Interview: 4-Star 2020 QB Shane Illingworth has Norco Rolling into Big VIII League Action
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
High school football action in the state of California has been exciting since the opening week, but everything is about to turn up a notch with teams entering league play. One Golden State team ready to ride the arm of their quarterback through conference play and into the playoffs is Norco High School. The quarterback ready to lead them through all the tough games is Class of 2020 gunslinger Shane Illingworth.
Illingworth might be a step beyond the prototypical quarterback. He has better than wanted size coming in at 6-6, 235 pounds, and is mobile in the pocket with the ability to extend plays as needed. The arm strength is there with the ability to make any pass needed on the gridiron. Now the production is matching the overall skillset. Limited to six games in 2018 with Villa Park due to CIF transfer rules, Illingworth hit 42 of 66 passes for 613 yards with 10 touchdowns tossed without an interception. That same approach with accuracy and taking care of the ball has followed him to Norco High School where he has connected on 78 of 125 for 1,152 yards with 14 touchdowns against just two picks in five games.
The stat line for Illingworth is not fluffed without meaning seeing the Cougars race out to a 4-1 record with a lone loss coming against the Trinity League’s Servite. A race through the Big VIII League will not be easy with crosstown rival, No. 8 nationally ranked, Centennial waiting on Oct. 12. The play against top competition has led to six offers coming from Arkansas, Arizona State, Louisville, San Jose State, Arizona, and Colorado with growing interest spanning the country. The fantastic start for Illingworth should help double the offer and interest sheet as the season continues.
In a RNG catch-up interview, Illingworth and I covered ground on the first half of the season with an update on his recruiting process.
*Click link for July 12, 2018, RNG video interview with Shane Illingworth
Interview
Shane, the Cougars look to be firing on all cylinders this season racking up a 4-1 record. What is working for you guys on offense allowing the squad to average 42 points per game?
“We are coming out with a balanced attack. The run is helping the pass and the pass is helping the run.”
Of the five games played, which one was the toughest for you but helped you grow as a player due to the challenge?
“I thought the Vista Murrieta game was challenging (won 30-23). Their defense deserves credit. It was a fun and a hard game. That game helped us grow as a team.”
Which game has been your best so far?
“Either the Vista Murrieta or Servite game (lost 37-32). Against Vista Murrieta, I extended the play to make plays. I created momentum for our team. Against Servite, I found the open man for touchdowns.”
You just dropped 52 points on Redlands East Valley, how did the game go for you personally?
“It went well. We did what we wanted to do. We attacked them. My deep ball was really good in that game, it showed.”
Not only have you been accurate this year completing 62 percent of your passes, but you have also taken care of the ball with a 14/2 touchdown-interception ratio. What are you doing in the pocket and/or in game preparation allowing you to be successful on the field?
“I am taking what the defense is giving me. When they take out the underneath routes, then we go over their heads.”
With your skillset, where are you seeing the biggest improvement in your abilities as a quarterback this season?
“Being comfortable, making the correct reads, and managing the game the right way.”
For the second half of the season, what are your goals?
“I’d like for us to go 5-0.”
Can’t let you go without a couple of recruiting questions, which schools have been responding to the great season you’ve been having so far?
“Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Arizona, Arizona State, USC, UCLA, Washington State, Arkansas, and LSU have been showing a lot of interest.”
Do you plan to take any unofficial visits during the season?
“No. I will take visits after the season.”
Did you get to watch any college football on Saturday, if so, which teams did you watch and what impressed you?
“I watched Auburn verses LSU, Arizona State verses San Diego State, Washington verses Utah, and USC verses Texas. I love ASU’s scheme. I like their physicality and their run and pass game. I like how LSU never gave up.”
I’ve been asking everyone this, which four teams do you have in the College Football Playoff?
“Oklahoma, Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson.”
Strong picks. Shane, thanks for your time today and good luck in league action.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Mamarazzi; No. 16 Shane Illingworth in action