Interview: 3-Star 2022 California QB Elijah Ortiz Taking Over the Offense at Torrey Pines
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The push is coming in California for the 2020 high school football season to finally begin, and talents up and down the Golden State cannot be more thrilled. For over a year, every player at every position has been pouring their soul into taking their game to that next level with an opportunity to showcase it on the field in front of friends and family, the fanbase, and equally as important college coaches. One of those rising talents where the storyline hold truest is with Class of 2022 quarterback Elijah Ortiz. The 6-3, 185-pound, talent can sling it, he just needs the season to cement his place on recruiting boards with college coaches.
Once the season gets going, Ortiz will be slinging the ball with Torrey Pines after suiting up with Grossmont during the 2019 campaign. With his new squad, teams like New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Dartmouth, Harvard, Morningside Wyoming, and Hawaii will all be watching.
In an RNG first-look interview, Ortiz sat down for a Q&A interview covering ground on his workouts and new offense with the Falcons.
Interview
Elijah, during the 2019 season, what style of offense were you executing?
We were running a Spread, and variations of that. Just like what we are doing at Pines. The offense is perfect for a quarterback; I like the offense.
Once the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
Good question. My arm power, I was accurate, but I always want more and have room to improve and stuff to learn.
Throughout this extended offseason, what have you been working on with a focus on your technique and fundamentals?
I have been working with a lot of quarterback coaches. I have been working on getting bigger, faster, and doing a lot of work on my mechanics with my footwork and drops. Last season I struggled with on the run stuff, I have been working on that a lot. Now, I have been confident with that part of my game and making good throws. With my release point, I had a tendency to drop the ball. COVID has given me extra time to work on that.
What are some of the workouts you’ve been doing to increase your arm strength and footspeed?
We’ve been having morning lifts at my school, a couple of days a week. Bands is a big part of my routine to increase my arm strength, running as well.
How have you pushed your knowledge of the game forward?
I have been studying a lot since I have been going to Torrey Pines. I have been studying the playbook a lot. When I watch film, I am looking at the line and to see how to beat different coverages. When I went to Grossmont, I was at Patrick Henry first. My coach there was JT O’Sullivan, he’s a former NFL quarterback. He really helped me with my reads. He exposed me to a different part of the game that I never knew about.
Have you been to any camps this winter to show off the talents?
I just went to a Showcase, that is where I got my three-stars from 247.
What did you do well at camp to earn the three-star recruiting status?
It was a two-day camp. On the first day I was showcasing my skills. On the second day, it was invite-only. On the second day I balled out.
Are you playing 7v7?
For my high school team. We have a 7v7 team, the Dirty Birds. Our coach is trying to get a season in for us in between getting ready for our high school season, our six-game season.
Once the 2020 season gets going, you mentioned you guys will be running a Spread, what routes will your receivers be running in the scheme?
You name it. Our offensive coordinator/quarterback coach has me throwing everything. It is a very diverse offense. One play I will throw short and the next I will be going down the field.
You touched on this a few minutes ago, going deeper. How have you worked with your receiving targets to develop chemistry?
Coming to this school, it was new. It was like the first day at school. Torrey Pines has a good program, the kids welcomed me. I have been throwing on the weekends with them doing what we can to get better. A couple of my receivers are Boise State commits; they are great athletes who are wanting to work hard. We are all doing what we can to get better.
What are you ready to showcase with your developing skills after all this hard work?
I want to showcase what I can do, show my talent, and my level of play. I want to prove what I can do and show it on the field.
Elijah, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you and Torrey Pines a successful 2020 season. Keep us in the loop and let us know how it is going.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Ortiz family; Elijah Ortiz