Interview: Prolific 2022 WR Dominic Arango-Serna has Sights Set on Another 1,000-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2022 Canoga Park receiver Dominic Arango-Serna is in the best and worst of situations going into his sophomore season. The 5-10, 165-pound, speedster produced a copious amount of receiving yards during the 2018 season going over the coveted 1,000-yard receiving mark off 54 receptions with seven touchdowns scored leading the nation in his peer group in varsity receiving yards while adding a kick and punt return to the stat sheet. After hitting the 1,000-yard mark in a season, where does one go next?
The Hunters are two games into the 2019 season with wins over Roosevelt (41-0) and Chavez (45-0). Limited stats posted for the early part of the season already has Arango-Serna pulling in six passes for 200 yards with two touchdowns and a fumble recovery playing free safety. From the early looks of it, the California All-State performer and his squad are on a mission to take down any and all Division-II teams who get in their way this season.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Arango-Serna for an update on his offseason workouts and how his sophomore season is already playing out.
*Click link for June 18, 2019, RNG interview with Dominic Arango-Serna
Interview
Dominic, the Hunters worked hard over the offseason proving it with a 2-0 start to the season. How is the team looking on both sides of the ball to start the year?
“We are looking great. Most of our players are returning from last year, our chemistry is there. Every play in practice, we never take it off. On both sides of the ball, we are dogs. We go hard every time.”
You tore it up last season as a receiver, how is that part of your game taking off in 2019?
“I see improvement a lot in my releases, my speed, and my catching. In the offseason I focused on my hands. The goal is no drops this season. I am improving on everything this season after watching film. I am stronger, faster, and better than last season. All the hard work over the offseason, it has all paid off.”
Of the two games played, which game was your best so far and why?
“For sure the Roosevelt game. We lost to them last year in the semifinal round. That was a personal game for the entire team. I had two touchdowns and 140 yards in the first half.”
In addition to playing receiver you lined up as a return specialist last season, where all on the field are you playing during your sophomore season?
“I am playing receiver, free safety, I am back on punts and kickoff return, and I am the holder for PATs. I’m everywhere this season.”
I would say so. I would not be surprised if you told me next time you are also driving the team bus. Over the summer months, what did you work on to prepare for the 2019 grind?
“Everything. I did a lot of defensive back and receiver workouts. I did three workouts a day sometimes to make sure my skill level would be better. My dad made sure I never took days off, and I made sure not to take any days off. Everything is coming out clean.”
Did you work with any outside trainers to help you prepare?
“I worked with a lot of different trainers on different things. I worked with KD from Formula 4 Speed. I have been training with him since the seventh grade. My receiver coach with Formula is always pushing me to be the best I can be. I have much love for them at Formula 4 Speed. They have believed in me from the start. They gave me the reps I needed to get better, and now I am where I am today.”
What goals have you set for the entire 2019 season, both on and off the field?
“Since getting close last year, we are looking to get championship ring and to win state. My goal off the team is a 4.0 GPA, getting stronger and faster. Those are my main goals.”
Before I let you go, let’s get a quick update on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Boise State, Washington State, Fresno State, San Jose State, San Diego State, New Mexico, and Wyoming.”
Are you taking any visits this fall?
“I may be going to Stanford, San Jose State, Wyoming, and Boise State.”
Dominic, thanks for your time today and good luck with the season until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Arango Serna family; Dominic Arango Serna