Interview: 2020 Crescenta Valley FS/WR Angel Ochoa Updates Season and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Crescenta Valley had another winning season in 2018 posting an 8-3 mark against Pacific League competition. Much of the offense landed on dual-threat quarterback Cole Doyle’s shoulders but a winning season is not compiled without all-around athletes like Angel Ochoa taking the field with purpose and focus while displaying a team-first mentality.
Ochoa spent his sophomore season with the Falcons making opposing quarterbacks look bad picking off seven passes playing free safety. He added 44 stops, 25 solo, and forced a fumble. He also chipped in on offense with 16 carries for 61 yards with two scores and pulled in five passes for 43 yards with another trip into the end zone through 11 games played. If that was not enough, he connected on both his pass attempts covering 65 yards responsible for another touchdown.
Going into the 2018 season, the 5-10, 170-pound, athlete was asked to fill in a need at outside linebacker. As one might guess, the Class of 2020 defender did not hesitate to answer the coach’s request. After 49 tackles, a sack, a pick, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, Ochoa can look back proudly knowing he did his job well. His role on offense increased, especially as a receiving target, securing 27 passes for 307 yards with three touchdowns.
With the biggest offseason of his life now in full progress, I caught up with the All-League performer to get his insight on the 2018 season with an overview on his goals this spring.
*Click link for July 3, 2018, RNG video interview with Angel Ochoa
Interview
Angel, once again you were all over the field appearing in all three phases of the game. While it may be second-nature to you now, how did you prepare week to week for all that you do on the field with the Falcons?
“I practiced every play as it was a real game. I take practice seriously. I take the practice makes perfect idea serious. I did a lot of film study and staying focused during every practice.”
Your role on offense as a receiving threat took a big step forward in 2018, how were you utilized in the passing game?
“They tried to get me the ball on quick outs and screens so I could burst through and get one-on-one with defenders so I could make a play. I am hard to get down, and I can break tackles. I got a lot of short passes so I could make a play.”
How did your game improve overall as a receiver this season?
“As a receiver, I got more aggressive. Last year all I really did was play defense. Playing both parts, I took it very seriously. I upped my game even more. I realized how big of an impact I have for my team.”
It shows that teams were afraid to throw your way in 2018 after seven picks a year ago, how often did you get challenged in the other team’s passing attack?
“This season, instead of being at safety I was at outside linebacker. I did not get as many chances to pick off passes. But, with me playing linebacker, I got me more aggressive. Going up against the run in the box got me more into the game. I used my safety experience in the box as a linebacker to stop the run.”
How did your game get better on defense?
“As an outside linebacker, my coaches told me if you want to be really good you have to be aggressive. I got better at reading the tackles for run or pass and looking at the stance of the slot receiver. Even reading the QB with the positioning of his feet. My football IQ grew. I added all of the little things to help me get better out there.”
What will you work on this offseason with your game?
“This offseason I am working on my work back at safety… man and zone coverage. On offense, I am working on being the best receiver in the league.”
Throughout the offseason, what goals have you set for yourself?
“My goals are to get bigger, improve on my footwork, getting a ring for my team, and hopefully getting an opportunity to play at a good college.”
Angel, great catching up with you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Angel Ochoa