Interview: 3-Star 2022 Islands QB Davin Wydner is Ready to Take on Georgia 3A Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2019 high school football season begins in Georgia, there will be a new three-star gunslinger in the territory ready to shoot down opposing 3A squads. The new kid in town with the gun for an arm is Class of 2022 quarterback Davin Wydner. Wydner has moved from Brevard county in Florida to Savannah picking up new digs with Islands High School. After a tough 2018 season for the Sharks, there is renewed optimism on the sidelines when the team saw their 6-4, 198-pound, leader throw darts in a preseason scrimmage connecting on 19 of 21 passes for 350 yards with five touchdowns.
In an RNG exclusive interview partnered with QB Hit List, I sat down with one of Georgia’s rising 2022 recruiting prospects for an in-depth conversation covering his offseason grind and his conversion into the Sharks offense.
*Click link for Davin Wydner’s QB Hit List profile page
Interview
Davin, what have you been working on with your game over the offseason to prepare for the 2019 season?
“This offseason I went to a lot of great camps. I have been working on getting stronger, improving my footwork and technique, and working on getting the ball out. This has been a big year for me improving my arm strength. I am getting into my lower half with my throws and I am throwing balls with velocity to get ready for the next level.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game from the team’s preseason scrimmage?
“We have great receivers at Islands and a great offensive line. Timing is big in Air-Raid; our timing is starting to click. Everyone is catching the ball and getting up field. I am getting into my body more with my throws and throwing on time and to the correct places.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game as a passer?
“I see the field well and I can pick out coverages. I get the ball out on time to the right routes and into the right holes. I have good placement on balls.”
Back to that scrimmage. How did that scrimmage go for you throwing against competition outside of your teammates in fall camp?
“It was a great game. Our offensive line played great and the receivers were great. We did not have a drop. Everything is starting to click early. We are a young team, but we are looking good on winning a lot of games this year.”
You mentioned going to a lot of camps this summer. Did you go to any college camps? If so, which camps did you compete at this summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to Valdosta State with Tennessee, South Carolina, and the USC (South Carolina) QB Camp. My 7v7 team went to college campuses for 7v7 tournaments as well.”
Of all the camps, which was your best performance?
“My best was the South Carolina camp. There were some great receivers there. I got the ball out on time, my arm was feeling good, I was hitting my spots, I felt good, and I had good footwork. Overall, it was a good day.”
Getting instruction from college coaches brings about learning opportunities. What did you learn from the camps that will help you this season?
“I learned a lot on footwork. I learned some little tweaks I can make to improve my overall game. I learned about getting the ball out on time and with more velocity, and how to have cleaner footwork in the pocket.”
How have you worked your leadership skills with the Sharks offense this offseason?
“When I first stepped in, I knew it would take time to earn their trust. I am being more vocal and making sure we are pushing through past any mental barriers. I am making sure everyone knows the plays and knows what needs to be done. Everyone at Islands, they took me under their wing when I got there. Everything is coming together.”
We’ve talked about this a little bit already with the scrimmage, but how is the offense looking in fall camp?
“Fall camp has been amazing. As mentioned, my offensive line is giving me time to throw. We are clicking and looking right. I feel that we have multiple D-I receivers on the outside. The whole offense is really looking good.”
You guys open on the road on Aug. 30 against Metter. What kind of game are you expecting from the Tigers?
“Metter is very good and physical. They fly around the ball. We have to make them not play their game. We have to get them outside their comfort zone and we have to play our game. If we play our game we will win.”
What other games on the schedule are you looking forward to this season?
“People have asked me about the Benedictine game (Oct. 18). I know they have talent on that team. Jenkins (Oct. 3) is always good. I am looking forward to that. In Week 2 we play Calvary Day. I am looking forward to those games above the rest.”
What goals have you set for yourself?
“Being so young, I want to step in and be a leader on the team. I am trying to do all I can to help win games. If it means breaking records great, but anything that comes along will come along if we are winning games.”
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Photo credit: Wydner family; Davin Wydner