Interview: California 2018 QB Mason Quandt has the Big Arm College Coaches Covet

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are certain aspects of any sport even the best coaches cannot teach. There is a plateau where instruction can only take a player from good to great but not to an elite level. Call it genetics or a blessing from God, but certain people are just born with physical abilities the rest of us do not possess regardless of how hard we work. The gun for an arm Mason Quandt carries with him out onto the gridiron is one of those gifts the rest of us do not have.

Quandt had a breakout season during his junior year with St. Bonaventure High School. The Seraphs went 6-5 with their junior quarterback tossing for over 2,400 yards with 17 scores. His rocket arm helped sling the pigskin all over the yard but not in reckless fashion. Quandt’s first season starting against California varsity football only produced six picks while connecting on 187-of-272 attempts, a remarkable 69 percent completion rate.

The 6-4, 205 pound, talent has another weapon to his game, the ability to scramble. While it may be far too soon to slap the dual-threat label on him, Quandt did run for 205 yards posting seven more touchdowns on the board in 2016. His senior season could be the year where he earns the dual-threat title. An off-season transfer from St. Bonaventure to Sierra Canyon will open up opportunities in the offense allowing for Quandt to dazzle the opposition and college coaches with his legs as well as his arm.

The chatter on the recruiting trail on Quandt is still at a low rumble with two early offers coming in from Cornell and Columbia. But with the off-season camp circuit in swing as well as the college camp circuit, the rest of the football world is about to learn just how dangerous Quandt can be with the ball in his hands picking apart opposing defenses.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the best kept secrets in the 2018 pocket getting an overview on his junior season, transfer to Sierra Canyon, and recruitment to date.

Interview

Mason, when did you transfer from St. Bonaventure to Sierra Canyon?

“About a month ago.”

How has the transfer gone?

“The transfer has been really smooth. All of the new kids have been good to me and everyone has been very welcoming to me. It has been really nice getting to know everyone.”

What have you been doing to acclimate to the new team and playbook?

“Once I got to meet my new coach (Jon Ellinghouse), at school we have two free periods. I meet with my coach during one of those two periods to go over plays and terminology in the offense.”

Mason, if you need to you can let it fly. How far have you thrown the ball in the air during a game or even in practice?

“I’d say the farthest I have chucked the ball is around 70 yards.”

I believe it. At St. Bonaventure you guys ran a spread offense. How does that type of offense suit your skills in the pocket?

“I thought it suited my skills well. We ran a good mix of sets, a little bit of pro-style balanced in the run and passing game. I got to show off some of my quick game, long game, and rolling out as well.”

What differences are there, if any, between Sierra Canyon’s offense and St. Bonaventure’s?

“So far from what I have learned, Sierra Canyon does a bit more of everything. What I have learned so far, I will be under center, in the Pistol, running the spread, and the read option. I will be able to showcase every skill that I have with Sierra Canyon.”

Even though you are tall at 6-4, you can run. Will you run more in Sierra Canyon’s offense during your senior year to showcase that side of your game?

“Yes, sir. I expect to run more than last year. That is a big part of their game. I have been working on my speed. I’m excited to show that part of my game.”

When you have talked to college coaches about your game, what are they telling you they like?

“They are saying they really like my pocket presence and my strong arm. I am more of a pass first guy to get the ball downfield. They like how I go through my progressions and that I can go down the line without having to escape and run.”

What is one part of your game that gets overlooked the most?

“I think there are two things. For most high school QBs, when the deep ball is not there getting to a 5-yard check down pass gets overlooked. I can do that. There are a lot of yards that can be picked up on the short passes. Another thing is my ability to run the ball. I will show everyone that this year.”

What are you doing to prepare for your senior season?

“I’m working on my speed four times a week, I’m in the gym lifting with my team, and I’m throwing with my teammates. I’m also going to camps to compete against the best and get better.”

You attended the Under Armour All-American invite only camp. How did that go for you?

“I thought it went well. It was good being out there with some of the top guys. That was a good test for me. I walked away feeling very confident. I know I stack up well against the competition. The camp solidified the thought that I belonged there.”

What other camps are you thinking about attending?

“I’m attending the Nike Opening (Los Angeles) and I’ve been invited to the Three Stripe camp. I have also been invited to the QB Collective Camp. I think I will attend that. That is a big QB camp to get better fundamentally.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Recently it has been Purdue, Eastern Washington, Penn, Yale, Colorado State, San Jose State, and Nevada.”

Which schools have extended offers to you?

“Cornell and Columbia.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I was at Stanford for a camp last year and I have taken an unofficial to Washington. After my first offer from Columbia, my school does an east coast trip visiting Yale, Columbia, and a bunch of other Ivy League schools. Columbia offered me after I visited their school.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I’m still in the works with my schedule. I’m trying to make a trip back east to schools that I am interested in visiting. I’m also looking at schools asking me to visit for camps.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“4.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. I’m taking ACT prep classes. I will take the ACT in a month.”

When August rolls around and the season has kicked off, what goals will you have accomplished to assure the best season possible during your senior year?

“First and foremost I want to lead my team to a state championship. That is the main goal. I want to help my teammates have the best year possible.”

Mason, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to see Mason Quandt’s 2016 highlight reel.

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Photo credit: Billy Tucker/Under Armour Camp; No. 12 Mason Quandt.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 17 Mason Quandt at a St. Bonaventure practice.

Photo credit: Billy Tucker/Under Armour Camp; No. 12 Mason Quandt.