we saw the stadium and the visit was over.”

After speaking with Coach Tedford, do you see yourself fitting in with the team’s offense?

“Absolutely. Fresno State has brought in a new staff. I know they will bring it back to where they were when they were dominating the Mountain West Conference. Fresno State would be a great school if they offered me.”

After Fresno State you went to Stanford. When did you start that visit?

“We started the Stanford visit at about 9:00 Saturday morning.”

What all did you do at Stanford?

“When we first got to Stanford their recruiting coordinator (Mike Eubanks) showed us around. We went upstairs to the coaches’ meeting room where we saw a highlight reel. Coach (Mike) Bloomgren, he is the offensive coordinator at Stanford, said there is a battle between me and JT Daniels (Mater Dei) for a (2019) scholarship. He quizzed me on my favorite passing concepts. I walked him through the reads on different plays. Their quarterback coach, Coach (Tavita) Pritchard, was not there. After that I talked to Coach Bloomgren and Coach (David) Shaw (head coach) some more and then we did a photo shoot. They walked me to the stadium and that was the end of the tour.”

So on their 2019 recruiting board at quarterback it is between you and JT Daniels for now?

“Yes. With me being 6-4, 220, they said that I am their breed of quarterback. The offense we ran last year was pro-style. That fits them perfectly. They watched my tape that morning. They want me to come up to a camp and they are going to come by school so I can throw for them.”

That is exciting to know you are atop their recruiting board.

“It is. I like competing against the best of the best.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“They are renovating their weight room. Their campus was great. If I have the grades to get in there I would love to go there. They are high on my list.”

What all did you do on the Cal visit?

“When we showed up at Cal, their defensive backs coach, Coach (Gerald) Alexander, got us. We toured the facilities. Marques Tuiasosopo (quarterbacks coach), he recruited both of my brothers, met with me. After that I spoke with Coach (Justin) Wilcox. Then we toured the locker room, saw their video, and then we did a photo shoot. After the tours they sat me down in their offense with JT Shrout (2018 Hart High School quarterback). They said they were very interested in coming down to school to watch me throw. They want me up for a camp. They are going to hold a selective camp with 10 quarterbacks and 20 receivers. It will be an elite camp to see who they want on their roster in 2019 class.”

How did the visit go overall?

“The Cal visit was awesome. The stadium and the environment around it was great. They have a lot of great players coming out of there. The scene around Cal – the view of the Bay was amazing.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with Cal’s offense?

“Yes. They brought in a spread offense with Coach (Beau) Baldwin (offensive coordinator). Their offense is the offense I will run at Orange Lutheran this year.”

Do you have other visits scheduled?

“Yes. Over spring break going to Maryland. One of my coaches has been talking to Pitt for me. I will go there next, Indiana, and maybe Texas Tech if I can.”

Do you have any big events coming up?

“Yes. We are going to Vegas for an Adidas 7v7 tournament.”

Will you get a chance to see UNLV when you are there with Team Premium?

“I’m not sure. I think we might but I’m not sure.”

Ryan, congratulations on three successful visits and good luck with your 7v7 tournament and all the other upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Hilinski family; Ryan Hilinski at Stanford.

Photo credit: Hilinski family; Ryan Hilinski at Fresno State with Scott Thompson.