Interview: Good Reason for the Hype on 4-Offer 2025 California QB Alonzo Esparza
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watching preseason 7v7 practice film on Alonzo Esparza, one would think they are watching a seasoned junior or senior working his craft against a defense he knows all-too-well. But that cannot be further from the truth. The Class of 2025 gunslinger is picking up the Culver City High School offense this offseason preparing for the opportunity to gun down California defenses. As excited as the fanbase for the Centaurs maybe to see their new quarterback in action, college programs across the country are equally as interested. The 6-0, 172-pound, QB has spun it at various top camps this summer leading to four Division-I offers.
Making his first visit to the RNG Lab, Esparza updates us on his summer camps and Centaurs’ team workouts preparing for the 2021 season.
Interview
Alonzo, I got to see some of your Culver City practice reps. Getting snaps early on against California varsity defenses, how is it going?
It is going great. I feel like as a freshman, I have big shoes to fill with Zevi Eckhaus graduating. The receivers at Culver City are great and the coaches are great. We are getting better every day.
With this change in classifications, how are you having to adapt your overall game?
The timing of routes and my drops, everything speeds up when you move up. Varsity DBs are faster, quicker, stronger, and more mature. I am working to have that more developed game, and speeding up everything.
What style of offense are you executing with Culver City?
We have a double Spread offense with no tight end schemes. We are a passing offense, about 80-20 passing over the run.
You are making a lot of advanced throws, throwing across the middle, and getting the ball out at different arm angles. What have you been doing this offseason getting your arm strength up?
A lot of arm workouts, shoulder and core workouts; that has been a big part of getting power into my throws. My arms workouts have helped a lot and maturing with age.
To prepare for this new role, what have you been doing this summer to learn more about the game?
A lot of film study, looking at past film, and going through my old film. I have been working on the connections with my receivers and trying to improve everywhere I can. I have been watching tons of Culver games to see what I will be going against this season.
To develop that chemistry with your skill guys, what have you been doing?
We have a group chat on IG and I am in contact with my coaches. We hang out together, we are showing up early and throwing the ball. They have become my good friends. We are building great chemistry for the season.
Did you get to compete at any national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to a number of camps. The QB Collective, I am going to a Rise and Fire Camp, I went to the Steve Clarkson Camp, and a few Elite 11 camps.
How did the Steve Clarkson Camp go?
I thought it was great. There were a lot of very talented receivers and quarterbacks there. I had to adapt to that older environment.
There were a lot of college quarterbacks at the camp, do you remember which college QB mentors were there working with you?
Miller Moss (USC), I have worked with him for a lot of years, Jaxson Dart (USC), and DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson) is a good friend of mine. Tate Martell (Miami) was really nice. He had a lot of success in high school; I really like his game. Along with Bryce Young (Alabama), who was there.
Did you get to compete at any college camps?
I competed at a Vanderbilt camp.
Tell me about your Vanderbilt camp performance.
It was great. I am on their radar. I loved their coaches. Before the camp, I met with their offensive coordinator. I got the tour and they were teaching us their offense. I was there along with Coach Danny Hernandez, who hooked that up.
Rolling with Vandy showing interest, which other schools have you on their radar?
San Jose, Vanderbilt, they have never offered a QB this young but I am on the radar, and Oregon. Kentucky is showing interest; I plan on going there for an unofficial or for a camp, however that works out. Arizona State is showing interest and I am receiving attention from Georgia, Texas, and Cal.
How many offers do you have now?
Four.
Esparza’s Offer Sheet: Charlotte, Purdue, Texas, A&M, and Florida State
Which program was the first to offer you?
Charlotte.
Where were you and what were you doing when you found out that a D-I program sees your talents and wanted to give you a scholarship?
Actually, I was at home. I got a call from my coach. He said their offensive coordinator likes my film and they wanted to pull the trigger. I told my mom; it was awesome.
Very cool. Did you get to visit any programs this summer separate from Vanderbilt?
I visited Texas A&M.
At A&M, what did you see and do?
We toured the whole football facility; it was beautiful. We saw their cafeteria, locker rooms – they showed us everything. They showed us off-campus sites, where the student-athletes go, and their dorms. We got the whole break down; it was great. Coach Danny told me it was one of the most comprehensive visits he had done before.
Alonzo, congratulations on all the success this offseason. Wishing you and Culver City great success the rest of the summer preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Esparza family; Alonzo Esparza