Interview: 3-Star 2021 Washington QB Chance McDonald Talks Elite 11 Regional Performance
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Steilacoom High School football team was not a group to be trifled with during the 2019 season. The Sentinels started out 1-2 but then rolled to an 11-3 record marching their way to the 2A state title game. The offense was prolific scorching defenses for an average of 43 points per game behind gunslinger Chance McDonald. The 6-2, 194-pound, quarterback slung the ball all around the gridiron completing 66 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards with 49 passing scores while posting two rushing touchdowns. McDonald earned Southwestern League MVP honors for his work and produced the second-most passing yards in the state of Washington last season. His high production has already brought in offers from Georgetown and Idaho along with an invite to the Elite 11 Regional held in Los Angeles on Saturday (March 7).
In a return to the RNG Lab, McDonald goes in-depth on his offseason workouts, recruiting, and performance at the Elite 11 Regional.
*Click link for Dec. 10, 2019, RNG interview with Chance McDonald
Interview
Chance, when we last spoke, we covered how much your game had grown on the field during the 2019 season. I’d like to start off today covering the work you are putting in on your game this offseason. How are you expanding your understanding and knowledge of the game this spring?
“Our defensive coordinator gets film for us; we’re already looking over teams for this year. We are seeing how they might play against us.”
Which parts of your mechanics and/or technique are you working on?
“Mostly I’m working on my pocket presence and footwork. I noticed that during the season that needed to improve more. I am working to become better in the pocket, increasing my arm speed, and on throwing more accurate passes.”
Over the weekend I saw you slinging it at the Elite 11 Regional in Los Angeles; how did that camp go for you?
“It was a fun camp to be at, and I did really well. I enjoyed the coaching and I learned some things. I was happy to be there did and feel that I did well.”
Were there any tips given to you by the coaches there that will help you going forward?
“On roll out throws, keeping my shoulders level and getting turned around so that I do not throw high balls. That tip, that was really useful.”
Every athlete in every sport has a chip on their shoulder or a certain level of confidence in their game, especially when compared against those in their peer group. After competing at camps last summer and again this spring, what do you feel separates you from other quarterbacks in the 2021 class?
“I feel like everyone is great, but one part of my game that separates me is my footwork and my base. The best part of my mechanics comes from my legs. My platform is really good. I am on balance for throws.”
What other camps might you attend coming up?
“I am going to Georgetown in July. We are still figuring out the other camps I will be going to over the summer. I know I am going to the Pacific Lutheran padded team camp and I will be playing 7v7.”
Which 7v7 team are you playing with this spring?
“ETA, out of Monroe.”
Last part of the interview. If you will, update me on which schools are showing recruiting interest.
“The schools showing the most interest are Boston College, Idaho, Eastern Washington, Oregon State – they are showing a lot of love, I’m going there in April, and Stanford.”
*Idaho offered after this interview was conducted
Beyond the Oregon State visit, are there any other schools you may visit upcoming?
“Eastern Washington – I am going there for an unofficial visit.”
Chance, it is always great catching up with you. Congratulations on your success at the Elite 11 Regional and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter/McDonald family; Chance McDonald on the field
Photo credit: Elite 11/McDonald family; Chance McDonald at the Elite 11 Regional