Interview: 2023 JSerra Catholic LB Joey Torrez Taking on Trinity League Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For high school players stepping foot on the gridiron in California, there is no better proving ground than the Trinity League. From top to bottom, the conference is always stacked full of five-, four-, and three-star players with perennial national champion contenders in St. John Bosco and Mater Dei. For Class of 2023 JSerra Catholic linebacker Joey Torrez, the competition is not something to fear but something eagerly welcomed. The 6-0, 225-pound, defender is that hard-nosed throwback inside linebacker pushing offensive linemen to the side and knocking running backs on their can.
As the 2020 Trinity League only schedule heats up this spring for Torrez and the Lions, the rising California talent stopped by the RNG Clubhouse for a detailed look at his role in JSerra’s defense.
Interview
Joey, watching film on you, you were the guy thumping dudes in the box. How did the 2019 season go for you?
It was really good. It was fun. Our JSerra team, we went 9-1.
After that experience, how did you prepare for the 2020 season?
I lifted a lot and spent a lot of time in weight room and on the field. This offseason, I got my numbers up. I am now squatting 500, my bench is 315, and my power clean is 315.
Wow. Those are fantastic numbers.
Thank you, sir.
With JSerra, what defensive scheme are you guys running?
A 4-3.
What are your roles within the scheme?
Fill my gaps, get over the top of blocks, and blow stuff up.
Spoken like a true linebacker. How are you preparing for each game this season?
Hydrating a lot and preparing myself by eating right, working out the kinks, and watching film.
The Lions have taken on two very tough Trinity League teams to start the year in Mater Dei and Santa Margarita. How have you adapted to the level of play in the nation’s toughest conference?
In the Trinity League, going from freshman ball to varsity, I have adapted really well. My reads are getting quicker. I am watching the guards seeing if they are pulling, zone blocking, or going down. This season I am hitting the gaps as fast as I can and knowing what is going on around me.
What do you feel you are doing well as that inside linebacker for the Lions?
I am reading well, filling my gaps, my alignment and my assignments; I am getting those right.
On Saturday, there is no letup with a trip to St. John Bosco. What kind of game are you expecting from the Braves’ offense?
We are expecting them to run the ball with their big offensive line. We have done well against the run this season. It will be a good challenge for us.
For the rest of the season, or for the overall schedule, what goals are you wanting to accomplish?
I want to have the most tackles on the team and lead the charts on tackles for a loss, sacks, and all of that.
Joey, keep up the hard work on and off the field. Wishing you and the Lions success the rest of the schedule.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Torrez family; Joey Torrez