Interview: 2020 California QB Shamir Bey Checks All the Collegiate Boxes with Great Upside
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Identifying young emerging talents is one of the joys of being in the college football recruiting universe. Seeing raw talent mixed with a certain amount of productivity along with the upside gives rise to one of the next recruiting stars. Class of 2020 quarterback Shamir Bey checks all the prerequisite boxes of an emerging talent college coaches should put up on the board now.
At 6-3, 200-pounds, Bey has the frame and size collegiate offensive coordinators love. He also has the arm and wheels coordinators covet capable of running a spread offense and/or a pro-style breaking down defenses with his passing or running talents. The foundation to be one of the best in California is there. During his sophomore campaign, Bey threw for 1,644 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 775 yards off 132 totes with 11 trips into the end zone under former head coach Keith Burns. With Coach Burns now back at the collegiate level with Texas-El Paso, Archbishop Mitty has a new staff that promises an even more dynamic Bey in 2018.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Bey covering his sophomore season on the gridiron while learning more about his offseason grind.
Interview
Shamir, when the 2017 season ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths of your game as a quarterback?
“I developed really well with my running last season. As the season went on, I was throwing better and getting used to the pressure from the defense in the box.”
Which areas of your game may have started off as a weakness but improved into a strength by the end of the schedule?
“Definitely my ability to read defenses; that was foreign to me at the beginning of the year. My coaches worked with me on reading defenses; I got a lot better. My ability to make college level throws improved as well.”
Did you earn any postseason honors in 2017?
“Yes. I was Western Catholic and Central Coast Section Sophomore of the Year.”
Nice. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
What type of offense do the Monarchs execute?
“We run a spread – four to three receivers every time.”
How does the offense fit your skillset?
“I think it works well for me. Spreading out the defense, I can attack the defense with my legs or passing. My ability and potential to run helps my receivers find more holes in the defense with the linebackers having to account for me.”
Either you have superhero field vision or you play guard for the basketball team because you have some sneaky elusiveness to your running game, how did that come about for you as an offensive weapon?
(Laughs) “My mom does not like me to get hit, so I do that for my mom.”
Keith Burns still has a very strong reputation in the state of Arkansas during his days as the Razorbacks defensive coordinator, what was it like playing for Coach Burns before he left for UTEP?
“He is an emotional guy. He gets you fired up. He put a lot of trust in me, I took that to heart to play my hardest for him each game.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am lifting, improving my mental game on the white board, and building confidence.”
How are the Monarchs looking during spring practices?
“We are getting a lot better under our new head coach.”
Any changes to the offense?
“No. The offense is the same.”
Did any college programs come by Mitty to meet with you in person or to watch you throw this spring?
“Howard, San Jose State, San Diego State, and a few others came but mainly to watch the team; Air Force, Cal-Poly, and San Diego.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?
“I am locked in at the Sac State (Sacramento State) camp.”
You listed out the schools showing interest in you, have you picked up an offer yet?
“Yes, sir. I have an offer from Howard.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“History.”
Back to football. For the readers that have never attended a Mitty home game, what is the atmosphere like when the lights turn on?
“It is always loud, especially when you first come out. The fans are there for four quarters and are always cheering for you no matter the score.”
What has you excited about your junior season?
“The new coaching staff has me excited. I have known them for a while now. They push us hard in the weight room. We have been prepping hard this offseason. All the outside stuff we do makes me excited for the year.”
What are you going to do away from football this summer for fun?
“Usually it is just football, but I will probably go swimming and just relax some.”
Shamir, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Prep2Prep.com; No. 12 Shamir Bey
Photo credit: Bey family; No. 12 Shamir Bey