Interview: 3-Star 2020 California CB/APB Quentin Moten Covers Breakout Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Quentin Moten earned football’s athlete label the hard way last season with a breakthrough performance as a two-way player for Rancho Cucamonga. With the Cougars losing key skill talent off the 2017 roster, there was a void to fill and Moten turned the opportunity into a showcase.
The marks for a great season ahead as a corner were there for Moten after his sophomore season. He came up with 17 total stops and picked off two passes. As all talented players do, Moten took his game to the next level against Division I Baseline League competition ending his junior campaign with 39 tackles, one tackle for a loss, two interceptions, and seven passes broken up. What was produced on offense was the shocker for those outside the program. The 5-10, 178-pound, athlete worked his magic for 693 yards off 86 totes with eight trips into the end zone. Working his way into an all-purpose back, he pulled in four passes for 25 more yards with another touchdown.
The work on and off the field has led to an offer from BYU with interest coming in from Utah, Boise State, Fresno State, and Kansas State. To gain insight on his talents on the field, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one interview with Moten.
Interview
Quentin, your junior campaign was a big one for you, and on both sides of the ball. Going into the year did you know you would have that big of an impact for the Cougars?
“I did. I knew I had to come in ready to play. I knew it was my season to make an impact. We had a lot of seniors that left the team. It was my time to step up.”
How did you prepare week to week for a game given all that you did on the field?
“After school I would go watch film and then hit the field for practice. We go at it in practice. I have great receivers that give me good competition in practice that helps me in the games. That helps overall.”
On offense, how were your athletic talents utilized within the offense?
“They threw me in at running back. Mark (Perry) and I split reps out of the backfield. We used our athletic abilities to make plays. There was no real featured running back this year between us. We were used up the gut… we did everything asked of us. I even went into the slot a couple of times.”
How did you see your game improve as a playmaker throughout the year?
“What made me explosive was track. That helped a lot. I got my speed up and I maintained my speed throughout the season.”
What about on defense, how did that part of your game develop in 2018?
“I developed from my sophomore year. Going up against our receivers, Silas Bolden and Devvin Gitchuway, they are fast receivers. Doing one-on-ones against them in practice, that helped me a lot. That helped me going against top receivers like Johnny Wilson at Calabasas in games.”
Are you playing ironman football again in 2019 going both ways?
“Yes, sir.”
How are you preparing for the year ahead now?
“We have been doing a lot of workouts. I am in track now. After track, I am back in football full-time.”
Which events in track are you running?
“I am in the 100, 4×1, 4×2, 200, and long jump.”
What are your best times in the 100 and 200, and which is your best event?
“The 200 is my best event, but I do like the 100. My best in the 200 is a 21.9 and I am at an 11-flat in the 100.”
Which camps have you been to this offseason?
“I went to the Under Armour All-American camp and to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”
How did the Under Armour Camp go?
“It went really well. I had a good time. I showed out.”
Are you going to any camps upcoming?
“I know I am going to some of the Redlands camps in June.”
You have the BYU offer, which schools are showing additional interest?
“I am receiving interest from Utah – most definitely, Fresno State, Kansas State, and Boise State as well.”
Have you visited any schools this offseason?
“Yes. I just took a visit to Utah last weekend. Me and my quarterback, CJ Stroud, went up there. We had a good time.”
What are your thoughts on the Utah trip?
“It went really well. I liked the environment there and the coaches are cool. I was a nice experience.”
Are you taking any other visits in the near future?
“I plan on going to BYU, next month or in June, and I am going to Oregon State in June.”
Last couple of questions. What do you love about playing football?
“I love the intensity of the game and giving it all I got on the field. Football is a fun game to play.”
Beyond the passion for the game, what motivates you to work hard day in and day out pushing yourself to be the best you can be?
“I am mainly just trying to make it the top to live a better life for me and my family.”
Quentin, I had fun doing the interview with you today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Moten family; Quentin Moten at Utah