Fresno State Commitment Interview with 2018 QB Ben Wooldridge
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The window on the recruiting trail is narrowing between available top Class of 2018 quarterbacks and Division-I programs. The coveted spots between gunslinger and Mountain West Conference schools looking for their quarterback of the future is seemingly coming to an end with Boise State, Nevada, UNLV, Hawaii, Air Force, and now Fresno State set with their target. The Bulldogs were the latest to give a sigh of relief picking up a silent verbal commitment on Sunday from Ben Wooldridge with the California native announcing his decision Monday afternoon.
Wooldridge developed into a top target for the Bulldogs picking up starting duties for Foothill High School as a sophomore. Over the past two seasons, he has led the Falcons to an 18-6 record passing for 2,700 yards with 27 touchdowns connected on while completing 64 percent of his pass attempts during his junior season. Interest was coming in from Mountain West and Pac-12 programs but a Fresno State camp on Friday sealed the deal between player and program.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Woolridge after his commitment to get the inside track on how Fresno State became his perfect fit.
Interview
Ben, first, congratulations on your commitment.
“Thank you.”
Before we get into that, let’s do a quick update on your spring so far. How has your game come along this spring and what all have you been working on for your senior year?
“Everything is coming along very well. I’ve been working with a QB coach to quicken my release and add more velocity so I can make those awkward check-down throws or the deep throws that need more zip. I’ve also been working on getting the ball out of my hand quicker for the next level.”
How did spring practices go for you and for the Falcons?
“Spring went very well. We changed our practice schedule to the mornings at 6:00 a.m. instead of in the afternoon. We got on a college schedule. We had a lot of energy in our morning practices. We have a lot of returners on both sides of the ball coming back. We are very excited to get out there again.”
Did any college coaches come by Foothill to see you throw this spring or just to talk to you in person?
“Yes. Quite a few coaches came by from the Mountain West Conference and the Pac-12. As they came by nothing really popped, just a lot of interest. San Jose State and Fresno State, and some other Mountain West schools came by to watch me throw in person, watch me interact with my teammates, and see how I handle practice.”
Did you get a chance to unofficially visit any schools?
“I only went to one school, San Jose State, by myself with my family. I did go to some schools with my 7v7 team. I went to Fresno State on Friday and Saturday.”
Which college camps have you attended so far?
“I went to Boise for their camp, San Jose State, and Fresno State on Friday night. I also went to a USC camp on Sunday.”
Which camp was your best performance?
“It had to be Fresno State. We were at the camp, Coach (Jeff) Tedford (head coach) pulled me aside for a private workout. I threw to one of their receivers. I think I was slinging it pretty good. That Saturday morning, Coach Tedford gave me a call and offered me.”
How did he offer you?
“After the camp on Friday night, we stayed back to meet with their offensive coordinator, Coach (Kalen) Deboer, and then with Coach Tedford. Coach Tedford said to both my dad and I that he was very impressed and that he would be giving us a call soon. The next day a text came from Coach Tedford, a wakeup text, asking me to call him. That was an awesome wakeup call.”
What led you to commit to Fresno State?
“Before they even offered me, I was in touch with a lot of their coaches. I always had Fresno State at the top of the list. I think they have the best interest of the program. They have a lot of guys on staff that played there and want to see the program win. Coach Tedford is one of the best in the county. He knows the ins and outs about playing quarterback.”
What have the coaches told you they like about your skillset in the pocket?
“They said they thought I was a great natural quarterback. Coach Deboer loved how I interacted with everyone during my team practice. He liked my high energy and my tremendous upside. He said the he and Coach Tedford will work together to help me reach my full potential.”
How does it feel now that you are verbally committed to a Division-I football team?
“If feels awesome. It feels great and relieving. It is nice to have that monkey off my back. Now I can focus on my senior year and winning a championship for my high school team.”
Are you going to start recruiting other players to join you?
“Oh yes. I have started already. I gave Coach Tedford a call yesterday (to commit), but I did not tweet it out until today. I told him yesterday about accepting the offer and then right after I told him that, I got on the wagon and hit up a wide receiver from Tulare. We started talking with me trying to get him to lean towards Fresno State.”
Do you have any plans to visit Fresno State again?
“I have not set my official yet. I told Coach Tedford that I want to make it down there as much as possible. He said I am welcome to come down when I want. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive for me to Fresno State. I want to make it down there as possible and help as much as I can.”
Are you doing anything fun to celebrate your commitment or have you already?
“We were in LA when I committed. We went out to dinner with my family to celebrate.”
Any last words on your commitment?
“Just to let the Mountain West Conference know to get ready for Bulldog Nation. We’re coming.”
Ben, thanks for your time today and, again, congratulations on your commitment.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Ben Woodlridge at a 7v7 tournament.