Interview: California 2020 QB Shane Illingworth has 5-Star Potential

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

At the collegiate and professional levels, identifying top talent to fit into a given scheme is the bedrock of any strong foundation. The scouting process is key and in recent years has expanded upon usual classifications looking further down the line to watch a given player’s progress over the years instead of over an 18 month timeframe. One California player that college coaches across the country will keep a very early eye on is Centennial (Corona) Class of 2020 quarterback Shane Illingworth.

Illingworth has all of the potential in the world to be quite literally the next big thing out of California. Listed at 6-6, 225 pounds, Illingworth tore apart his peer group passing for 29 touchdowns. An athlete ahead of his classification picking apart other freshman may not impress most, but Illingworth also showed he could get it done at the varsity level. Appearing in seven games for the Huskies, Illingworth completed 14-of-22 passes for 176 yards getting valuable time in behind four-star Class of 2018 gunslinger Tanner McKee.

Beyond the rocket arm, Illingworth shows maturity ahead of his classification knowing when to zip it into a tight window and when to pass with touch. A 6-6, 225 pound, freshman may scream clumsiness or awkward mechanics, but once again Illingworth is ahead of the curve. His technique is there and his release is tight not a big wind-up that his frame would typically infer. His listed size may also suggest a statue in the pocket for defenders to tee off on in the pocket; wrong again. Illingworth has wheels easily making defenses look silly on the ground as he does with his arm rushing for 11 touchdowns in 2016.

Offering freshmen is a touchy subject for some. So far colleges are showing interest but offers have not come through – yet. With all of Illingworth’s athletic abilities, mental approach to the game, and physical characteristics, he could very well be on the path to being one of the top recruits in his class.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the 2020 class to find out how his freshman season turned out playing freshman, junior varsity, and varsity football with a look ahead to his off-season plans.

Interview

Shane, entering the 2016 season, did you have any idea how big of an impact you would have for your freshman squad?

“No, sir. I just tried to run the offense. The offense fit me well.”

How did your freshman season go getting quality snaps in with Centennial at the varsity level?

“It went really well. I learned so much more with Coach (Matt) Logan (Centennial head coach). I learned more than just X’s and O’s being around him. The playing time contributed a lot to my growth as a player. I cannot wait until next season.”

Did you take any junior varsity snaps?

“Yes, sir. Our starting JV quarterback left Game 4 in the first quarter with an injury. I stepped in to finish the game.”

What was the main difference for you on the field between freshman ball and California varsity competition last year?

“Definitely the speed. You cannot get away with stuff at varsity level that you can at the freshman level. The game goes a lot faster. It was fun though.”

How did you adjust your game throughout the season?

“More reps, and more reps. I tied to learn more about the game with Tanner (McKee) and Coach Logan. I tried to ask both of them about as many things as possible. As the season went on I got more comfortable at the varsity level.”

You have a lot of dual-threat abilities, were you able to keep your game the same at the varsity level as you did at the freshman level?

“Yes, sir. I thought I did. I did well with the read-option. I’m trying to get faster in that role.”

Do you work with a quarterback coach?

“I work with a lot of people. I work with Coach Logan, Winner Circle Athletics, and Jordan Palmer.”

What areas of your game do you focus on the most on the practice field?

“A lot of it is about X’s and O’s and recognizing defensive fronts. The focus is knowing what the defense is doing before they are doing it.”

With Class of 2018 quarterback Tanner McKee coming back to Centennial, what is the plan for you during your sophomore season? Will you split time between the JV and varsity levels for game experience?

“I don’t know what the plan is yet. I hope to get more varsity time in. Tanner is the best quarterback in the country to learn from right now.”

How has playing behind McKee helped you learn more about the game?

“At the beginning of the year I had a lot of question about defensive fronts. He has mentored me and tutored me along the way. He has helped me a lot and helps me on the sidelines. He is a good guy.”

Are you going to any college or exposure camps coming up?

“I have to talk to my family about that. I’m thinking about just training this off-season to become the best athlete possible. After my sophomore year, ahead of my junior year, I want come out with a bang. Maybe I will attend a Cal camp or some other Pac-12 camps.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I went to USC.”

How did that visit go?

“It went great. USC has a great program.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“No, sir. I might with Winner Circle (7v7). I might go on some unofficial visits this year with them.”

Is Winner Circle your 7v7 team?

“Yes, sir. They are a training facility in Corona and have a 7v7 team.”

What is your favorite class in school?

“I love history.”

Which part of history do you enjoy studying?

“The Roman Empire.”

What do you do for fun during your downtime?

“I hang out with family. My father has always told me family first and I believe in that whole heartedly.”

Shane, thanks for your time today and good luck with you 7v7 season.

“Thank you.”

Click link to see Illingworth’s Hudl reel.

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Photo credit: Illingworth family; No. 16 Shane Illingworth.