Interview: 2019 Warren QB Chris Venegas is Picking Apart the Competition

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Next level sports fans love statistics because stats can tell a vivid story without moving pictures, and the numbers Class of 2019 quarterback Chris Venegas is compiling early in the season are on fire. Through four games he has already surpassed the 1,000-yard passing mark and enters San Gabriel Valley League action ready to pile on more. All of the action is drawing more next level interest.

Anyone that has followed Venegas’ ascension up the quarterback talent pole is not surprised by the senior year he is turning in to date. As a sophomore he threw for 1,222 yards with 11 touchdowns and rushed for another 220 with five more scores in 10 games. As a junior, he truly pushed his game forward passing for 2,548 yards with 34 touchdowns against just four interceptions in nine games with another 234 yards on the ground and a touchdown.

With all eyes on Venegas as a senior, he is not disappointing nor backing down for the challenge. Warren High School has lined up against teams among their Division-VII peer group and have jumped up to D-VI and D-I posting a 2-2 record. The two losses are by a combined seven points. Venegas has been on point for the Bears completing 69 percent of his passes for 1,053 yards with 15 touchdowns throwing just one interception. In just 20 totes, the 5-9, 170-pound, talent has already rushed for 106 yards and a score.

Interest has come in from the Ivy League schools to the Pac-12 and top Division-II college programs. Regardless of what happens on the recruiting trail going forward, he has a fantastic offer from Army sitting on the table.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I got a few minutes with Venegas covering the first four games of the Bears season learning more about his development as a quarterback with an update on his recruiting.

*Click link for June 29, 2018, RNG video interview with Chris Venegas

Interview

Chris, you have come out on fire over the first four games of the season averaging 263 passing yards per game. What are you doing well this year allowing you to be so productive?

“I have more confidence in my game this year. Being my senior year, I have that confidence and experience behind me. All the hard work over the years and in the offseason is paying off over these first four games.”

Of the four games, which was the most challenging for you but has made you a better quarterback for the experience?

“I’d say Culver City. They have tremendous athletes, they have a lot of D-I scholarship offered talent on their team. That challenge made me better knowing how well I was playing against guys going to the next level.”

Which game has been your best so far this season and why is that your best game?

“I’d say the St. Anthony game was my best. I had 350 yards passing in that game. That was the season opener as well. That was a huge game for me. I was able to show what I am about for the season in the opener.”

Robbie Colenzo and Desmond Carnes have been top targets for you this year, what is that relationship like with your top receivers?

“Robbie, Des and I have been together for four years. We do things outside of football to be closer. We’ve had that chemistry there since our freshman year. We want to go out with a bang this year.”

I know you worked really hard over the offseason on your skillset as a quarterback, where are you seeing the most improvement with your game this season?

“I am seeing improvement by staying in the pocket. Last year I would leave early to run for yards. I am trying not to run as much and be a better pocket passer.”

Have you changed anything in your game to game preparation this year that is helping you on the field?

“I am working out in the weight room every day. My goal is to continue to build strength and speed throughout the season and remain healthy.”

After winning two games, the Bears hit a bump losing the last two, what do you guys need to do on Friday against La Serna (5-0) to get back on track?

“We need to finish. That is our problem right now. We are not finishing the way we are starting. We have to keep going at a high level from beginning to the end.”

What kind of defense are you expecting to face against the Lancers?

“They run a lot of defenses, they try to confuse offenses. I think we will see a lot of man. We will take on their corners. I know my guys will beat their guys. I am taking what they give us and rolling with it.”

From our previous conversations, I know you’re are getting it done in the classroom. Do you have an updated SAT score?

“I scored an 1160 on the SAT.”

Nice. What is your cumulative GPA?

“My cumulative GPA is a 3.8, I am looking to improve it to a 4.0 before my senior year is completed.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Cal-Poly, Columbia has been in contact with me since APU (Azusa Pacific) camp, Yale, and Redlands are showing the most interest right now.

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am planning to go to Cal-Poly for a home game against Idaho State. I am planning on going to New York in January to visit Army-West Point, Columbia, and Yale.”

Nice. I am jealous. When you take the upcoming visits, or any visit for that matter, as a senior recruit what is most important for you to learn and/or see on the visits?

“I want to feel comfortable. I want to feel at home. The community around the school is important to me. I want to attend a school that shows love to the school whether they are winning or losing. I hope to be in an area where the city has a family feel.”

Chris, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time. Good luck on Friday against La Serna.

“Thank you.”

 

Photo credit: Venegas family; No. 7 Chris Venegas in action