Interview: 3-Star 2022 California QB Travis Plugge Lighting Them Up at Garces Memorial
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When one starts mentally putting together the prototypical collegiate quarterback, Class of 2022 three-star talent Travis Plugge checks them all off. At 6-5, 215, Plugge has no trouble reading defenses over the trench hogs picking apart California secondaries at will. When he drops back, Plugge has a smooth throwing motion with a Saturday arm connecting with Garces Memorial teammates all over the field. When it comes to understanding the game, Plugge is that true student-athlete applying his 4.9 cumulative GPA to understanding the nuances on the field. All of those needed traits are calling out to next level scouts across the country.
During a four-game appearance with Frontier High School in 2019, Plugge showed snippets of what was to come completing 41 passes for 534 yards with two scores. Executing a Run and Shoot attack this spring, Plugge has thrown for 317 yards with five touchdowns in the Rams’ first two outings. Displaying that last part college coaches now want in their offensive attack, the junior has covered 65 yards on nine totes with a trip into the end zone.
After an offseason filled with 7v7 ball lining up with Formula 4 Speed and training sessions with QB coach Steve Calhoun, Plugge stopped by the RNG Lab for a first-look interview detailing all the hard work put into his game.
Interview
Travis, everyone in California has been waiting a long time for the 2020 season to begin. How does it feel to be back in the pads slinging it around the yard?
It felt unbelievable for the first game. As soon as it started with practices, it was crazy to think we’d get a season in during the spring. We flew around the field like it was fall. It was awesome.
Last season you were executing the offense at Frontier. In 2019, what scheme were you running?
At Frontier we ran a pro-style offense with 20 personnel. Sometimes we’d go 10 personnel to spread it out. We were 50-50 run-pass.
What scheme are you running this season?
A Run and Shoot, like Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington State. In this offense, I can call my own plays and react to the defense.
Which routes are you connecting on with your receivers this season?
We throw comebacks, seams, hitches, a lot of corners, and slants.
Your throwing motion is about as smooth as it gets. When it comes to your technique as a passing quarterback, what do you feel are the strengths to your game?
My arm strength is really good and I am good at getting it out quickly. Steve Calhoun has helped me with my motion. He has helped me throw that tight ball into small windows with power.
In the two games played this season, where are you showing the biggest improvements already?
I am throwing more passes downfield, 15 yards or greater. This season I am getting it out quicker, reading defenses better, getting it into better windows and I am more accurate.
To prepare for the season, did you play 7v7 or club ball?
I played 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed, but that was cut short with season.
Playing 7v7 ball with Formula 4 Speed, how did that help you prepare for action on the field this spring?
With the athletes we had, and we had really good ones and played tough competition, it helped me get the ball out on time, read defenses better, and know what the defense is doing so you know how to react. That has helped me a ton with the season we are having.
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned training with a quarterback coach. When you trained with Coach Calhoun, what was the focus of those training sessions for you?
With Coach Calhoun, we did a lot on getting the ball out quicker and having a faster throwing motion. I have a problem splitting my hands and bringing the ball back; he helped me speed that up.
Which team do the Rams have next?
We have Sierra Canyon on Saturday.
What are you expecting from their defense?
We have watched their defense on film. They are fast and tough, and the No. 3 ranked team. We have a solid plan for their defense.
When the season is completed, are there any camps you may attend?
Yes. I plan on going to the Elite 11 this spring. For college camps, I want to get up north to Cal and Stanford. I also want to get out of California for some college camps. I am planning on going to the east coast for camps at North Carolina, some Ivy League camps, and Wake Forest.
Let’s go into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
I am receiving a lot of interest from Ivy League schools such as Dartmouth, Columbia, and Yale. Closer to home, I am receiving interest from San Jose State and Fresno State.
With the Ivy League interest, what is your cumulative GPA?
My GPA is a 4.9.
That is fantastic.
Thank you.
Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?
No. I am taking the ACT in May and the SAT in June.
Travis, thank you for your time today. Wishing you and the Rams success the rest of the way.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit. Plugge family; Travis Plugge