Interview: 2019 ATH Orlando Ornelas Going Team First as QB for Chaparral This Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is nothing more reaffirming in sports than seeing a player give of himself to his team. A lot of players talk the talk about being a team player but Orlando Ornelas not only talks it he also walks it, he runs it, and throws it for Chaparral which is pretty amazing for a receiver heading to California-Davis next season.
Make no mistake, Ornelas (6-0, 165) is an amazing all-around athlete mentally and physically up for any challenge his coaches may bring his way. During his junior season he was a three-way performer shinning as a receiver for the Pumas earning first team All-Southwestern League honors. In 11 games played, Ornelas rushed 55 times for 326 yards with two touchdowns and pulled in 18 passes for 483 more yards with six more scores going up. In a foreshadowing of events, he connected on 10 of 15 passes for 103 yards with another touchdown. On defense, he accumulated 14 stops and snagged a pick and was a special teams performer taking back kicks and punts.
With all that Ornelas can do on the field, it is still surprising but yet not that surprising to see him doing so well as the Pumas starting quarterback this season. Chaparral is 5-3 on the season with their new starting quarterback having thrown for 1,224 yards off 95 completions with nine touchdowns. Where he can still flash his overall speed and athleticism is on running plays where he has covered 537 yards off 98 carries with five more scores posted.
In June, California-Davis wrapped up the under the radar recruit, a commitment that remains 100 percent solid. In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Ornelas covering his season in the pocket and his growing relationship with the Aggies coaching staff.
*Click link for Ornelas’ Cal-Davis commitment interview
Interview
Orlando, okay, I knew you were a stud athlete but I did not know you were a quarterback hiding in a receiver’s body. How did the opportunity to play quarterback come about for you this season?
(Laughs) “I grew up playing quarterback. I played my freshman and sophomore year. This year we needed a guy to step up to play quarterback, so I stepped up and made the move.”
The Southwestern League is no joke, filled with talent. What have been some of the adjustments you’ve had to make as a quarterback throughout the season?
“Taking what the defense gives us. This league is tremendous with talent and athletes. Going through the process, I am starting to trust my abilities.”
With your speed, I imagine it is difficult more times than not to be patient in the pocket allowing the play to develop over the mentality that you can just do it yourself. How is that inner mental battle going?
“I try my best to throw it to the open receiver. As much as I want to make plays, I want my receivers to make the plays even more. I want to see them succeed.”
How do you prepare for each game?
“We do the same thing each week. We scout that team looking for their bubbles and where they are strong and weak. We look to see where can we put the ball and get some yards.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“My best passing game was against Riverside Poly (won 49-0). My best overall game was against Yucaipa, that was a 20-13 overtime win.”
How have you developed a chemistry with the receivers on the team guys like Koale Schroeder, Jordan White, Jemaar Robinson, and Isaiah Batton?
“The chemistry grows in practice and we throw after practice. We work on our route tree. They are tremendous athletes. They do a great job of blocking for our run game as well. I cannot thank them enough for all that they do.”
On Friday, you guys get Temecula Valley (4-4), what are you expecting from the Golden Bears defense?
“We are expecting them to fight. They are having one of their better seasons in a while. They have a very good secondary. It will be a good game.”
Back in June you committed to UC-Davis, how is that relationship with the staff developing?
“It has been amazing. Even after I committed they continue to recruit me. They call and text me every day. They reassure me that I am their guy. I appreciate it a lot.”
Have you taken your official to Cal-Davis yet?
“This past weekend I was supposed to go up for the Idaho State game but our game was delayed last week because of the weather. I am taking my official now sometime in November.”
Will you get a chance to go up there before then on an unofficial visit?
“I am going to try to take a game day unofficial before then, but I am not sure when. I want to get that game day atmosphere feel.”
Are any teams still showing interest in you hoping to sway you away from the Aggies?
“There are a couple of teams that have followed me on Twitter and reach out to me, but nothing too serious. I am seriously committed to Davis. I think all the schools know that so they have stayed away.”
Are you helping recruit for Aggies, if so, who are you talking to and what’s your message to other recruits?
“I have been recruiting a lot of guys, three of the athletes have committed. I am not talking to anyone right now but I am ready to help in the future if needed.”
Orlando, always great catching up with you. Good luck this week against Temecula Valley.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Chaparral HS; Orlando Ornelas in action