Interview: 3-Star 2022 California QB Kyle Crum Updates College Camp Circuit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
In every high school football season, a star is born on the field. During the 2020 California schedule, the latest to draw the spotlight his way is Class of 2022 quarterback Kyle Crum.
Even in a shortened season, Crum still put on a show. The three-star Norco High School field general led the Cougars on a 5-0 campaign hitting 64 of 99 passes for 1,254 yards with 14 scores going up on the board. Where Crum further impressed was with his running talents covering 185 yards on 28 totes with five trips into the end zone. Mixed in among the great stats and undefeated season was the Southern California pillar shaking 38-36 victory Norco had over crosstown rival Centennial. The productivity on the field coupled with the marque win over a national powerhouse aided in Crum taking home Big VIII League MVP honors.
As Crum prepares to ball out for a full senior season, he’s drawing in more college recruiting interest spinning the pigskin at camps. For insight on his offseason workouts and college camp performances, Crum stopped by the RNG Lab.
Interview
Kyle, you got great quality snaps behind current Oklahoma State quarterback Shane Illingworth during your sophomore season. Getting that field time coupled with the mental reps, how did that help prepare you for the breakout season produced this spring?
Shane was a huge help. He taught me a lot about reading defenses and playing at the next level. My sophomore season helped me get the nerves out to step into a leadership role my junior season.
You laid it on Big VIII League teams with your arm and running skills. How would you describe your talents and abilities as a quarterback?
I’m blessed to have both; I throw well and I am a threat in the run game. With my abilities, I give my team opportunities to put points on the board and not let defenses stack the box or drop everyone back using my run and my pass against them.
Running the Cougars’ Spread attack, what did you feel you were able to showcase during your junior campaign?
I was able to showcase a lot of things. My arm strength was one; we had a lot of deep ball touchdowns. I had a lot of good rushes and showed my command on the field. My coaches and I work well together. He lets me call plays or check out of plays. I got to showcase that as well.
Through the five-game season, in which game did you turn in your best personal performance?
Against Centennial. That was huge for us, our school, and our city. We all came out to perform in that one. That was probably my favorite game.
Against the Huskies, what did you do well to make it your top personal performance?
I made quick decisions. They bring a lot of pressure, have great DBs running man coverage. I had to find the mismatches and get the ball in the right spot at the right time. That was huge for us.
Is there an aspect to your game that might get overlooked?
My ability to make plays with my feet and getting out of the pocket. I may not look like I can run, but I can get out of the pocket and make plays happen.
Since the season ended, what have you been working on preparing for your senior season?
I have been working a lot on focusing on my accuracy and improving my arm strength. I have been working with my coach on the weekend and with my team playing 7v7, and we are getting into full practices again.
How have you been pushing forward on your understanding of defenses?
We have film study every day for 30 minutes. Coach Chastain helps me break down defenses. Before every game we breakdown film, that helps me make quicker decisions on the field.
Let’s stick with your knowledge base for a minute. What is your cumulative GPA?
4.5.
Impressive.
Thank you.
Do you have a QB trainer?
Yes, Coach Murad Tolbert
May be repetitive, but what are you working on with Coach Tolbert?
We do a variety of things, footwork, drills, and work on mechanics getting dialed in. We do a lot of film study together.
From my research, you also play basketball; how did the 2020-21 season go on the hardwood?
It went well. We went deep into the playoffs. I started every game; it was a good season. I enjoyed playing.
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
Yes, I have been to three Redlands camps and I have a fourth one today (Thursday). Later this summer, I am going out to the east coast to Yale, Harvard, and Columbia in July.
The Redlands camps overall, how have they gone for you?
Really well. I enjoy those camps. There are so many colleges that I have been able to talk to like Cal Poly and San Diego; I’ve been messaging with those coaches and building a relationship with them.
At the Redlands camps, which colleges have you thrown for so far?
Cal Poly, San Diego, Yale at Winners Circle, UNLV, Oklahoma, Arizona State, and the Redlands coaches.
Going into recruiting. Which programs are now showing interest?
Yale is showing the most. They send tons of postcards and have done Zoom calls with me. Eastern Washington, UC Davis – I have talked to them, Fresno State, Columbia – I have done Zoom calls with them.
You just mentioned heading out to the east coast coming up for some camps; are there any other visits you may take this summer?
I am going to UCLA in July on a visit.
Kyle, thank you for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck with the upcoming camps and visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Crum family; Kyle Crum