Interview: 2022 California Talent Dyllan Devitt Emerging as a New Quarterback
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When Class of 2022 quarterback Dyllan Devitt takes the field for the 2020 season, he will look like a completely different player. During the 2019 season with Monte Vista’s junior varsity team, Devitt threw for 1,819 yards connecting on 65 percent of his passes with 21 touchdowns tossed. That was as a 5-8 quarterback. Now Devitt is 6-1, 185-pounds, with all the developing tools and arm strength to operate the Spread and Air Raid attacks he is executing from high school to club ball. The developing talent is bringing in interest from Davidson and some Big Sky and Pioneer Conference teams.
In an RNG first-look interview, Devitt sat down to talk about his offseason workouts and his action playing club ball with California Strength.
Interview
Dyllan, you were executing a Spread offense during the 2019 season and seemingly doing a little bit of everything within. You were rolling out and throwing on the run, hit drags, and seams. What was the offensive passing philosophy for the team a year ago?
The philosophy was to get the ball out quick so the players can make plays. We had a big tight end and a big receiver, both in my class. The philosophy was to get the ball to our play makers and take some shots down field.
Within that scheme, what did you feel were the strengths to your game at the end of the year?
Towards the end best trait was throwing under pressure. I had a lot of pressure last year.
Through this prolonged offseason, which aspects to your game have you been working on with a focus on your technique and fundamentals?
The focus this offseason was to get my movement back up. I have been growing a lot this offseason, and have finally gained my speed back. I am faster now than when I was younger. Working on technique and fundamentals, I have been doing a lot of throwing on the run and overall pocket movements.
How have you expanded your understanding of the game?
I expand my IQ by watching YouTube videos. Victor James, one of my QB coaches, has taught me a lot. Coach Danny (Hernandez) is teaching me a lot as well. Just from watching the game, you can learn a lot watching film on the NFL and college guys. I have been watching their coverages and tendencies.
Are you playing club ball this winter? If so, which team are you playing for?
I am playing club ball for Winners Circle on team Cal Strength. We are 4-1 and are in a playoff game this week.
Very cool. What offense are you running with Cal Strength?
We are running the Air Raid. The offense is similar to my high school’s. It has been fun to learn the full Air Raid and the philosophy of it.
From the 2019 season to now, after all the time put in on fine-tuning your skills, where are you seeing the biggest improvements?
I see my biggest improvement in my arm strength and moving out of the pocket. I wasn’t able to move that well last year. There has been a big jump there and with my arm strength too.
What offensive set will you be running when the 2020 season begins with the Mustangs?
We run a combo Air Raid and Spread, 50-50 run and pass.
When possible, what have you been doing to keep chemistry going with your guys?
Once we figured out the pandemic was happening, I was throwing with all my receivers. Every day I was throwing with them and lifting with them. With the club ball going on, a lot of the same guys are playing on my team. There are a lot of the high school guys that are playing on that team getting ready for the season, if it happens.
Dyllan, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the team success this weekend in the playoffs.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Devitt family; Dyllan Devitt in action