Interview: 2023 California QB Caron Tyler Ready to Begin Varsity Career with Chaparral
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
An offensive playmaker lighting up the scoreboards in the Inland Empire was on full display during the 2019 season. On Norco High School’s freshman team, Class of 2023 quarterback Caron Tyler was spinning it at a prolific rate throwing for 27 touchdowns while showing off the dual-threat abilities with six trips into the end zone. With an eye on competing for a starting spot during his sophomore campaign, Tyler took to the offseason working on his mechanics and athleticism. From his action on the field in 7v7 tournaments with Trust the Process (TTP) and padded 11-on-11 club ball, the offseason was a great success.
When the Friday night lights turn on for California’s 2020 season this spring, Tyler will be spreading the ball around in Chaparral High School’s multifaceted attack. Covering ground on his offseason workouts and the QB battle during the Pumas’ preseason practices, Tyler sat down for an RNG one-on-one interview.
Interview
Caron, there is an “it” factor successful quarterbacks have when executing their offense. Even during the 2019 season as a freshman you had that thing. I see in you the extreme confidence, or is it something else?
It is my confidence on the field, for that it factor.
What style of offense were you running in 2019?
The whole offense was out of a Spread. We were doing a lot of zone reads.
Within the scheme, you were spreading it around the field, escaping the pocket while looking downfield, and running some option plays showing off the wheels. When your freshman season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
I feel like the best thing for me was throwing on the run, my pocket presence, and my ball placement.
Going into the offseason, what were all the things you wanted to improve upon before the 2020 season began?
I have been working on staying calm in the pocket and not letting the rush get to me, staying calm. Last season I had a bad habit of brining my elbow down; I have been working on that. There have been a few minor things with my form I have been working on this offseason.
How have you worked to increase your speed, agility, and strength?
During the first part of the offseason, I was lifting and going on the field doing cone drills and working on my 40-yard dash.
Have you been playing 7v7 ball this winter? If so, which team have you been spinning it for?
Yes, with TTP – Trust the Process. We were able to play in two tournaments.
How have the reps in big-time tournaments with TTP helped you improve upon your skills as a QB?
I feel like those reps helped working with and against varsity competition. It has helped me with the speed and timing of the game. It has helped me with everything.
When the 2020 season gets going with Chaparral, what style of offense will you be running?
It is a mix of Spread and some under center; we are doing everything to be honest. They are doing a little bit of everything on the field with us this season.
What are some of the routes within the set?
I am throwing corners, comebacks, quick 10-yard outs, curls, and deep posts.
What has the QB battle been like?
It is looking good. It looks like me, a senior name Frankie (Blanco), and a sophomore are the main ones competing. Frankie and I are competing for the starting job. We may split time, I am not sure.
When did you guys put on the pads?
We just put them on Saturday morning.
Playing 7v7 has helped your adjustment while leveling up, but what have been some of the adjustments you’ve had to make practicing against your varsity teammates?
I am making adjustments. The main thing is taking my time, slowing things down, and reading defenses. I had some trouble reading defenses last year, but I have worked on that.
When is your first varsity game?
On March 19 against Vista Murrieta.
Taking the field as a varsity player for the first time, what will that moment be like for you?
It will be very exciting. I ready to get out there and show what I can do.
Caron, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the Pumas success this spring on the field.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: KC Photo and Tyler family; Caron Tyler in action (2021)