Interview: 3-Star Indiana QB Colton Pence Seeking to Repeat During Senior Season
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Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Winning has a way of making the opposition bitter and angry, and Evansville Memorial gave good reason for opposing 4A Indiana schools to pin them up on the bulletin board this offseason. During the 2019 season the Tigers poured it on teams rolling to a 13-1 record hoisting a trophy on the field at season’s end. The success was guided by first-year quarterback Colton Pence giving way to a hopeful repeat in 2020.
Few players ever get to claim a state championship, and even fewer quarterbacks get to do it during their first varsity run under center. But that is what Pence did as a junior switching to quarterback after a successful sophomore season at receiver. The understanding of defenses, timing, and route running parlayed in the pocket with 2,121 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for another 247. The post-season honors added up for Pence topping out with first team All-State accolades.
With only five seniors back on the Tigers’ roster in 2020, a youth movement is on the way in Evansville. The Tigers have started out 3-3 with their three-star dual-threat hitting 95 of 154 passes for 1,078 yards with five scores and has rushed for another 89 twice making a trip into the end zone. All is adding up for a dramatic ending on the Indiana gridiron, all to the fans’ delight.
In an RNG initial interview partnered with QB Hit List, Pence takes time out from his weekly game preparations to update us on his senior season with insight on the schools that might be dropping an offer to pair with the one in-hand from Valparaiso.
*Click link for Colton Pence’s QB Hit List profile page
Interview
Colton, the Tigers were near flawless as season ago taking home a 4A Indiana state championship. The proverbial bull’s eye is on your guys in 2020. How has taking every team’s best shot helped you to up your game as a senior?
It adds more to each game. I know that teams are out to get us after our success and in years prior. I think each week you have to go in with the mindset that you have to take the week as serious as possible, and go one week at a time.
Knowing this would be a big year for you in more ways than one, what did you work on with the small details of your game over the spring and summer months?
I worked on a lot, did a lot of different workouts to help gain muscle, and I kept my arm in shape. I did some 7v7 in the offseason, that has helped with my arm strength and accuracy. You are never out of the season in football. I had a trainer in Indy, Lavar Johnson, we did a bunch of footwork drills. We focused on footwork more than upper body.
What were some of the big physical gains you made with all the various workouts before the season began?
At the end of last year I was at 165 pounds, maybe under. I started this year at 185. That was a big part of what I was working on trying to improve all aspects of my game.
Nice. Six games into the season, where are you seeing the biggest improvements with your technique?
With my footwork, most definitely. Last year was my first year playing quarterback. Before that I was playing receiver. With the switch last season, I was still adapting. If you see my film, my footwork has gotten a lot better.
Let’s talk about that. During the 2018 season, how did the season go for you at receiver?
I had 52 catches for 826 yards with nine touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.
What stye of offense are you guys running?
We are a pro-style and Spread. We are balanced offense.
Which routes are you throwing to within the scheme?
We throw almost everything. We have regular ones, drive, slants, corner, comebacks and the fun ones, post-corners and stuff like that. Basically, the whole route tree.
How are defenses lining up against you?
We are seeing all types. Each game is a new type of defense. Some go man all game and some teams are more of a zone defense, Cover 4, 2, and 3. Each week we watch the week before and go off that.
If we were to follow you around for a week watching you prepare for any game, what all would be watching you do?
School and practice, that takes up the day. Then I watch film on my own and I watch some film at practice. Some days we will throw extra and run extra routes.
The rushing touchdowns are a jump in the stat line, are there any other small but important details to all that you do others may be missing?
Leadership is a big one. Last year we had a big senior class, we have five seniors this year. The role in stepping up for us five seniors is big. Another one is reading and understanding defenses. It has slowed down for me this year. Again, this is only my second year playing quarterback. I have made huge steps in understanding what is going on and improving my football IQ.
There are three games left on the schedule with Evansville Reitz (2-4) set for this Friday. What kind of game are you expecting from the Panthers and their defense?
It will be a tough game, for sure. They are a gritty team with a lot of athletes and they are not going to backdown. They are tough no matter the year, and always give you a run for your money.
What is the seeding process like this year for the 4A playoffs?
I believe it is all the same. I’m not sure what would happen if a team has to sit out. All the teams in our sectional are going. It is all normal. We have a regular nine-game season this year.
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are catching on to what you are doing showing interest?
Drake, Marion, and Indiana State, they are showing a lot of interest. The last two weeks, a couple of new colleges have contacted me, Cornell, Missouri S&T and Culver Stockton.
Looking on your Twitter page, I know you got that first big offer, which school offered you?
Valparaiso.
That’s big-time. What was it like getting that offer?
It was an honor. I worked super hard throughout my high school career to get an offer. It was a moment of relief knowing it is all not going for nothing.
Before the campuses shutdown in March, did you get any visits in?
Yes, I had one visit to Indiana State. That was during the offseason.
Have you taken any virtual visits?
Yes, I took one to Valpo and one to Drake.
Do you have any planned in-person visits?
Yes, I have one upcoming to Marion University (NAIA).
When is that?
This weekend.
That will be cool. What all will you be doing during the visit?
I don’t know yet. I am supposed to get more information on Wednesday.
With your personal success at receiver and quarterback, are you set on which position you want to play in college?
Whatever position a college asks me to play, I will play.
Colton, it was great spending time with you today learning about your play on the field and process off it. Wishing you and the team a clean run the rest of the way.
Thank you.
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Photo credit: Kate Durchholz Photography/Pence family; Colton Pence
Photo credit: Sam Owens/Courier & Press/Pence family; Colton Pence