Interview: 2020 ATH/WR Ceaser Gonzalez is One of Southern California’s Overlooked Recruiting Gems

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Norco High School’s offense was loaded with talent in 2018 churning out a 9-3 season against top Division II California competition. With four-star Class of 2020 quarterback Shane Illingworth guiding the offense, the Cougars averaged 40 points per game scorching defenses throughout southern California. The talent at the skill positions was top notch with rising freshman tailback Jayden Ott, four-star 2020 receiver Jaden Navarrette on the outside and Marquis Ashley on the inside. But, the tough as nails glue to the whole offense might just be overlooked Class of 2020 receiver Ceaser Gonzalez.

Receivers do not typically get attention for their toughness, but Gonzalez is that guy. Not only is he fluid in the passing game catching everything cleanly with his hands, not into his body, but he is also difficult to bring down running like a tailback once the ball has been secured. He even plays bigger than his 6-1, 200-pound, frame stretching out to make the difficult athletic plays look routine. His hard work turned in a 29-reception season for 476 yards with six trips into the end zone taking home second team All-Big VIII honors. To further my point on Gonzalez’s athletic abilities, he toted the rock 20 times for 69 yards putting two more scores on the board and even completed a 44-yard touchdown pass. He chipped in on defense from time to time as well racking up 12 stops.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Inland Empire’s top overlooked prospects to learn more about his game and to find out which college programs are starting to find out about his game challenging talents.

Interview

Ceaser, you are a physical receiver playing bigger than your 6-1, 200-pound, frame. How did you develop your game into being a smooth but rugged target in the Cougars’ offense?

“It has been that way since I’ve been playing football, since I was 4-years-old. I have been me since then. My dad, he’s been there my whole life. He has been on me from a young age to compete at a high level. That has pushed me to be harder, tougher than my opponent.”

You have deceptive speed to your game. Do you find that most defensive backs take your speed for granted?

“Yes. I feel like a lot of them think I am slow. I am not fast-fast, but they do not think I am as quick as I am.”

Is there another area of your game that may get overlooked?

“I am extremely smart. I know how to read defenses. Be it cover 1, 2 or 3, I will adjust my routes to the defense. Also, I can block. I am in no way afraid to block. I will get my hands on a bigger linebacker and drive him.”

What are some of your favorite routes to run within the offense?

“My favorite has to be a 10-yard route, that is my best route. I am quick out of it. My other favorite is the post. I like going long.”

What do you feel are the strengths to your game as you prep for your senior year?

“I am smart and I’m not afraid – I’m a tough kid. I can play wherever the coaches need me. I can play anywhere on the field – tight end, quarterback, on defense, you name it.”

Speaking of defense. You played a little on that side of the ball last year, will we see more of you playing defense in 2019?

“Yes, sir. You will definitely see more of me on defense. I am playing that strong safety/outside linebacker hybrid role for the team this year.”

Are you excited about taking on that role?

“Heck yeah. I love to hit.”

Which areas of your skillset are you focused on this offseason?

“I am mainly focused on my speed. I am trying to get to a 4.55. I am adding weight with the goal to get to 210. I am doing a lot of lifting.”

Are you going to any national camps this offseason?

“I am going to the Oakland Nike Opening Regional in May.”

With your play on the field, which schools are you drawing interest from thus far?

“I am receiving interest from Yale, Harvard, Columbia, UNLV, and Air Force.”

Nice. Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes. I have visited San Jose State, Cal, and Fresno State – all were awesome visits.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes. I am going to UNLV for their spring game on April 6. I am looking to take an unofficial to Air Force this spring as well.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 4.08 cumulative GPA but I am aiming for a 4.2.”

That is fantastic. Last question. For a college coach out there who may not know you but wants to start recruiting you after reading this interview, what type of student-athlete is Ceaser Gonzalez?

“Good question. I want them to know I take care of my stuff and I have a great attitude. I get my work done on and off the field and I can play wherever they need me.”

Ceaser, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your offseason workouts and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Mamarazzi Photography; Ceaser Gonzalez in action