California dual-threat quarterback rising above the radar

Exclusive interview with Patrick O’Brien

 

Much of high school and college football is opportunity and preparedness. There is no question most high school and college players coincidentally take a big leap forward in their on the field growth during their junior seasons.

In San Juan Hills, California the opportunity came for quarterback Patrick O’Brien and was met by an athlete ready for the challenge. The Class of 2016 rising star threw for over 2,000 yards while passing for 15 scores.

Where O’Brien sets himself apart is taking advantage of his God given abilities. Forget college ready, the Stallions’ signal caller is physically matured to be NFL ready standing at 6’4”, 220 pounds, bench pressing nearly 300 pounds while squatting over 350. He runs smooth like a running back with straight ahead breakaway speed. His speed picked up another 650 plus yards rushing in 2014 with 13 additional touchdowns.

In the pocket O’Brien has a fluid stroke hitting his receivers in stride for easy yards after the catch. He has quick feet surveying the field, staring down a safety holding him in place before setting his feet and with a quick release nailing a 30-yard pass down the right sideline keeping his receiver in one-on-one coverage to help win the battle.

It’s almost unfair to be that advanced this early in the game.

In an exclusive Patrick O’Brien sat down for a one-on-one interview covering his junior season, his play on the field, and gearing up for the 2015 season.

 

Patrick, the Stallions had a tough loss in the first round of the playoffs to Upland 42-7. Now that the season is completed give us an overview on how well you think the team performed this year.

“At the beginning of the year we were kind of flat, we played more like individuals on the field. Towards the end of the season we started playing as a team. We were really coming together by season’s end playing with teams that may have had more talent than we did but giving them all they could handle.”

Will the success towards the end of this year carry over into next season?

“I think our team is going to be really good next year. Most of the kids playing this year were juniors and sophomores. We have three offensive linemen returning, six total coming back on offense and six coming back on defense.”

What do the guys on the team need to do collectively to improve on this year’s success?

“We need to continue lifting, doing our conditioning, and getting ourselves prepared for next year right now. We need to have the mindset that we are going to win when we are out there. We need to get a little bit bigger going up Division I teams. We were D-II a couple of years ago and are still working our way into competing at a higher level.”

What were some of the strengths of this year’s squad?

“Our strongest spots were on the offensive and defensive line. We were able to wear teams down with our offensive line in fourth. Our guys were toe to toe on defense. We were holding our own.”

What will be the strengths of next year’s team?

“Our skill players returning are developing and are really good. Both lines will be good again next year too.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I believe one of my strengths is making the right decisions on the field. Coach (Aaron) Flowers has taught me a lot about reading defenses, he’s a great coach. I have the ability to run if things breakdown. My arm strength is up to par for my age range in-state. My accuracy is pretty good. Every now and again a ball will get away from me but normally I’m right on target.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“My top goal is to win a league championship. It’ll be very tough but I think we can do it. I also want to see us go deep into the playoffs.”

Do you have any personal goals?

“I just want to be the best quarterback for my team that I can be. I want to do all that I can for my team and put us in the best place to win games.”

How do you see your game changing next season?

“This year I played a bigger role than last year. Last year we had a great running back that really helped carry the team. This year we had two running backs that got hurt and were not able to play. Hopefully both running backs will return next year. I shouldered a little more of the offense this season with our running backs hurt. As a senior I’ll have to be someone the team can rely on game after game.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“I’m getting interest from Northwestern and Arizona State. Rutgers, Arizona, Louisville, Virginia, San Diego State, and Duke are all sending recruiting letters. Northwestern was at the school the other day. Northwestern’s offensive coordinator (Mick McCall), who is also the quarterback’s coach, came out and had me throw for him. ASU’s offensive coordinator (Mike Norvell), also the quarterback’s coach, came out the other day to talk to me.”

What college camps did you plan to attend this summer?

“I’ll more than likely attend camps where the schools are looking at me.”

What college camps did you attend last summer?

“I went to Stanford, Pitt, Penn State, Maryland, Virginia, Northwestern, San Jose State, UCLA, and Baylor.”

How did you perform at the individual camps?

“At every camp I got pulled aside, except UCLA, I did not do well at the UCLA camp for some reason. At Virginia the offensive coordinator, Steve Fairchild, liked me a lot. He talked to me for a while. At Baylor I was the only kid from California at the camp. They recognized me in front of everyone. Stanford recognized me after winning an accuracy contest for the 2016 class.”

Is there a NFL player you model your game after?

“I wear No. 12 because of Tom Brady. If he’s on TV I’m always watching him. He’s a master of the game. I try to model his game in the pocket. I’m always watching him.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career so far?

“Coach Flowers has had a big impact. He’s always taken an interest in me since my freshman year. We have a great relationship. I credit all of my success to him on the field. My quarterback coach Steve Calhoun has been a big help as well.

“Both of my parents have had a big impact on my game as well. My dad has taken me to all of these camps. I know it costs money. I really respect the time and effort they have put in to helping me chase my dreams.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The companionship you make with all of your teammates. It’s different from any other game. The friendships you make lasts forever. Guys that have graduated, we still remain friends because of the bonds we created on the field.

“If you do your job and know what you are supposed to do you’re going to be successful in football. No other sport relates to it. It’s a chess match. I have to know the safeties, I have to read off the linebackers and the defensive ends to figure out when to pull the ball and run or when to throw the ball. I just love the sport.”

 

The next challenge for O’Brien is to improve upon the skill set he has already developed showing the rest of the world that he is indeed an elite 2016 prospect under center. Watching O’Brien play and knowing his knowledge and love for the game, that next challenge should not be too hard for him to accomplish.

 

Photo credit: sjhstallions.com; No. 12 Patrick O’Brien drops back to pass against Mission Viejo.

Photo credit: thecapistranodispatch.com; O’Brien finds an open receiver during a scrimmage.