Arkansas commitment Ty Storey, another in a long line of great in-state HS quarterbacks
Exclusive interview with Charleston quarterback Ty Storey
Mobility in the pocket, willingness to take a big hit waiting for the receiver to break open, can throw on the run, can throw with touch, field vision, can throw with different arm angles, these are just a few of the many attributes attached to the skill set of Charleston, Arkansas standout quarterback Ty Storey, one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
Perhaps playing in the state of Arkansas, playing in Class 3A, or being a strong verbal commitment to the Arkansas Razorback program since June of 2013 has limited the national attention the Class of 2015 recruit seemingly deserves but without exception Storey is among the best of the best heading into his senior campaign.
While most sophomores are playing junior varsity or hoping to log enough time on the field to letter with their varsity squad, Storey (6’3”, 220 pounds) was carving up opposing defenses. As a sophomore in 2012, Storey led the Tigers with 4,397 yards passing with 48 touchdowns and 11 interceptions completing 328 of 503 pass attempts.
Showing consistency Storey followed up his sophomore campaign with another 4,000 yard season racking up 4,241 yards with 50 touchdowns against 11 picks completing 268 of 408 attempts earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors for the state.
To help move the chains while showing headiness in the pocket, Storey picked up 316 yards rushing with seven scores as a sophomore and another 180 yards with six touchdowns as a junior.
Adding to the legend, as a sophomore he played both ways for the Tigers starting out at cornerback before ending the season at linebacker. Before the season was over the All-State performer had put his hat on a ball carrier 42 times and returned the favor to opposing signal callers picking off two passes.
In an exclusive interview Ty Storey sat down to discuss his already impressive high school football career, the recruiting process, and preparing for his senior season.
Ty, you threw for over 4,000 yards as a sophomore but the coaching staff still had you playing defense, how was that experience?
“I started off at cornerback so I wouldn’t take as many hits, but then they had to move me to linebacker.”
You ended with a couple of picks. How was that to return the favor?
“It was awesome, I did alright on defense. It was a cool experience.”
Did playing on defense help you as a quarterback?
“Yes, it helped a lot. Before you know about the different types of coverages and the complex systems some teams run, it helped me identify alignments and blitzes. The experience helped me in the long run.”
What are your strengths on the field at the quarterback position?
“My arm is one of my strengths. Being a team leader is another. I know the playbook cover to cover. I can tell players what to do if they have a question, I can line them up in the correct positions. As a passer my accuracy is a strength. As a leader of the offense, knowing what the opposing defenses are trying to do against us is a big plus.”
You’re verbally committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks, any schools still coming after you?
“A few schools are coming in late but I’m ready to be a Razorback. I’m excited to work with Coach Chaney (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach).”
Early in the process what feedback were you receiving from college coaches about your play on the field?
“Coach Malzahn (Auburn Tigers head coach) was worried about the competition I was playing against. That made me work extra hard. I didn’t want to move schools to prove something. I love my teammates and our coaches. Other coaches wanted me to work on my arm strength. My ACL injury was a concern for some coaches too.”
You had an ACL injury during your sophomore season. How did that affect your play and your recruiting?
“A lot of coaches were worried I wouldn’t recover to play at the same high level. I worked extra hard to prove them all wrong. Through all of my hard work all my dreams came true. I believe the injury made me better than I was before.”
When you tore your ACL what happened?
“I tore the ACL in my left knee and meniscus. I played the whole year on it, even played defense. It felt funny and kept popping. Eventually it completely popped when I was at home. I rolled down the last few stairs in our house. This happened during Week 9 of our season. The meniscus had rolled over the ACL. When they X-rayed my knee they had hopped the ACL was fine but I had to have surgery on both the ACL and meniscus to fix it. I went to Dr. James Andrews (Orthopedic Surgeon) in Florida for the surgery.”
You have offers from schools like Alabama, Auburn, Louisville, and Arkansas. When you were first starting the recruiting process what were some of your determining factors on picking a school?
“The type of offense the team runs. Finding out how I would fit into their system and the coaching staff, how they go about making their players better. Coach Chaney runs a pro-style offense. I think I’ll succeed under his direction. Arkansas being an hour and 20 minutes down the road doesn’t hurt either. That was a big part of the decision knowing my family and friends can come see me play.”
What camps are you go to this summer?
“I’m going to Fayetteville a lot this summer. I believe I’ll be there for five camps. I’m trying to make every one of the camps to work with Coach Chaney as much as possible. I want to get more comfortable with the stuff they do and how they do it.”
Charleston finished 15-0 last year winning the state championship. How do the Tigers look going into the 2014 season?
“Last year was a great year, great group of guys, I won’t ever forget it. We lost a few seniors that we have to replace. Guys have been stepping up over the offseason. I think we’ll be alright this year.”
Who are some of the difference makers on the team this year?
“We have a bunch of great people. Hayden Newhart, Taylor King, and Wade Gerlick are my wide receivers. Colton Posky, Chris Williams, and Harley Gattis are players I think will have great years. Honestly I can’t wait to get the season started. We’ve been working hard in the offseason seems like since the day after we won the state championship.”
What does Charleston need to do to have another successful season in 2014?
“Keep getting better and not stay satisfied with what we’ve already accomplished. We’ve been in the playoffs every year so it would be easy to rest. We have to keep getting better than the day before. “Win the day” as we say around the team.”
What are your personal goals for the 2014 football season?
“I want to lead the team as best as I can. I want to keep getting people to believe in us. For me personally, get stronger and faster, and just be a better teammate. So many things I’m still working on to try to improve.”
Any lofty stat lines you are aiming to get during your senior season?
“I don’t worry about stats. The one thing I want to do is limit my turnovers. Hopefully we only have to play a half in every game because we are up early. Stats can be misleading. All I can do is be the best quarterback I can be and the best teammate I can be. I give the ball to my wide receivers and let them do the rest of the work.”
Will your role change this year as compared to last year? Playing on defense?
“Coach (Greg) Kendrick has always given me free reign to check to a hot route if I see something open against the defense. In our offense we’ve been open to doing an audible. As for any other roles I don’t know yet.”
Do you play any other sports for Charleston?
“I play basketball and baseball. We went to state in basketball this year. It was so much fun. I’ll be an early entry next year so this was my last year playing basketball with the team.”
Storey continued, “In baseball we started off alright. We made the state tournament but fell short of our goals. I had a good season at the plate, hit over .500. I got better from the year before. Baseball was my number one sport for a while. This past year I didn’t travel or do any of that stuff. I’m focused and ready to play football.”
Ty, you’ve had a distinguished football career to this point, what is one of your favorite memories thus far as a high school football player?
“So many great moments. It was a good feeling after winning the state championship game. When the clock hit triple zeroes that was a great feeling.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“Looking back after accomplishing a big goal like a Friday night win. All the preparation that went into the game seeing that it has all paid off is rewarding.”
What are you looking forward to once you are on campus playing for the Razorbacks?
“I’m looking forward to working with Coach Chaney. I’m excited about the opportunity to throw to some of those great athletes on the team. The challenge of adjusting to SEC caliber defenses. It’s going to be hard, but a lot of fun.”
Like great the many great high school quarterbacks (Tyler Wilson, Brandon Allen, and Mitch Mustain) that have come up through the ranks in the state of Arkansas before him, Storey is creating his own legacy on a path to Fayetteville. With 8,701 career passing yards coupled with 101 passing touchdowns, expect Storey to put up more video game like numbers in 2014 adding more hype among the Razorback fan base eagerly awaiting the Charleston product’s first snap under center for the Hogs.