Interview: 2021 QB/ATH Tanner Cash Ends Clearwater Career Holding All Major All-Time Records
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Tanner Cash turned the Clearwater program around during his tenure as their quarterback having one of the best careers in Indians’ history. During his first two seasons, the team was 5-13 but has had back to back 7-3 seasons since. While wearing this uniform, Cash set numerous school records including career rushing yards (3,446) and rushing touchdowns (46), career passing yards (3,488), and career touchdown throws (39). Overall, he finished his high school career with 7,626 total yards and 89 total touchdowns which are also school records. If that wasn’t enough, he also earned first team All-Conference as a defensive back during the 2020 campaign.
During his senior campaign, this 6’2”, 200-pound, playmaker threw for 1,268 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 1,425 yards and 24 more scores. Tanner has tremendous leadership ability and athleticism. He also possesses an accurate and strong arm and good footwork.
This Class of 2021 recruit currently has five offers from in-state schools including Washburn University.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Tanner to talk about his senior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
How would you grade your performance on the field during your senior season?
I think my senior season was one of the best seasons I’ve had at Clearwater High School. This season I was able to compete at a high level in every game, was able to put up some big numbers and make some big plays. I would give myself a very high grade for my senior season.
What was your most memorable moment during the 2020 season?
My most memorable moment was taking a three-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Holcomb and winning a playoff game. It was one of the most fun and memorable times I had with my team this season as we were able to ride a charter bus, hang out and win a playoff game. It was very memorable.
What would you say was your best game and why?
The game against Rose Hill or Mulvane, both of those games I was able to rush around and do my thing pretty well but what I also like about those games is that my reviews and I were on the same page every play and we were connecting passes left and right and we were able to put up some pretty big pass numbers.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I think my biggest strength on the field is the ability to lead my guys. I think as a quarterback in high school that is the most important thing that you have to do. You have to be able to lead by example and go out there every play and give one hundred percent, and that is something I pride myself on.
What kind of offense does Clearwater run?
We run a spread offense with the ability to attach a lot of different reads and RPOs.
How did your skills translate to this scheme?
My skills fit amazingly in this scheme as it allowed me to run the ball, which I would say is the strongest part of my game. I was averaging like 30, or something like that, carries a game which allowed me to excel in the offense.
How would you describe what kind of player you are?
I would describe myself as a do what it takes to win type of guy. What I mean by that is, if it’s third and short I have no problem putting my shoulder down and getting downhill to the first down. On game night I have a very heavy workload and that is exactly what I like. I want my teammates to always know that I’m going to give everything I got on every play. When they see me do that, they also go hard all the time and I feel like that is how you build trust within a team.
How would you describe what kind of teammate you are?
I try to put my team first in everything I do. Without them the success we have had at Clearwater would be non-existent. I try to be a teammate that my guys can always count on and I think that bond that all our guys have is something that really helps win. We all have each other’s back. It’s just like a huge family.
Did you win any individual honors?
My coach told me I won our league’s offensive MVP as well as first team Quarterback and first team Defensive Back. I have also broken many school records including passing yards in a season, passing yards in a career, rushing yards in a season, rushing yards in a career, most touchdowns in a season, and most touchdowns in a career.
Would you describe yourself as a pro-style or dual-threat quarterback?
I am definitely a dual-threat quarterback. I get out and run a lot, and I had over 1,000 rushing yards. This season alone I had 24 rushing touchdowns.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
4.63.
Is there a current NFL quarterback that you try to model your game after?
I think with my style of play, Lamar Jackson is a person I love to watch. Also, when Johnny Manziel was at Texas A&M his style of play was what I always thought I played like. I really enjoyed watching him play in college.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I also basketball and run track.
What is your ACT?
22.
What do you want your legacy to be at Clearwater when you graduate?
I want people to remember me as the best player to ever play at Clearwater High School. I want to be that guy that sets an example for the future kids coming up and for them to go out there work their butts off and break my records.
Who has had the biggest impact on your high school football career and why?
My parents, of course. They have been there every step of the way. I would say someone who has always been like a role model to me, someone else who motivates me to be great is my grandpa, Randy Mills. He has always been someone who pushes me to work hard and do what I love and I credit a lot of my success to my family for always being there for me.
Do you have any college offers?
Hutchinson Community College, Highland Community College, Garden City Community College, Independence Community College, and Washburn.
What is your GPA?
3.77.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: The Wichita Eagle; Clearwater QB Tanner Cash