Interview: Big Season Ahead for Oxnard with 2019 QB Vincent Walea Leading the Charge
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
To say Vincent Walea is a great caretaker of the pigskin might be an understatement. During his junior season, Walea played a great game of keep-away against opposing California defenses completing 93 passes for 1,772 yards with 26 touchdowns tossed against just two interceptions. Walea is back in the pocket with Oxnard High School ready to lead the Yellowjackets to a league title and a run through the CIF playoffs. Loaded with skill talent around him, Walea and the Yellowjackets enter the 2018 season with big expectations looming overhead.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the 5-11, 185-pound, gun slinger to learn more about his offseason workouts, the Yellowjackets Week 1 win, and his recruiting process thus far.
*Click link for May 29, 2018, RNG video interview with Vincent Walea
Interview
Vincent, how did fall camp with the Yellowjackets go?
“It was good. We were really looking forward to putting the pads on. We had some younger guys, we were ready to see their strengths with the pads on in camp. We did a lot of conditioning this offseason to prepare.”
From all the offseason work you put into your game, when fall camp got going, where did you see the biggest improvement in your technique from last year to this year?
“My speed. I got a lot faster. Another improvement in my game is being able to keep my eyes downfield while I am rolling out or on the run. There are some little things my coach has helped me out with my mechanics that are improvements in my game as well.”
Are there any other areas to your game you are seeing big improvements as a leader of the offense on the field?
“Being able to read defenses is a big improvement. I am better at audibling out of plays and checking into other plays; that has improved a lot from last year. My mechanics are more precise. Some balls that I was throwing too hard last season are now right on the money with touch.”
You guys opened the 2018 season in style beating Granada Hills Charter 56-6, how did the game go overall for the squad?
“It was good. Most of our starters played in just the first half. We were able to see something we need to fix and saw some things we did really well. It was great to get that first win.”
How would you grade your performance?
“I’d give myself a B+. I was 12 of 15 for 198 yards with four touchdowns and ran for one.”
All in the first half?
“Yes.”
Wow.
“There were some plays I should have checked to an audible, but I played a pretty good game overall.”
What were some of the things you did well?
“I handled our team well. I was able to lead them, motivate them. There were some instances where guys did not know what they were doing, the younger guys – just a few guys, but I was able to help them.”
What did you see on film that you want to tweak a little before facing Quartz Hill this week?
“Quartz Hill – they are a physical team. We want our receivers to run the correct routes and not be lazy with their routes. You have to be on point against them. We lost to them by two points last season. We have a chip on our shoulder going into this game.”
You kind of answered part of this, but… The Rebels, I believe, won the southern section division last season. What kind of challenge are you expecting from Quartz Hill on Friday night?
“They are a fast-athletic team. We have to be ready. They like to blitz a lot, so the offensive line has to be ready. I have to throw hot and be able to check out of plays. If we play smart, we will be okay.”
What are some of the other games on the schedule you are hyped to play this year?
“We are taking it one week at a time, but I am looking forward to Westlake, our league game, and the playoffs.”
What is your weekly preparation process for each game?
“We have a set schedule for the week for our coaches. Personally, I like to watch a lot of film to know the opponent inside and out. I go over the playbook to know all the plays we are running that week.”
This summer, you had some college camps on the schedule, which camps did you end up attending?
“I went to camps at Cal-Lutheran, Stanford, and the Elite 11 in Vegas.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you heading into your senior year?
“Cornell is showing a lot of interest, Cal-Lutheran, Portland State, Cal-Poly, UC Davis, San Diego, and Yale – they have been showing more interest lately.”
Last question. For those readers that may not know you well, what type of student-athlete is Vincent Walea?
“I am one of those players that try to make those around me better, that makes our team better. I think of myself as a leader. As a quarterback, you have to lead on and off the field. You have to be on everyone to be on their best behavior. School is very important to me, I got a 4.0 last semester. I know football does not last forever. You need a good education.”
Vincent, thanks for your time today and good luck against Quartz Hill.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Vincent Walea