Interview: Offers Already Rolling in for 2023 Michigan QB Drew Viotto
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to recruiting high school football players early in their careers, a scouting psychic eye is needed. With Class of 2023 quarterback Drew Viotto, he makes it easier for college coaches to see the future given the mix of size (6-3, 205), arm talent, and productivity on the field for Walled Lake Western High School. Viotto was on point for the Warriors junior varsity squad completing over 80 percent of his passes for 2,234 yards with 22 touchdowns while rolling into the end zone five times. Now the rising Michigan standout has offers from Bowling Green and Central Michigan with teams throughout the region taking notice.
In an RNG exclusive one-on-one, Viotto talks about his skills on the gridiron with an update on how his early recruiting process is shaping up.
Interview
Drew, during the 2019 season you stepped up as a freshman for the Warriors junior varsity team slinging it all around the yard. What was that season like for you from a mental and emotional standpoint, especially with two game winning touchdowns tossed?
“We were a mostly freshman team playing 10th and 11th graders. Us going up a level, and pulling out three wins, we did really well. We had fun out there, and next year all of us will be even better from what we learned and having played together.”
What offensive set were you guys running in 2019?
“We were in a Spread offense, 10-personnel. We like to throw a lot.”
Within the scheme, what were some of the routes you were connecting on with your receivers?
“We like to use the whole route tree. The majority of the routes were digs, posts, and deep outs.”
How were defenses trying to attack you and the offense? What were some of the fronts and coverages you were seeing?
“I was seeing a lot of Cover 3 and a lot of pressure; I had to get the ball out quickly.”
At what point during the season did you start to get into a rhythm and flow with your linemen and receivers?
“By the third game we started to get into a really good flow.”
Given your size and your arm, you were not the typical freshman. How did the other parts of your game get pushed up to another level?
“I work on my game a lot with my QB coach trying to get bigger, stronger, and faster. Reading defenses and my mobility got better, and I got more comfortable in the pocket throughout the season.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with the technical aspects to your game?
“This offseason I have been working on my footwork, reading defenses, and working with my QB coach on my mobility. I am always working to get bigger, stronger, and faster. I have also been jumping rope, doing speed ladder drills, off-platform throws, and stuff like that trying to get better.”
This was kind of touched on already, but going deeper. How have you pushed forward with the mental understanding of the game this spring?
“Twice a week I am on a Zoom meeting with my QB coach going over situations, diagramming plays, and articulating what I am doing in those situations.”
If the college camp circuit happens, are there any you may compete at this summer?
“There is a Mega Camp in Missouri that I am going to, a Next Gen camp at IMG Academy and I have been invited to camps at Purdue and Michigan. We’ll see how it all goes with the virus.”
Offers from Bowling Green and Central Michigan have been extended, which schools are showing interest?
“Toledo, Michigan, Missouri State, and Purdue – their head coach was at our school; I was able to meet him. There are a good amount of coaches that are following me on Twitter.”
Going back to last season, have you had a chance to visit any programs?
“Yes, I have been to Toledo, and Michigan invited me for a visit but I was not able to go because of the virus.”
How did the Toledo trip go?
“It was good. I had a great conversation with their head coach and QB coach; I enjoyed it. I got to sit in on the QB meetings and I got to see a practice.”
Once campuses open back up, are there any planned trips on the agenda?
“Michigan, definitely, Purdue is another school I’d love to see, and I want to see Missouri State and Toledo again.”
What goals have you set for yourself during your sophomore season?
“I want to have a similar but better stats than last season. My goal is for 2,500-plus yards passing. I will be a backup on varsity, that will help with recruiting getting more varsity tape. The goal is to be better as a player and to get better each year as much as possible.”
Drew, it was great getting time in with you today. I appreciate it and wish you success with your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Viotto family; Drew Viotto in the pocket (2019) and at Toledo