California 2019 QB Hank Bachmeier Rising above Freshman Expectations with Colorado Offer

Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA

Anytime an underclassman has a standout season, the pressure is immediately on at the minimum to replicate that success with greater expectations to surpass the proverbial bar that was just set. More times than not, the early success happens to sophomores at wide receiver, along the offensive or defense line, but rarely does a freshman come in, bust the door down, and take control. In 2015, Hank Bachmeier did exactly just that for Murrieta Valley but at perhaps the most difficult position on the field to have early success – at quarterback.

Bachmeier is not the first freshman quarterback to start at the varsity level, was not the only one in 2015, and will not be the last. One thing that sets Bachmeier apart from the rest, other than his 6’2”, 185 pound, frame and gun for an arm was his stat line against top California competition.

Murrieta Valley posted a 9-3 win-loss total in 2015 and their freshman sensation helped lead the way passing for 2,854 yards with 36 touchdowns against eight interceptions. The Nighthawks had their young quarterback put the offense on his capable shoulders seeing him complete 162 of 242 passes completing 67 percent of his attempts. Solid, if not great numbers, for any player, in any state, and at any grade classification. There is one other quarterback trait that Bachmeier has as a weapon that not all pocket passers have at their disposal – wheels. He collected 215 yards on the ground with three scores showing surprising quickness and headiness when needed.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Bachmeier before he starts taking on the offseason camp circuit to talk about his freshman season, his offseason workouts, and how his offer from Colorado was extended.

Interview

Hank, entering your freshman season did you know you would be the starting quarterback for Murrieta Valley?

“I had a feeling I might. The coaches were treating me like it and I was prepared for it.”

How did your eighth grade season go? Did you just tear it up?

“I actually took the year off and trained. I did not play during my eighth grade season.”

Wow. So you were going from instructional theory to application at the varsity level as a freshman. How did the season go for you overall?

“My coaches prepared me well. I had great wide receivers, a great line, and a great running back to help me. My first game was nerve racking, varsity is different. As the season progressed I got better. My coaches supported me and I had a great supporting cast last year. I was able to make some mistakes early and then fix them with adjustments. The experience from Game 1 to the end of the season was great. I was seeing a lot more pre-snap and during the play as the season went on. It helps out just playing to gain experience.”

What were some of the strides you made as a quarterback throughout the 2015 season?

“At the end of the first game I had negative 30 yards rushing from sacks. I was holding onto the ball after my first read and was nervous figuring out where to go with the ball. With experience, I was able to slow everything down. I was getting rushed trying to make something happen. I started checking down my receivers. I also started making better decisions on when to hold onto the ball longer, tuck it and run, or throwing it away living for another down.”

What are you working in the offseason to improve upon for your sophomore season?

“The big thing for me is getting better mechanically. I’m working on a tighter release, better footwork, my athleticism in the pocket in and out. I’m trying to gain a few more pounds and work on my speed.”

What is your weight gain goal?

“I want to get to 200 by next season.”

All completed routes are quarterbacks’ favorites but which routes do you enjoy connecting with your receivers on in a game?

“We have a smash concept. We have a corner route that my guys run really well. They are able to create space for me to throw it to them and make a play. The post, they create great space on the post. We lead the safeties a lot. Our receivers run their route and we adjust to get on the same page in-game. That is fun.”

How does the team look heading into the 2016 season? Are you wide receivers coming back?

“Yes, the wide receiver corps is loaded. We might have the best wide receiver duo in California. Marquis Spiker (Class of 2018) and Maurice Bell (Class of 2017). Marquis is a top receiver with like seven offers and Bell is a junior, he has seven offers also from teams like Arizona State, Iowa, and Nebraska. He might be a 15-20 offer guy by the end of this season.”

What are your goals for the 2016 season?

“For the team, our goal is to win a state championship. That is my goal as an individual – to win a championship.”

Are you going to any exposure camps this offseason?

“I went to the Nike Opening regional In LA. I did alright there. There was a lot of learning there for me. I went to the Rivals Camp Series last weekend. I went to the Rival QB challenge as well. I took second place to Jack Sears (2017 San Clemente 4-star). I got the Touchdown Touch Award for best deep ball. I’ll visit UCLA and USC. I was supposed to visit Colorado in the spring but it will more than likely be in the summer. I’m going to Arizona, Arizona State, and I might actually visit Fresno State in the spring.”

You mentioned some schools you are visiting. Which college camps do you plan to attend?

“Washington, Colorado, ASU, Arizona, and I’ll try to get to Stanford, Cal, and Fresno State camps.”

You have an offer from Colorado. How was that offer given to you?

“My offensive coordinator, Coach (Pete) Duffy, told me that Coach (Darrin) Chiaverini (co-offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator) had offered me. That was after a practice. Coach came over and was on the phone and he told me. Coach Chiaverini had just come over from Texas Tech as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.”

What other schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“A lot of Pac-12, a couple of SEC, and a couple of Big 12 schools. USC, UCLA, ASU, Arizona, Washington, Washington State, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska are all showing interest.”

How are things going in the classroom for you?

“I had a 4.0 last semester and I have a 4.0 this semester right now.”

What are your favorite subjects in school?

“English and history.”

Hank, keep up the good work in the classroom and on the field. Thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: pe.com; No. 19 Hank Bachmeier drops back to pass.

Photo credit: pe.com; N0. 46 Hank Bachmeier works at Elite 11 Camp in LA; No. 2 Jalani Eason (Sierra).

Photo credit: Mike Clary Photography; No. 19 Hank Bachmeier hands off to No. 5 Quincy Wimbish.