Interview: 2021 California QB Ricky Easterwood Talks Football and Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Playing quarterback at the highest high school level in California is like a million piece jigsaw puzzle. The scramble in the offseason is putting enough of the pieces together with technique and understanding of the offense and then infusing that knowledge and ability with the other 10 guys on the field while trying to understand what the other 11 on the other side of the ball are also trying to do to stop you. In Ricky Easterwood’s first season starting varsity football for Bakersfield High School, one could see all the puzzle pieces coming together into a rising talent. The 6-2, 196-pound, field general helped led the Drillers to a 6-6 record after taking on some of the top teams the Golden State has to offer producing 1,487 yards passing with 12 touchdowns while rushing one into the end zone.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the Class of 2021 quarterback getting an overview on his season and his focus with his offseason workouts.

*Click link for RNG video interview with Ricky Easterwood

Interview

Ricky, the Drillers played one heck of schedule, especially in non-conference action taking on very talent teams like Calabasas, Paramount, and Sierra Canyon and then on into the playoffs going against Clovis East and Buchanan. How did those tough games push forward your mental development of the game?

“I felt like those games helped me see what real competition is like. Those out of town teams are very good. Playing against those teams upped my game. You have to bring your game up if you are trying to beat that kind of competition.”

Seeing all that speed, size, and athleticism coming at you and trying to stop your attack in the passing game had to present different challenges. What were some of the challenges you faced this season?

“Early on in the season I was nervous before the games, that played into my performance in the first half. I was too tense. 2019 was my first year starting varsity; it was a new experience for me. As the season went on, I stopped making the stupid mistakes early in the games.”

Taking on those teams and knowing what was holding you back, how did that adversity make you a better quarterback in the long run?

“Getting to see the other team speeds has forced me to make faster reads. Sierra Canyon, they had quick speed. If I did not get it out quick it was either deflected or picked. Going into league I was getting the ball out of my hands as quick as possible.”

Overall, which parts of your game showed the most improvements?

“The most improvement I showed this season was in making my reads. By the end of the season I was making them quick. At the beginning of the year, I was waiting and not throwing the receivers open. I was anticipating the throws and not scanning the field as well as I could have.”

Putting it all together, which game in 2019 was your best?

“Game 7 against Garces (Memorial). That game was my best. We were playing our old coaches who left last year. We were fired up. We wanted to show these coaches they should have stayed to coach us because we have the better team. I had one passing touchdown, one rushing, and I threw a 60-yard pass that got us a field goal before halftime. For the game, I think I had 320 passing and one pick early in the game.”

What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?

“My ability to move in the pocket, is much better. My arm motion, I have cleaned that up a lot, and I will work on it this offseason. I want my arm motion to be cleaner and quicker this year. Next year, I want everything to be faster. I want to make better reads and make plays happen.”

You have kind of touched on this already, but what else with your technique will you focus on this offseason?

“Keeping my footwork clean through repetition. My QB trainer, I work with him twice a month and I bring my receivers with me. I want to continue to clean up my arm motion; make it tighter and quicker. I will continue to work on my pre- and post-snap reads so I will be better at them this year.”

With your overall workouts, what will you focus on this offseason?

“This year, I will run. I am working in the weight room every morning and going to the gym after school.”

When will you have the receivers back out on the field throwing with you again?

“Our practices start in January. 7v7 practices will start soon. We lost all our starting receivers so I will work with the new guys and younger dudes to get them ready for the season.”

Ricky, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Easterwood family; Ricky Easterwood on the field 2019