Interview: Breakout Season had for 2022 Alabama QB Cade Ott Carruth
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Rolling against all the amazing athletes and standout talents at the 7A classification in Alabama separates the contenders from the pretenders. One cannot float through a high school football season at an elite level without having the skills and physical talents to make it happen. During the 2020 campaign for Hewitt-Trussville, Cade Ott Carruth (6-1, 195) rose to the occasion leading the Huskies to a 9-3 record passing for 1,729 yards with 18 touchdowns while rushing for three more scores. The success on the field and growing abilities have landed offers from South Alabama and Gardner-Webb.
In and RNG first-look interview, Carruth took a break from his offseason workouts covering ground on his junior campaign and recruiting process.
Interview
Cade, how did the 2020 season go for you personally with Hewitt-Trussville?
It was okay. It did not end like we wanted. We wanted to be state champs. I grew throughout the season and stepped up my game being a leader on and off the field. This season, I was taking it to another level of play from last season.
What offensive set were you running with the Huskies?
We did a whole bunch of sets. We had tight end sets and we would spread our receivers out some – we run a whole lot of stuff.
With the diversity in the scheme, what were some of the routes you were throwing to this season?
We did a lot of different routes. We did basic routes off the route tree using a number system. My receivers were running digs, posts, comebacks, curls, speed outs.
When dropping back, what were some of the coverages you were throwing against?
We saw a lot of Cover 3. We had two good backs, so they were loading the box against them. Teams were also running man against us.
What were some of the drops you were executing?
Most were three-step drops, three-step rhythm drops without a hitch, and three-step drops with a hitch reading the play. We had our quick game too; one-step drop getting the ball out as fast as possible to the playmakers.
With all that you were doing, which areas of your game improve the most?
Probably me being more reliable and knowing where to go with the ball. My pre-snap reads and knowing where I was going with the ball before the snap based on the defense improved a lot. I was also going off my first to second read going through my progressions without forcing it.
What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game as a quarterback?
I got stronger over the offseason, so my deep ball got better, and I was trusting my receivers more. The more time we spend together, developing that chemistry and developing trust, I knew they would make the play. Another was being able to anticipate their break and throwing where they will be open instead of on them allowing more space from the defender. That comes from the work in the offseason and knowing who you are throwing it to.
This offseason what will you focus on with your technique work?
I have been working on some techniques to gain accuracy, like keeping my shoulder closed and following through all the way. Sometimes I lock my front knee out on long ball; I am trying to keep it bent. I have been working with QB Country. They are a training group in the Southeast area. I have been working with them for last six years in the offseason.
What have you been doing or what will you do to add more strength to your overall game?
I have worked on becoming more explosive. Our strength coach has done a great job with me. I am not lifting heavy weights but working on explosive movements. My goal is to get faster and stronger to break through tackles.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Louisiana, UAB, Rice, Liberty, and Wake Forest. I have talked to Dabo Swinney; they told me they have their 2022 QB already but they are interested in me.
I know you have a couple of offers, which schools have offered you?
South Alabama and Gardner-Webb.
Nice. Which program was the first to offer you?
South Alabama, but both offered on the same day.
When visits are allowed again, which schools might you go see?
South Alabama is one. I definitely will make my way around to all the schools that have showed interest. It is hard to develop interest over the phone. It is better to see a school and meet the coaches in-person. The ones that are showing interest, I will see them first.
Cade, I enjoyed learning more about you and your game today. Keep up the hard work this offseason until we talk again.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Carruth family; Cade Ott Carruth