Interview: 2021 Recruit Steven Cuadra Impresses with Play at Corner with Norco

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The modern era of high school football is an all-out attack by offenses utilizing the Spread to pinpoint weaknesses in a defense. With offenses seeking to air it out at any time and to any spot on the field, it speaks volumes that opposing Division 1/2 California squads are staying away from Steven Cuadra’s side of the field.

The Class of 2021 corner not only roughed up the opposition’s top receivers while limiting quarterbacks’ options on the field last season, he also got to work against some of the best in the 2020 class every day in practice at Norco High School. Cuadra (6-0, 175) went head-to-head with Class of 2020 four-star quarterback Shane Illingworth (Oklahoma State), 1,000-yard receiver Marquis Ashley, and four-star athlete Jaden Navarrette (Oregon) Monday through Thursday throughout an 8-3 campaign for the Cougars. On the field, Cuadra ended his junior season with 33 stops, 18 solo, and two picks.

With interest from college programs picking up, and after scouting him at the Pylon 7v7 Tournament over the weekend, Cuadra stepped into the RNG Lab for an in-depth one-on-one interview.

Interview

Steven, it is fun watching you mix it up at corner going against the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver. For any given game last season, how were you preparing for the quarterbacks and receivers you were going to face?

“I’d watch a lot of film to breakdown my opponents. Overall, I’d watch film, scout them out, and look up things about them to try to learn their highs and lows.”

Their highs and lows – you are going deep physiological warfare on the opposition. You really want to get into their heads.

(Laughs) “I like talking, I like to get them off their game. I don’t do it too much unless they start talking first.”

From watching game footage on you, looks like you were on the island a lot last season. How did those high expectations of being the man shutting down the other team’s receiver without safety help push your game forward?

“It pushed my game a lot, it helped me see my potential. I knew I had the trust from my safeties and my coaches. That was good for me and motivated me a lot to get better.”

Which game last season was your personal best, and why?

“My personal best was our last game, against Chaminade. I was on an island a lot. I had a lot of tackles in that game and I had some pass breakups. I played the entire game, holding my own against their talented team.”

Are you taking on any new positions during the 2020 campaign?

“Yes, sir. I am playing on offense at receiver.”

Are you excited about the opportunity to showcase your skills at receiver this year?

“Yes, sir. I have been wanting to play since last season. Coach is giving me my shot.”

What have you been working on this offseason to get ready for all that you will be doing this season?

“For offense, I’ve been working on getting out of my breaks. On defense, I’ve been watching receiver’s hips and breaking down routes better so I can better guess their routes.”

Over the weekend you played in the Pylon 7v7 Tournament with E.A.T (Explosive Athletic Training), how did the tournament go for you personally?

“It went really well. I had four interceptions, four passes broken up, and no balls were caught on my side at all, all weekend.”

Nice. With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“USC – I went to their Junior Day recently. A lot of their coaches are following me on Twitter and they have asked for my film. We talked for a little bit during my visit. Other schools showing interest are Montana State, Sacramento State, UCLA, Wyoming, Montana, Columbia, and Yale.”

You mentioned the USC visit, have you visited any other schools over the last couple of months?

“I went to UCLA. It was beautiful there. I talked to all the coaches, they suited me up, and I toured their facilities.”

Are you planning any other visits?

“I’m heading out to Utah’s Junior Day on the 21st of March. I’m going there when we are in Utah for the Pylon 7v7 Tournament. USC has invited me back for another visit as well.”

Steven, it was great going in-depth with you today after seeing you in action during the Pylon Tournament. Wishing you good luck with your upcoming tournaments and visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Cuadra family; Steven Cuadra at USC and UCLA