Interview: 4,500-Yard 3-Star 2021 QB Ace Whitehead is a Top Overlooked Texas Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If a high school kid can spin the pigskin in Texas with great success, that typically translates to a standout collegiate career. One of the rising stars out of the Lone Star State showing he can be the next in the long line of Texas quarterbacks to make his mark at the next level is Ace Whitehead.
The Lampasas High School standout entered his junior season having thrown for 5,296 yards and 54 touchdowns the two years prior then laid it on extra thick in 2019 hitting 260 of 373 passes for 4,529 yards and 54 touchdowns against just six picks. Additionally, the 5-11, 185-pound, gunslinger was given the option to showcase his running skills even more torching 4A defenses for 723 yards posting 21 more touchdowns on the big board. The 2019 season brought the accolades deserving of his on the field success bringing home 4A Area Player of the Year and 4A All-State Offensive Player of the Year honors.
In a surprising turn, college programs have been slow to make it to Lampasas to watch the dynamic three-star (QB Hit List) sling the rock.
Whitehead makes a return visit to the RNG Lab dishing on the 2019 season, his offseason workouts with a look ahead to possible college camps.
*Click link for Dec. 6, 2019, RNG interview with Ace Whitehead
Interview
Ace, we caught up last during the Badgers playoff run. Looking back on the 2019 season, which areas of your game grew the most in the team’s Spread offense?
“I’d say, when we got into the playoffs, coach wanted me to run more. That added a dimension to our offense and my game. I got better at that. My decision making continued to get better and grow. That is a big part of playing QB in our offense.”
What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game now?
“My athletic ability, making plays, and mental and physical toughness. I have a smaller build, but I can take some licks. But no one is going to hit me hard enough to knock me out of the game. My athletic abilities help me the most.”
How have you been expanding your mental aspect to the game this offseason?
“My head coach and I have been together for three years, we spend a lot of time together. We call each other to talk schemes and cover what we can do to be successful. He calls the plays on Friday. We are talking to each other getting a good feel for what each other likes for this season.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on with your spring workouts?
“Putting on weight and muscle to help me be a more physical runner. I’m doing workouts in a velocity program that is normally meant for baseball, but it helps with football to get more zip on the ball.”
This summer, are you planning on competing at any camps?
“Yes. I think I’m going to Stephen F. Austin and I may go to a Baylor camp. Most of my summer will be playing showcase tournament’s for baseball.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest as we near camp season?
“Stephen F. Austin, I have talked to Air Force a little bit, Sam Houston State, and Texas State a little bit.”
Did you get a chance to take any visits before the dead period kicked in?
“I was scheduled to go to a Stephen F. Austin Junior Day but that was postponed.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned trips on the schedule?
“Stephen F. Austin, I know the coach at Air Force wants me up there in June, that could be pushed back with all that is going on.”
My virus buster question. What have you been doing to pass the time in a fun way over the last couple of weeks?
“Playing a lot of Modern Warfare. There are about eight of us in my hometown playing. We play as a team or against each other. It is better as a team, when we play as individuals it gets heated.”
No doubt. That competitive fire. Ace, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you luck with the rest of your spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: The Gonzalez Enquirer; No. 2 Ace Whitehead throwing on the run
Photo credit: Killeen Daily Herald; No. 2 Ace Whitehead