Interview: 3-Star 2021 QB Ethan Grady is Ripping It for St. Monica
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watching Class of 2021 quarterback Ethan Grady sling the ball around the yard last season, one would not know that was his first full season in the pocket as a starter. The 6-4, 210-pound, field general ripped apart California defenses for St. Monica High School completing at a 70 percent clip covering 2,266 yards with 21 touchdowns in just eight games. The three-star talent is pulling national recruiting attention his way with two offers from Northern Arizona and San Jose State and interest building from Pac-12, Mountain West Conference, and Ivy League programs.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Grady for an update on his skills on the field and recruiting process off it.
Interview
Ethan, statistically you tore apart defenses last season averaging 283 yards per game while completing 70 percent of your passes. What’s your secret? How were you able to pick them apart like that?
“A lot of it went into preparation with my receivers. I had a good connection with all my guys, I knew where they were going to be and we had a good trust level. The other was my coaches putting us in a good position with the best plays we could execute in games. The preparation going into games, watching film, and knowing their weak guys.”
What style of offense were the Mariners running in 2019?
“We were full Air Raid, all shotgun. We had a good tempo on offensive with four and five wide.”
Which routes were you throwing to within the offense?
“A lot of routes with a good variety. We had a screen game, RPO (run-pass option), and a lot of deep outs and comebacks. We had Kyle Williams, he took the top off defenses running go-routes and posts.”
How did your play as a quarterback improve in the passing attack?
“I improved mentally and the game was slowing down. Last season was my first full year starting varsity. I became more comfortable and confident throughout the season. I think that was my biggest improvement. The game kind of slowed down towards the end of the season.”
This was touched on a minute ago. Going further in-depth, what were some of the methods you were using during the week to prepare for Friday nights?
“Normally at the beginning of the week I would sit down with my coaches. At first it was not too in-depth, they made it simple for us. We would identify the other team’s weakness and went over how other teams were beating them before, then we would put that in our game plan. Coach Anton Clarkson’s experience at the college and the NFL levels showed me how to prepare for games and what all goes into that at that level.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“Trying to improve my explosiveness and speed with strength workouts. I know I can add more in the running game as a power runner, breaking out of sacks, and extending plays. I am getting my body ready for the best senior season possible.”
What has been your daily routine this spring to stay in shape without team workouts?
“After school gets out at 3:00, I go to my garage and workout with my brother and dad with weights. We lift for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Every couple of days go for a run, work on the ladders, and do speed stuff. I am doing a good variety to stay in shape.”
If the college camp season happens, are you planning on competing at any?
“From what I have heard from coaches, it is really up in the air and they are not positive on it happening. If it does happen, some of the camps I may attend are the Azusa Pacific camps, I enjoyed that last year. They have good coaches and good schools there. Another is the Redlands camps with some Pac-12 schools there. I am hoping to get out to the east coast for some Ivy League camps. I’d also like to camp at Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State and some other Mountain West Conference schools if I can.”
You have the offers from Northern Arizona and San Jose State, which other schools are showing interest?
“Some Mountain West Conference schools like Nevada, Wyoming, UNLV, New Mexico, Colorado State and Ivy League schools like Yale, Columbia, and Cornell. Arizona, Oregon State and Louisville are showing interest as well.”
Going back over the last few months, did you get a chance to visit any schools?
“After our season I went to a game at Colorado State. I was able to go to San Jose State a week before everything shutdown. I was hoping to get to do more and throw for some coaches this spring.”
With the San Jose State visit, how did that go?
“That was my second time there, I went there last summer. It was cool to be with all those coaches and building on that relationship was cool.”
And the Colorado State trip, how did that go?
“It was awesome. It was really cold, about 20 degrees and it snowed a lot. They said that was one of the coldest games in the last six year, but I loved it. The coaches, their facilities, and the atmosphere, I enjoyed everything. It was awesome.”
Again, treading into the unknown, but do you have any planned visits you may take in the coming months?
“I want to get out to Wyoming, Colorado State again, and UNLV. Other than that, I am playing it by ear. I will see who I am talking to at that point the most and plan trips that way.”
Quick question about your grades. What is your cumulative GPA?
“A 3.75.”
Last one for you, my virus buster. What are you doing to entertain yourself during this odd time?
“Most kids are playing video games. My brother and I have been designing cleats and painting them, that and video games is pretty much it.”
If you will, tell me about the painting and designing of the cleats.
“We are working on custom cleats and working on cool designs for our cleats. We’ve been messing around with that using stencils for logos; we are in the process of trying to figure it out and coloring them in cool ways.”
Ethan, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Grady family; No. 7 Ethan Grady (2019)