Interview: Rising 2022 Nebraska QB Caden Becker Preparing for District Championship Game
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The offseason for football players across the country created a lot of doubt and confusion leaving many unsure the best path forward. With the pandemic in full swing, the options to return to a status quo was not available for everyone, and that included Caden Becker. After playing for Millard West’s junior varsity team and as a backup on varsity, Becker transferred to Burke High School but had to find another school when the virus cancelled the Bulldogs’ season this fall. As is, the 6-4, 220-pound, dual-threat has found a home in Skutt Catholic’s run-heavy offense.
The Skyhawks are 6-2 with their new QB throwing for 349 yards on 25 completions with three touchdowns while rushing for 273 off 54 totes with three more scores going up on the board. As the Skyhawks prepare for a district championship clinching game against Elkhorn, Becker has the attention of programs throughout the region including Wyoming, South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, Kansas State, Nebraska, Iowa State and South Dakota.
In an RNG first-look, Becker stopped by the Lab to update us on his junior run.
Interview
Caden, the Skyhawks are 6-2 on the season on a two-game winning streak after taking down Mount Michael 55-0. With one regular season game left, how is the team looking ahead of facing Elkhorn?
Our game plan is to attack using our bread and butter plays, our tosses and power plays. In the passing game, we pass about 10 to 15 times a game. We are keeping our diversity there. We will put up as many points as we can. They have three really good players we have to cover.
What style of offense are you executing with the Skyhawks this season?
We run a mix of power, a fullback in an I-back set, and some Spread. Those two sets are our main two. We do some veer out of trips, but the Spread and power is our main thing.
How have your overall skills as a quarterback developed this season with the experience?
I’d say really well from Week 1. In our first game, I was really nervous. We played the No. 1 team in-state. That was my first varsity experience, I was very nervous. But as the weeks have gone on, I am more comfortable in the offense and with my receivers and offensive line. I have come a long way since that game.
Over the spring and summer months, what did you do to prepare for your junior year as a quarterback?
I worked with Steve Warren and Warren Academy. I played for their team, Xplosive Edge. They helped me a lot this offseason. I stayed in the weight room lifting every day. Two to three times a week I worked on my quarterback skills. Then I worked with my Burke teammates until the season was cancelled.
Do you have any QB camps coming up to receive extra instruction?
Yes, I have a camp at Iowa Western with Coach Tom George. He is a really good coach. I plan on getting work in with him.
Before the season began, what were you working on to further your understanding of the game?
During my sophomore year I was not great at reading defenses, coverages, and fronts. Now I can play faster and not think as much understanding defenses and coverages. Over the offseason, I was going out to a field and working on the reads. That helped me a lot.
Keeping with that. How has the mental part of the game for you as a quarterback evolved through the eight games played in 2020?
In Week 1, I was struggling with reading and picking up on the defenses. I have gotten a lot better. My coach has helped me a lot with that, with making the right reads and knowing where to go with the ball.
What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?
I’d say my ability to throw with velocity and accuracy; I have put a lot of time into that and I have come a long way this year. Also, I have gotten bigger, so my running game is a lot stronger. Now I can get four to five yards per carry. Another thing is my ability to get the ball on time to my receivers.
Your athleticism and size could have coaches dreaming of you playing at another position, are you open to that at the collegiate level?
Yes, 100 percent. If they recruit me as a quarterback, that is my dream, and would be ideal but anything I can do at any position in college I will do. Play at the highest level has always been a goal of mine.
Which positions are you open to playing in college?
Tight end, defensive end, outside linebacker, and even safety. Anything I can do to help teams win and compete at a high level I will do.
Have you done any tight end work to prepare for that possibility?
Yes. I was working with Coach Mike Goolsby (Notre Dame). This offseason I worked with him for a couple of months before our season started. At that time, I did not know which school I was going to so we worked on my tight end skills to keep my options open. I have come a long way, and I plan on keeping that up.
Back to this season. Elkhorn is also 6-2, what kind of game are you expecting from them and their defense on Thursday?
I know they have a good linebacking core and their defensive line is good, I expect them to be physical and fast. It will be a fun game. Two 6-2 teams for the district championship, it does not get any better than that. They will want to win that game as much as we do.
Quick turn into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
3.0.
Do you play any other varsity sports?
Yes, I play baseball.
Nice. Which positions?
Third and outfield.
Do you remember any of your stats from the season?
Yes, my batting average was .301 in 35 games, and I had one homerun, 15 to 20 doubles, and five to 10 triples.
That’s impressive power numbers. Caden, it was fun going over your athletic skills today, on the gridiron and on the diamond. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success this week against Elkhorn.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Becker family; Caden Becker