Interview: California 2020 QB Luca Diamont Gave Preview of Coming Attractions Freshman Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: RyanWrightRNG

One of the hardest positions at any level to break through in football as a rookie starter is at quarterback. Whether at the NFL, collegiate, or high school level, taking that next step up in competition has proven to be very difficult. Beyond the physical maturation, passing lanes and windows shrink, defenses become more complex and difficult to read, and reaction time between a completed pass or an interception and/or getting the ball out and taking a sack is reduced to tenths of a second. Yet, with all the pressure there are the rare players that can rise above the challenge emerging as a unique talent. During the 2016 season, Luca Diamont did just that during his freshman season for Venice High School.

Diamont emerged from the 2016 season as a top talent to watch going forward after connecting on 148-of-289 pass attempts for 2,066 yards with 21 touchdowns. Beyond working the ball up and down the field from one sideline to the other in the passing attack, Diamont also showed some dual-threat abilities carrying the pigskin 38 times for 315 yards with four scores. Honors rolled in for the rising Venice High School star with Tom Lemming tabbing Diamont as a Freshman All-American. Coaches within his league voted for him as an All-City performer, Western League Offensive Player of the Year, and first team All-Western League.

Divisions or classifications in any state can help justify the accomplishment. Diamont strolled out onto the gridiron against Division-I California competition, the highest level, proving he belonged. The 6-2, 170 pound, gunslinger has a canon for an arm capable of throwing on a line, on the run, and with touch 30- 40-yards downfield. When the pocket collapsed Diamont showed his escaping abilities extending the play with his legs while looking downfield for an open target. Another unique experience Diamont has going for him, lining up in both a pro-style and spread offense. Few quarterbacks get the opportunity to work both formations, especially as a freshman, seeing the quickly changing coverages in the secondary without too many turnovers.

Another thing Diamont has going for him, a big brother mentor to help guide him. Luca’s older brother Zander is a quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers. Who better to take advice from on the recruiting trail, in the pocket, and with mechanics than a trusted family member that has been there and done that?

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the 2020 class to get his thoughts on his freshman campaign while covering his off-season goals.

Interview

Luca, what is the base offense with Venice? Looks like you guys alternate between the spread and under center.

“We run a little bit of everything some RPO (run pass option), some west coast offense, some quarterback runs, and we hand the ball off. We are a rhythm offense based on getting it out on time. We have a great offense. I love it.”

Did you know during summer camp that you would be the starting quarterback for Venice?

“I definitely was not for sure on it. You never know if someone would transfer in. I was prepared for that either way. I was ready to compete. There was a senior ahead of me. I kind of had an idea that I could possibly start and that situation was there, but no I did not know I was going to be the starter.”

How did you prepare for each game during the season?

“Usually the Saturday morning after a game we would go to school to watch film as a team. We had Sunday off and on Monday we were back to practicing. We would not go full-pads on Monday but do a walk-through on some stuff. Tuesday was a full practice. Wednesday was also a regular practice. Thursday was a light day, half shell walking through for Friday and we’d watch film.

“I’d watch film every night to get ready. If I felt the need I would spend extra time with Coach (Angelo) Gasca (head coach) to ask questions. We would look at their defenses and see which plays would be best to run that week.”

Are you going to do anything differently with your game preparations during the week during your sophomore season?

“Preparation wise, I think mentally preparing myself even more is important. I spoke with Joe Montana a couple of weeks ago at a benefit. He told me then that the game of football is all about preparing. Being a year older, I will have more confidence and I really will be ready to play during my sophomore year.”

The Gondoliers graduated some senior receiving talent, how are you working with the next group that will step up to build that bond and chemistry for the 2017 season?

“We are throwing three to four days a week after school and on the weekends. We have a great group of guys. This group could be even stronger than last year’s group. I am excited. We have great guys that are quick and fast. We have a great rhythm going already.”

Will the offense change at all in 2017?

“I don’t think the offense will change much. Coach Gasca will stick to it. It seems to work. I don’t know of any changes yet.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball?

“Yes. I started out the 7v7 season with Rise Up. They have some guys from our team at Venice and some guys from Cathedral. Right now I am with B2G. We just did the IMG tournament this past weekend. I’ve been training with B2G the past couple of years. I also workout with my high school 7v7 team on the weekend. I’m really all over the place getting work in with my guys but it is great to compete with and against other guys from all over the country.”

How is 7v7 action helping your game improve?

“I think it is helping me improve reading coverages. It is helping me with my drop back, my pre-snap read, looking at corners, looking at safeties, and looking at linebackers. I think that is the biggest thing to read and see what they are doing. In a game it is a lot different. It is good practice and great for timing with receivers.”

Are you working with a quarterback coach outside of school workouts?

“My head coach Angelo Gasca, I’ve been working with him since I was little. My brother (Zander) went to Venice. Coach Gasca has brought four QBs to the NFL. I work with Sam Fisher on the beach. That’s about it right now.”

Which parts of your game are working to improve upon this off-season?

“Right now – I’m always working on my feet. It starts from the legs up. I’m working to get quicker and working on my accuracy. You can never be too accurate. I’m working on my arm strength too.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“I think I have great feet. Being able to throw on the run, escape the pocket, and getting the ball out quickly are other things I think I do well. I can run if I need to. I can get out of the pocket and throw downfield accurately.”

Have you been to any exposure camps this spring?

“Yes. I was invited to the Elite 11 Regional in LA. That was great. That has been it for this spring.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“With college camps, I’m going to a UDUB (Washington) camp this summer. They wanted to see me at a camp. Boise State wants me to come too. Stanford – I have some teammates that have gone to that and liked it. I’m still doing my research to find out which camps I may attend.”

I know it is really early for you, but are there any schools showing interest in you? Obviously Washington and Boise State are already.

“Yes. Washington is showing interest and Boise State liked my film. Oklahoma and Oregon did too.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“It depends on the teacher honestly. The teacher can make a class interesting. I have always enjoyed English and writing. I have gotten into biology this year.”

What is your GPA?

“4.0.”

Are you playing any other sports for Venice?

“No. I always play pickup basketball and played soccer. I’m focused on football. I love playing all sports.”

What do you do for fun during your downtime?

“It really depends. Hang out by the pool and we go to the beach a lot, especially when it gets hotter. I like playing basketball with my brothers. We play some video games like Madden and 2K.”

You have an older brother, Zander, playing at Indiana. How has Zander helped your game? What kind of tips does he give you?

“We are very close. We talk all the time. I don’t think it gets any better having a brother that has played D-I and has gone to the same school with the same coach. When he is here we train together. He is always helping me. He is always talking to my coach to help improve my game.”

Are the two of you planning any fun summer workouts?

“Nothing planned for the summer, it just kind of happens. We lift together, do the Santa Monica stairs, and go to Venice Beach for workouts. When he was here for spring break we threw at the high school.”

Luca, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your 7v7 season.

“Thank you.”

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Action photo credits: mng-lang/smugmug; No. 7 Luca Diamont