Interview: 2022 Texas QB Steven Stackhouse has the Saturday Arm Building the Skills with Experience
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The high school football game for each individual player is about establishing a foundation and building upon it improving through the tenure for those with collegiate aspirations. For Class of 2022 quarterback Steven Stackhouse, his jumping off point was a good one. The 6-1, 185-pound, dual-threat showcased the arm and developing technique working Brenham’s Spread attack passing for 1,653 yards with 20 touchdowns while rushing for 363 yards and four scores during their 10-game 2020 schedule.
Capable of making all of the Saturday throws and with the grit and determination to improve on his mechanics and technique, Stackhouse’s 2020 performance has him as one of the rising gunslingers in his class. For an overview on his first varsity going against Texas 5A competition, Stackhouse sat down for an RNG interview.
Interview
Steven, in the 10 games on the Cubs schedule, you put up some big numbers. How do you feel the season went for you personally?
Personally, I feel like I got better each game. This was my first year on varsity. I had some struggles early, but my coaches and teammates picked me up. Win and get better, that is the goal, and I did that. The playoffs did not go how we wanted, but I felt ready and my coaches and teammates helped me get there even through the tough times.
What offensive scheme were you executing?
We run an RPO (run-pass option), a lot of RPO. We run and fade off it to the X and Y with a defensive end read. The coaches leave it up to me to make the read, reading the end or cornerback. We had a lot of success off zone and RPO plays.
Which routes were the receivers running in the scheme?
They ran a lot of posts, fades, and out routes. Our guys were talented. Our receivers could beat them with speed. It was my job to throw it out there quickly so they can go get it and make plays.
What were some of the coverages you were seeing when you dropped back?
Cover 2 usually. A few times, like in the Marble Falls game, we saw Cover 1 but they ended up in Cover 2. The one-high safety, they’d have him roll him up so eventually it was a Cover 2. I did see some Cover 4 this season.
With all the varsity experience garnered this season, how did your overall game improve as a quarterback?
My footwork improved a lot. We watched a lot of film to see what I was doing; I was rushing my steps. On a three-step drop after play action, I was taking one step. It would mess up the timing. The timing got better after I corrected that and my pocket got cleaner. My coaches helped me get there. Once my coaches saw that I had corrected my steps, they started passing more.
What do you now feel are the strengths to your game as a quarterback?
My biggest strengths are the deep ball, my accuracy, and my playmaking ability. I am good at keeping my eyes down the field. When we need a play, I will make. My deep ball and playmaking ability are strengths.
You picked up some big yards and scores with your run game, how did that part of your skillset evolve during the 2020 season?
My coaches would see me in practice running, they’d tell me to do it more, but with less cuts. I am not afraid of contact; I will fight for the extra yards. When we needed yards, I knew if I pulled it on the read that would open it up for the backs. If they did not respect me as a runner, I’d keep pulling it until they stopped me. It is tough to stop a team with a good running back and quarterback running it.
Agreed. Through the 10-game schedule, in which game did you turn in your top performance?
I’d say the Bastrop game. They weren’t the best team, but it was as much about the game we came off of. My improvement from one game to the other improved a lot. I had a big performance and my confidence improved in that game.
Going into your offseason, what technique work are you focused on to prepare for the 2021 season?
I have been working on my feet and using my hips when I throw. I worked on that last offseason, but you can always can improve. My release too and setting my feet when I throw, those are two other things I have been working on this offseason. A lot of times I was making plays off using my arm, but if I can work on that more, I will be more accurate. I am working with my trainers to get better.
How are you working to increase your strength, speed, and agility work?
I workout with Coach Taylor; he’s a coach out of the Houston area. I want to get bigger, faster, and stronger. Working on my speed will help a lot. I will do what I need to do to get there. This offseason there will be a lot of weightlifting and speed training for me.
Steven, I appreciate your time today. Congratulations on a successful first varsity season. Wishing you success with your offseason workouts until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Stackhouse family; Steven Stackhouse