Interview: 2021 Alabama Talent Eli Pearce Impressed in First Season at Quarterback
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season in Walnut Grove was a testament to the talents of Eli Pearce. Coming up through the Alabama varsity ranks as a receiver, West End High School needed a gunslinger in the pocket seeing Pearce step into the spotlight as a novice to help his team win games. The raw talents saw the emerging dual-threat throw for 2,386 yards with 32 touchdowns against seven interceptions with 785 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns off 87 carries. The gritty performance earned the 6-2, 180-pound, QB All-State, All-County, and County Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Seeing his upside, Huntington and Birmingham College have extended scholarship offers with Berry College and Rhodes College showing interest. For insight on his impressive first season guiding the Patriots offense, I sat down with Pearce for an RNG first-look.
Interview
Eli, your skills as a quarterback are about as perfect a fit for the Spread offense as possible. What are some of the traits to your game that make you a dangerous weapon in the Patriots offense?
“I think I am able to run well out of the offense, not just drop back and pass. When nothing is open, I can run, I can throw on the run, and drop back to pass.”
On passing downs, you can throw it on a line and drop it in with touch. What routes were your receivers running last season allowing you to display the arm talent?
“We ran posts, wheels, one of our better receivers would run a go route on mismatches, and we ran seams with the slot and drags across the middle behind the linebacker.”
As a passing quarterback, how did your talents grow within the offense last season?
“I got better throughout the season. In our first game I struggled. Last season was my first year playing quarterback. As the season went on, I got better. My receivers and I had chemistry going middle to the end of the year.”
Wow. So last season was your first playing quarterback? What position were you playing before QB?
“Before I played receiver and slot receiver.”
That explains your running abilities. When the 2020 season gets going are you doing anything differently within the offense?
“Yes. Last year I forced a lot of balls instead of tucking and running. I will do more running this year.”
What have you been working on this offseason with your mechanics?
“Footwork mainly. That is my weak spot since I have not had a lot of time at the position.”
How have you worked to expand your understanding of the game this offseason?
“By watching a lot of film with my coach. I’ve worked on reading defenses and trying to understand them better.”
Last topic; heading into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.8.”
The cancellation of the standardized tests this winter and spring has also interfered with the recruiting process. Did you get a chance to get one in before that happened?
“Yes. I scored an 18 on the ACT.”
Eli, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: West End HS/Pearce family; Eli Pearce in action (2019)