Interview: 3-Star 2021 Texas QB Brayden Schager Preparing to Lead Highland Park
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Once the 2020 season gets going, there might not be a more highly anticipated debut at the Texas 5A classification than Brayden Schager’s. The 6-3, 200-pound, quarterback was the backup to 4-star 2020 dual-threat Chandler Morris last season at Highland Park High School during the Scots’ 11-2 run. The skills for Schager are there backed up by a three-star recruiting ranking and 12 scholarship offers sitting on the table. When the pigskin is set, Schager is ready to come out firing.
In an RNG first-look interview partnered with QB Hit List, Schager steps into the Lab for a in-depth Q&A covering his offseason workouts and recruiting process.
*Click link for Brayden Schager’s QB Hit List profile page
Interview
Brayden, the Scots battled it out during the 2019 playoffs with a three-game run. The overtime game against Lone Star was a barn burner. How did those extra snaps against top 5A Texas teams help further develop your game?
“They helped a lot; we played against great people. Lone Star (Frisco) has some great talent. I think they had a Colorado commit and a great secondary. It is tough to play against teams like that. For me, I did what I could to help Chandler and help our defense, even if I am not the one on the field.”
When it comes time for you to air it out, you can rifle it and drop it in special delivery with touch. Over time, how have you developed your arm strength and delivery?
“I started dedicating myself to working out after my freshman year. Getting stronger in the weight room and developing my form with my QB coaches has helped. They have helped me perfect my form and get the most power I can out of my legs with good form.”
What style of offense were you running last season?
“We ran the Spread.”
Watching your game footage, not just with your mechanics but also with your play fakes, you have everything down. How does the offense fit your talents and abilities?
“I think it is perfect for me to make those throws from one hash to the other, crossing routes at 20 yards, and the things we do fits my play. I look forward to that in college, playing in a Spread. Coach (Randy) Allen, he molds the offense around the guys on offense every year.”
In which ways did you see your game improve during your junior year?
“Making reads, that was different with real game experience. I was going through my reads faster. Learning from Chandler, he taught me a lot. Last season was more on the mental side than anything.”
Which areas of your game have you been working on this offseason?
“I have focused on my running ability and getting my speed up. I am throwing every day and working out and getting my lower body stronger to be in the best shape I can this season.”
How have you pushed your knowledge and understanding of the game this spring?
“We’ve had our weekly Zoom meetings with our QB coach. We are watching film and he sends us links on Hudl to go over. I have been watching those and grinding on that to be prepared for the season. I am doing all I can mentally for us missing spring practices.”
Are you planning on competing at any college camps this summer?
“Definitely. I will try to get out to schools that have offered me; Iowa State, Houston, Nevada, Wyoming, Rice, and Tulsa.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Iowa State, Hawaii, Houston, Nevada, Rice, Wyoming, Dartmouth, Colorado State, Tulsa, ULL (Louisiana), and UTEP; there’s a lot of schools showing interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I just got my 12th offer from Sam Houston State.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Schager’s Offer Sheet: Abilene Christian, Bucknell, Columbia, Fordham, Georgetown, Illinois State, Lehigh, Missouri State, Pennsylvania, Sam Houston State, Texas State, and Toledo
How did the coaches from Sam Houston State offer you?
“I talked to their QB coach on the phone. We’ve been texting each other for a while. I know their receivers’ coach as well; I’ve known them for a while. They made the offer during the call. That was exciting.”
No doubt. Have you had a chance to take any visits over the last few months?
“Yes. I went to Colorado and Rice on game day visits.”
How was the Colorado trip?
“It was awesome. They were the first to recruit me with Coach Johnson and Coach Mel Tucker. That was my second time up there. Those coaches, they are at Michigan State now. I have talked to them a little since they have been there as well.”
And Rice, how did that go?
“That was awesome as well. I went there for a game and then again this spring. I had a 7v7 tournament a month ago there. That was awesome. I talked to their recruiting coordinator and to the coaches as well.”
Once things open back up, do you have any planned trips?
“Probably to Toledo, all unofficial, Texas State, and all the other ones from the camp. Penn and Columbia as well.”
Prepare yourself for my virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun to balance out the school work and workouts?
“Working out, throwing a lot, and we made a franchise league, about 20 of us, on Madden. We’ve been playing that a lot. We’ve been trading and all that. It has been fun and a good distraction for us.”
Which NFL team are you playing with?
“The Dolphins, we drafted the teams.”
How are you doing in the league?
“Last year I was 10-6, and did not make the playoffs. I’m good but not great. I am 3-0 this year.”
Brayden, good luck with your Madden league and offseason workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Schager family and @_tungtat_; Brayden Schager at Colorado and at a 7v7 tournament