Interview: California Season to Determine Future for 3-Star 2021-22 QB Sam Whitney
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWright
Never has the old adage of how the future is uncertain been more meaningful than during 2020, especially for players in the 2021 college football recruiting class. The bump from the norm of spring practices, football camps, team summer camps and two-a-days into a fall season has given way to an uncertain future in several states because of COVID-19. That pain of a just out of reach high school football season in California has many rethinking their path forward and one of them is three-star Mira Costa quarterback Sam Whitney.
After a breakout junior season with the Mustangs, Whitney (6-0, 180) was ready for another offseason full of camps drawing scouting attention with a showcase season pulling it all together. His 2019 campaign ended with first team All-Bay League and Bay League Offensive Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,978 yards with 30 touchdowns giving reason for a highly anticipated senior run.
Recruiting interest is there along with Division III offers, but more programs want senior game film and that is what Whitney wants to deliver. As California’s 2020 season is still in limbo, if the season becomes a lost cause reclassification to regain that absent opportunity might be the way forward for Whitney.
In an RNG update interview partnered with QB Hit List, Whitney stopped by the Lab after competing in the QB Throw Down Camp (Dec. 5) giving us the inside scoop on his offseason and potential future.
*Click link for Sam Whitney’s QB Hit List profile page
Interview
Sam, last season you were executing a spread offense with the Mustangs. During this extended offseason, what have you been doing to mentally master your team’s version of the Spread so you can take California defenses by storm once the schedule kicks off?
I spent all offseason working with my receivers that are coming back. We worked on getting our timing down and trying to improve as a group.
When we last talked, you gave a rundown of all the things you wanted to improve upon before the season began, one of them was your footwork. What drills have you done to improve that part of your game and how far has that come along since the end of your junior year?
I have been working all offseason with my QB coach doing footwork drills and working on having quicker feet. Hopefully I can show that this season.
How have you worked to improve the velocity and zip on your passes?
By getting stronger and working on my throwing motion. I am trying to perfect it.
A big part of a successful offense is understanding what the defense is trying to do against you. What are you doing to expand your knowledge of defenses and how have you broken down different coverages to know what will work and what won’t pre-snap?
The same type of thing; I’ve been working with my QB coach watching film to learn defenses and how to beat every coverage.
Over a week ago you got to sling it at the QB Throw Down Camp in Simi Valley. What drills did they have you guys do in the competition?
All different types of throws, off balance, straight drop backs, and stuff like that.
In which areas do you feel you shinned best at the camp?
I’d say my overall accuracy and making some of the tougher throws.
Outside of working with a quarterback coach and competing at camps, what are you doing to stay sharp with your timing on a weekly basis?
I have been going down to the park, anywhere I can, throwing with my receivers. Any open space that is not closed right now, we are going there to throw.
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
I have some Ivy League interest from Columbia and Yale.
Which schools have offered?
I have some D-III offers.
As a 2021 recruit, how are you approaching the recruiting process with National Signing Day coming up in February?
I am still waiting to see how everything turns out with the pandemic. I have reclassified to the 2022 class. I am hoping to still play a season here in California, but I am planning a postgrad year at St. Thomas More in (Oakdale) Connecticut next year.
Sam, thank you for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck going forward with whichever path you may take.
Thank you.
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Photo credit: Whitney family; Sam Whitney (2019)