Interview: 2020 California QB Brock White Exceeding Expectations in the Pocket

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Any experience at the high school varsity level is invaluable, especially at the quarterback position. The 2016 season went beyond measure for Brock White getting snaps in five games as a freshman. Even though the time put in was in mop-up duty, the extra snaps against live competition laid the groundwork for a breakout sophomore year in the making.

One may have seen the talent there for White, but based on his stat line, one may have thought the Mustangs would be in trouble in 2017. Rancho Verde had a fantastic 2016 season posting an 11-2 mark with White completing 3-of-12 passes for 29 yards while running six times for 30 yards. Four games do not make a career, but White has surpassed all expectations in his first season as a starter hitting 59-of-100 pass attempts for 848 yards with 10 touchdowns against just two picks. Showing a little more dual-threat ability, he has added 50 more yards on the ground posting another score.

The Moreno Valley squad is off to a 2-2 record against Division-III competition with league games against Canyon Spring, Valley View, Arlington, Poly, and JW North left on the schedule. The squad gets a bye week for Sept. 22 before getting back on the field to face Riverside King. In a Recruiting News Guru One to Watch Interview, I sat down with one of the rising talents in the Inland Valley covering his hot start to the season with a look ahead to league play.

Interview

Brock, you got some snaps during your freshman year at the varsity level, what was that experience like for you?

“It was nerve racking at first. The first time I went in everyone was chanting ‘put Brock in.’ I did a decent job. On my first drive, the first play was a read option. I took it but probably should have handed it off. On the second play, it was a jet sweep and the third play I was in my end zone throwing a vertical route. I felt pressure so I rolled out to the right. I hit Tyler Kennedy and he got hit right when the ball got there. We punted and that was my first varsity experience.”

How has an offseason of working out and four games starting into the 2017 season helped your game grow?

“It has helped so much. This offseason, I got into the best shape of my life. We practiced a lot and watched a lot of film. We spent a lot of time going over the playbook. I have learned so much from Coach Stein (Jeff Steinberg – head coach). Learning the playbook and the signals has been the main part.”

What were some of the things you worked on over the spring and summer to get ready for the season beyond learning the playbook?

“My drops needed work. A lot of 7v7 QBs take a step and then throw the ball. I was trying to work on my three-step drop. My eyes and progressions were something I worked on in the offseason and stepping to my left. I needed to open my hips up more when throwing to my left. I did a lot of progression work and footwork drills.”

Have you had a welcome to the varsity level moment this year?

“My first drive last year. This year, not a big moment yet but carrying the ball, the holes close so fast.”

How are you preparing for each game?

“After the game Coach Stein will send something over for the next team. On Monday we watch film. That is the biggest film day. We watch film every day, but Monday is the biggest day. Coach Stein gives me a great idea what we are doing that week then. We see it all, all the fronts in practice, so I know what to expect on game day.”

It is really early for you, but are any college teams showing interest in you yet?

“I have received camp invites already from Washington and Miami.”

That is great. The team has a bye week in Week 5, what are you doing during this week to prepare for league action?

“This week, we are doing the same stuff with our regular practice. I am always working my arm out at home. I am staying mentally focused and getting ready for our next game. The bye week is a good time to look over more stuff and study more film. I’ve critiqued my game to see what I need to do better. I do that each week but a little more in-depth this week.”

The Mustangs won two out of the gate topping Redondo Union and Carter and then dropped two to Burroughs and Citrus Hill. What does the team need to do collectively to post a win against King on Sept. 29?

“I think those two losses brought us closer together as a team. We have everything we need. We have great offensive and defensive coordinators and a great defense and offense. Want makes us good is playing together as a family. We just need people to keep stepping up and being leaders. We need to get even closer together and focus on that and we will be okay.”

What goals have you set for your sophomore season?

“I want to win state this year in Division-III. That is my big goal. To do that we will probably have to beat Citrus in the playoffs. We have to take it one game at a time, but the ultimate goal is to win state.”

Brock, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Alicia Salinas; No. 7 Brock White in action