Interview: Rising 2022 Dual-Threat Hector Davila Readies for Another Big Season with Immanuel
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A new coaching staff and a new scheme brought winning ways and a rising star to Immanuel High School during the 2019 California High School football season. The Eagles posted a 9-3 record with the help of a multifaceted offense that took elements of the Spread with a run-pass option attack. Becoming that emotional leader by example and productivity on the field, Class of 2022 dual-threat quarterback Hector Davila (5-11, 185) laid the foundation for great things to come compiling 2,050 yards with 14 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing scores.
After an extended offseason pushing his technique and athleticism to another level, a second go-around in the Eagles offense has fans in the Reedley area hyped to see what the team and Davila can do during the 2020 schedule.
For an in-depth look at the rising skills of Davila and how he has capitalized on the extra time given, he stopped by the RNG Lab for a confab.
Interview
Hector, there is a passion you bring to the field that has to be infectious to all of those around you. What lights that competitive fire in you on Friday nights?
When I first started playing quarterback, I was a sophomore with a new coaching staff. They revamped the offense and defense. I knew I had to come on strong to unite the team and ignite us. Playing football under the lights is like no other. My goal is always to be the best quarterback on the field.
During the 2019 season, what offense were you executing with the Eagles?
We had a new staff; they redid the offense. We mainly ran a Spread offense. We also ran a lot of option as well. My coaches will say that I can throw on the run and juke defenders. They catered to my playing style. We ran the option and Spread, mixed and matched plays. We could pass it. If defenses start guarding that, we’d run, and then throw in the option. It was based around my play style. I am confident in my game, and ready to take over the offense again and learn it like the back of my hand.
A big part of your game is your running talents. Not only do you have some wheels but you lower the boom like a strong safety coming down the alley. When your sophomore season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a running QB?
I felt that at the end of the season I had the option down. As the season progressed, I got better at breaking down defenses, picking up on cues, and putting that with my style. My pre-snap reads, watching the linebackers and safeties, and my post-snap reads helped the offense. I got better with the option. At the end, my strengths were my read-option, throwing on the run, and scrambling making plays happen. My arm talent increased as each game went on.
When you were dropping back, what routes were you hitting a year ago?
My main target was Winston Williams, he has an offer from UC Davis. He was my main target, and we had other threats as well. Our go-to route was the seam. He was quick; I’d hit him once he got past the linebacker. He could read the safety and make a play. That was a go-to. We also had quick game routes, 5-yard outs, flats, and stuff like that. We threw the defense off mixing it up. They’d bring the corners and safeties up and I hit seams, post and corners.
What were some of the coverages you were seeing?
Mainly we saw Cover 3. Not a lot of Cover 2. We saw some Cover 1, but not too many times. We adjusted our game plan to the coverages.
As a passing QB, what were some of the things you were doing well during the 2019 campaign that made you an impact player?
I’d say my ability to run surprised teams. We had a stud running back, Matt Tiger, he graduated. Teams prepared for him instead of focusing on me running. Once we threw the option in there, I was able to gain 15 to 30 yards on the option at the beginning of games. My ability to throw, both on the run and in the pocket, were strengths. I was anxious early in the season, but I got better at being a pocket passer and was taking the hit staying in the pocket as well.
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on with your technique as a throwing quarterback?
I go to Clovis twice a week to work with, a quarterback coach. With him, I have honed my throwing technique and my footwork. We work on my quick game, three-step drops and play action. This extended offseason, I have been going to him and throwing routes with my guys. I am always working on footwork and technique.
How have you expanded your football IQ over this offseason?
I have been working on technique with my QB coach and we have been doing board sessions. Me and a couple other QBs, we go over routes verses coverages. I have better learned how to read a cornerback’s behavior and a safeties’ as well. I have a keener eye on tendencies and habits. That helps me read defenses. I am excited to carry that knowledge into the season.
What have you been doing to improve upon your speed and agility?
In the offseason, I continue to workout and stay active. A lot of the athletes in our area do not have access to the weight room, so we are going to the field doing drills. I stayed healthy this offseason working on speed and agility and my strength. My body is a step up from last year along with my overall strength, arm strength, speed, and agility.
Are you executing the same offense during the 2020 season?
Going forward, I believe we will run the same offense. We may tinker with it some with the seniors we lost but it will mainly be the same. My offensive coordinator and I have talked about switching some stuff around, but it is off the same premise.
After the countless hours of work put into your skills, what are you ready to showcase when the lights turn on come Friday during the 2020 season?
I like to tell all my teammates that have asked me the same thing, last season was a trial year for me. There were a lot of new things going on; it was a great learning experience. Going into the next two years, I am ready to display all that I have worked on. I am ready to show my understanding of coverages, my arm talent, speed, agility and strength. I am no longer the sophomore quarterback you saw on the field in 2019, I am a new quarterback with new skills. When the lights go on this season, it is time to ball.
I love it. Great spot to end the interview. Hector, thanks for your time today. Wishing you continued success preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credits: Davila family; Hector Davila