Interview: 2021 California QB Aram “Rambo” Araradian Getting Extra Insight from Collegiate Level
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There was a big difference on the field for Class of 2021 quarterback Aram “Rambo” Araradian last season. Instead of the game coming to him, he took it to the game. The 6-0, 185-pound, Burbank High School field general picked on California Pacific League competition completing 112 of 199 passes for 1,958 yards with 13 touchdowns and one rushing score in seven games. The thirst and drive to learn more about the game and improve upon the mechanics has continued into spring workouts receiving instruction from renowned QB coach Danny Hernandez and former local quarterbacks now working their trade at the collegiate level.
With interest picking up for the true student-athlete, 4.18 GPA, I sat down with Araradian for a catch-up interview covering his progress in the pocket this spring.
Interview
Aram, when your junior season on the field ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a quarterback?
“My strengths were my leadership skills. I felt like I had the whole team behind me when my season ended, they did not exclude me out of anything. My footwork was a strength too; I train with Anton Clarkson whenever I can. We fine-tune everything, so everything becomes habit and I am not thinking about everything during the game.”
Your talents of extending the play while looking downfield and throwing on the run shinned last season. What were some of the other areas of your skillset that took a big step forward in 2019?
“My ability in the pocket improved overall. I also improved on reading the defense, and not getting flustered with the rush or being scared about being hit. Reading defenses came to me last season, I am looking forward to seeing how much it will improve this upcoming season.”
What were the fronts and coverages you were seeing from defenses last season?
“It was a lot of Cover 2, fronts from 3-4, 4-3, and a bear front, 5-down with two linebackers. My coaches knew what they were doing, we game planned for their defenses well.”
What were some of the routes you were connecting on in 2019?
“A little bit of everything, digs, posts, comebacks, and 10-yard outs.”
Once the 2020 season gets going, are you guys doing anything differently with the offense?
“We lost a lot of seniors from last season; we are adapting to that. We are adjusting to our personnel for this season; we have speed this year but not as much size. This season we will spread the field passing more but not running as much.”
Since the season ended what have you been working on with your game as a passing quarterback?
“This offseason I have been working on trying to get better overall and working on reading defenses. During the quarantine, I’ve been watching tons of film on myself and defenses. I am working on improving my game in the weight room, getting stronger and faster, and I am working out at home as well.”
Are you working with a QB coach this offseason?
“Yes. I am doing Zoom calls with Coach Danny (Hernandez). We go over plays and how to deal with things. I am also talking to college quarterbacks Ryan Hilinski from South Carolina, Griffin O’Connor from Yale, Bryce Young from Alabama, and Jake Maier from UC-Davis to learn more about the game.”
Nice. With Coach Hernandez, what is he helping you with?
“We go over the routes, hot routes, who to read, and different coverages. Besides going over the plays, he teaches us how to be a leader and deal with adversity.”
Assuming the college camp season happens, are there any camps you are eyeing?
“Yes. I am thinking about going to some east coast camps, Ivy League camps like Yale, Columbia, Harvard – all of them if I can.”
Which schools are showing interest as we near that portion of the camp season?
“University of San Diego, Columbia and Yale are showing interest.”
Before the dead period began, did you get to take any visits?
“I went on unofficial visits to USC and UCLA.”
How did the USC visit go?
“It was really fun. We had field passes; when they ran out of the tunnel onto the field, it was awesome to see and be down on the field for that.”
And the UCLA visit, how did that go?
“That was equally as awesome. The Rose Bowl is historic and legendary. It was great walking down on the field for the first time knowing how many great people played on that field.”
That is amazing to think about and process, so many legends. You touched on this a minute ago, but are there any planned visits you may take in the coming months?
“When all of this blows over, I want to visit the Ivy League teams and University of San Diego.”
Rambo, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you continued success with your workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Doug Brown/Araradian family; Aram Araradian in action (2019)