Interview: 2021 California QB Chayden Peery is Exceeding the High Expectations

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are a lot of “underground” national recruiting talents in the Los Angeles area, but those talents are well-known throughout southern California and Chayden Peery is one of them. College programs up and down the west coast already have him on their recruiting board for the 2021 class, and that interest list is rapidly expanding.

By the time Peery leaves the high school ranks with Sierra Canyon, he will truly be a grizzled veteran having started his varsity experience as a freshman. In 2017, Peery hit 113 of 173 pass attempts for 1,658 yards with 14 touchdowns going up on the board and ran for four more in 11 games. In just five games during his sophomore season, he is close to eclipsing last year’s stat sheet having connected on 77 of 120 passes for 1,356 yards with six touchdowns tossed and one rushing score in five games.

Colleges are already responding to Peery’s abilities with offers extended from Nevada and San Jose State while interest has flown in from USC, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Boise State, among others. Two teams have made an early impression on the 6-2, 198-pound, gunslinger with upcoming unofficial visits planned.

In a RNG mid-season catch-up interview, I got some time with Peery going over his growth on the field with an update on his recruiting.

*Click the link for the June 24, 2018, RNG video interview with Chayden Peery

Interview

Chayden, the Trailblazers have been in some ground it out gridiron fights this season. As a leader of the team, what has that experience been like for you?

“It is definitely a great learning experience playing against top competition. People were talking about us because there are a lot of sophomores on our team, that we would fail. Being a young team playing against good competition has helped us mature.”

You are zipping the ball around the yard averaging 271 yards per game, what is working well for you allowing you to be so productive?

“I am comfortable in the offense now, as opposed to my freshman year. In practice I am working on challenging myself. I know all the reads, now I am trying to get the ball out quicker and to different guys.”

Which areas of your game are showing the biggest improvements this season?

“I have become faster and more mobile. I am able to pick up first downs and keep drives alive by getting out of the pocket and running. My overall understand of the game and our offense has improved a lot.”

You already kind of answered this, but what are some of the things you continue to work on day after day in practice?

“I challenge myself to do things differently. I challenge myself with different throws to see if I can make them and to test myself. I continue to do my workouts throughout the season to stay conditioned and to keep my strength. I am working out at home after practice.”

How are defenses trying to stop you?

“Defenses are trying to blitz me to rattle me. I stay calm and poised. Even in the nail-biting games I am comfortable and calm. They will talk trash talk and blitz me, I guess because I am a sophomore to try to throw me off my game. But, we watch film every day, I am well prepared for that.”

You guys just picked up another big win topping Grace Brethren 20-17, how did that game for you?

“Personally, I did well. I only had a few incompletions. Of course, there were mistakes that I worked on this week in practice. Overall, I had a pretty good game. We had a 50-yard touchdown called back. My receivers are getting loose and doing more. It is awesome to be surrounded by play-makers.”

You get Bakersfield on Friday, what are you expecting from their defense?

“They run a pretty unique set. Their defense is unlike anything I have seen; they have no down linemen. Everyone is standing up. It is different, but I am well prepared. I have been watching film non-stop with my coach and at home. I will be ready.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you?

“UCLA is showing more interest now. I am planning on going to one or two UCLA games this season. I am visiting Notre Dame in early November for the Florida State game (Nov. 10).”

Last couple of questions. What is Chayden Peery’s pregame ritual?

“That is a good one. I sleep before every game. I don’t care how long the bus ride is, I am falling asleep for a little bit.”

The last 60 minutes before kickoff on a Friday night, what is your demeanor?

“I flip a switch and focus on the game. Leading up to it, I try to not think about it. I try to not build it up too much. But, once I am on the field and I see the other team, the fire in me gets going and I get hyped up for the game.”

Chayden, always great catching up with you. Good luck on Friday against Bakersfield.

“Thank you.”

 

Photo credit:  David Sobel/Sierra Canyon; No. 8 Chayden Peery