Interview: 2020 California QB Marco Siderman has Westlake on the Rise

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

During the 2017 season, Class of 2020 quarterback Marco Siderman was part of a two-headed monster in the Oaks Christian pocket helping take the Lions to a Division-II California championship game. After an offseason transfer to Westlake High School, the strong-armed junior quarterback is now in full control of the Warriors offense helping his Los Angeles area squad race out to a 4-0 start to the season.

A year ago, Josh Calvert (1,448 yards/9 TDs/6 INTs) and Siderman helped manage an offense that averaged 30 points per game going up against some of the toughest teams in California like Chaminade, Upland, Valencia, and Helix. When Siderman was slinging the pigskin, the Lions’ offense picked up 958 yards through the air on 91 of 136 attempts with six scores going up on the board. Showing his dual-threat abilities, the 6-2, 195-pound, athlete rushed for 351 yards on 66 totes with two trips to the end zone.

With that year of varsity experience under his belt, the Warriors are quickly working their way up the respect ladder in the California rankings after taking on Sierra Canyon, Mission Hills, Oxnard, and St. Francis. Siderman is once again helping his squad average 30 points per contest with tough upcoming games against Grace Brethren, Calabasas, Newbury Park, and against his old teammates, Oaks Christian, to help push a very talented squad towards a highly anticipated playoff run.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the emerging junior quarterback covering his early season success with a quick update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Marco, you transferred schools in the offseason from Oaks Christian to Westlake, what has been the biggest adjustments for you between the two offenses?

“The two offenses are pretty similar, getting to know the personnel is the big difference.”

How did you develop the chemistry needed to win with the receivers on the Warriors’ squad over the summer months and during fall camp?

“I already had chemistry with a lot of the guys, I’ve played with some of them back in Pop Warner. I have played with a lot of these guys since I was little.”

You came to Westlake with a lot of varsity experience from your sophomore season. What are the strengths of your overall game as a quarterback?

“Of all the things I learned from last year, being poised and keeping focused were two big things for me. I learned to keep my mind on what they are giving me. I’ve been working on getting the ball out quicker – my footwork is better. I have changed my stance to get the ball out quicker.”

Of the four games played this season, which has been the most challenging for you and how has that challenge helped you grow as a player?

“This season, my hardest game was against Mission Hills. They brought pressure at all times. I had to figure out how to get the ball out quicker. I knew I was getting hit on very play.”

Of the four, which game was your best performance overall?

“On the stat sheet, Sierra Canyon. For me, I think I did the best in our last game against St. Francis (La Canada). I progressed from the little mistakes I was making.”

Is there an aspect to your game that might get overlooked?

“I don’t know. If there is something that is being overlooked, since last year I have not been as mobile on the field. I went out of the pocket to run this last game. I surprised them.”

Did you go to any college camps over the summer?

“I went to Cornell and Penn camp.”

Which did you perform your best?

“I had similar performances at both camps. Maybe I did a little better at Cornell. I enjoyed both of them.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“My coaches know more than I do about my recruiting. I have been talking to a lot of Ivy League schools. Some of the other schools that I know of that have expressed interest are Colorado State, Washington State, Colorado, Boise State, Cornell, Penn, Harvard, Yale, and Columbia.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet this year?

“No. I was supposed to go to Colorado State for the Arkansas game but I could not go.”

Back to football. What goals have you set for your junior year?

“My main goal is to help my team win. I want to give the athletes on our team the ball and let them do what they do.”

Is there a college or NFL player you watch to learn more about the game?

“I love watching Tom Brady (Patriots). I like how he sits in the pocket, he is poised back there. I am trying to do that, sit in the pocket the way he does. Watching him helps me.”

Of the remaining six regular season games, which are some of the bigger games you and the Warriors are hyped to play?

“I think the bigger games are Calabasas and Oaks Christian. Those will be great games.”

Last question. Which four college football teams do you think will make the playoff?

“Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Clemson.”

Two SEC teams again. College football fans would go crazy again. Marco, thanks for your time today and good luck against Moorpark on Friday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Westlake High School; No. 12 Marco Siderman in action