Interview: After Prolific 47-TD Season 2021 California QB Dylan Wheatley Still Weighing Options
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Going tooth and nail, one would be hard pressed to find a Class of 2021 quarterback that torched defenses while lighting up the scoreboard the way Dylan Wheatley did for Citrus Valley during the 2019 schedule. The Blackhawks posted a 10-2 record watching their gunslinger cover 3,312 yards with 47 touchdowns tossed earning All-Citrus Belt League honors. In the year that was, and in some ways continues to linger, the 6-3, 210-pound, quarterback has not had the opportunities to showcase his skills at top showcases, college camps, or even during his senior season… yet. Although missed on by most college scouts, Wheatley holds 11 offers, 10 NAIA and one D-II.
In an RNG detailed conversation, one of the top quarterbacks in the Golden State breaks down his skills and recruiting ahead of a hopeful start to the 2020 California high school football season.
Interview
Dylan, running the Spread for the Blackhawks last season, you were seeing a lot of Cover 0 giving you the opportunity to pick apart California secondaries. Looking back, how did your junior year go for you on the field?
Really good. I had 47 touchdowns as a junior. More than the guy going to Ohio State and almost as many as the guy going to Washington. I had one of the best junior seasons in the state thanks to Jordan Scott, he’s going to Dixie State, and Colby Grames, he’s going to Bucknell, and Ty’jhon Belton, he’s a junior. We had a really good running back in Jordan Garcia-Frye. He took pressure off me. We had a great offensive line too. They helped me a lot as well. They were big up front, and luckily we have two guys returning.
Watching film on you, one can tell you knew the offense well, or at least it looked that way to me. For any given game, how do you prepare for a team so you can do what you do while teams are blitzing at you from every possible angle?
During the week, we have film sessions at lunch. We go over all the coverages, blitzes, and fronts we will see in the game. Then we go to practice and do the installs. Our scout team did a great job. They gave us great looks of what we would see in the game. It was film and studying what they were doing.
When you ended the 2019 season, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
My accuracy and my ball placement. My throwing was my strength. I have improved on running the ball, but I did not get the chance to show that as much because of our depth at quarterback.
Throughout the offseason, what have you worked on to improve the technical parts of your game?
On the weekends I get guys to go up to a field by the house. When I am there I work on my drops, quick game throws, and I work on my mechanics. I got better with my throwing; my coach said my arm talent has gotten better.
How have you worked to expand your knowledge of the game?
This offseason I got really interested in different offenses going on YouTube watching John Gruden’s QB Camp. He shows plays and concepts. I use what he says and write down what he says. He also goes over the plays that beat different coverages. I also watch old games like Joe Burrow (LSU) verses Alabama, I have watched that a couple of times, and I watch Brett Favre film. He was a gunslinger but he understood the concepts.
With all the work put into your game, where are you seeing the positive differences already?
My football IQ has gotten a lot better and my throwing mechanics have gotten better.
Are the Blackhawks running the same offense in 2020?
Yes. We may be doing more passing than we did last year.
What are you ready to showcase to college coaches once the season does begin?
That I can back up my junior season with what I can do on the field. I am ready to prove myself.
Let’s talk a little recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
I have some NAIA and some D-II schools like Black Hills State and Chadron State showing interest.
How many offers do you have?
I have 11 offers overall, 10 NAIA offers and one D-II offer Lake Erie
When the time comes for you to make your decision, what is your vision of the ideal collegiate fit?
Somewhere that wants me, a place where the coaches are talking to me every day. I want to go into psychology and be a coach. I don’t have a preference on where or anything like that. If they want me, I will see that program and go see the campus.
Dylan, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success with the recruiting process and the 2020 season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Wheatley family; Dylan Wheatley