Interview: Rising 2024 California QB Caleb Sanchez is an Impressive Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As freshmen quarterbacks go, Caleb Sanchez is about as impressive slinging the pigskin around the yard as it gets. After seeing Sanchez throw at two camps this summer, Throw to Win in Las Vegas and the QB Select Camp in Los Angeles, national powerhouse St. John Bosco has yet another tremendous arm talent coming up through the ranks.
Understanding the camp performances were without a pass rush or against a defense disguising their coverages, still, the 6-3, 210-pound, quarterback can make all the throws with collegiate velocity, is mobile, and has dart champion type of accuracy. The other great thing, because the Braves are constantly loaded with talent, there is no rush getting the Class of 2024 talent to the varsity level. Sanchez will get to start the 2020 season against freshmen competition further developing his skills before having to dissect five-, four-, and three-star defenders game after game in the Trinity League.
In a first-look interview, Sanchez stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Caleb, I’ve been able to see you perform in-person twice this offseason. You look like you are in midseason form. How many days a week are you working on your technique and form?
I’d say to six to seven. My only day off is Saturday, unless something comes up. We are practicing every day and I am doing separate workouts on the weekend or when I am free.
How would you describe your talents and abilities as a quarterback?
As a quarterback, I’d say that I’m a pro-style but if I have to run I will do it. I am working on my arm strength, but I am very accurate.
Are you working with a QB trainer?
During this offseason I have been working with Coach Reyes and Grant Carraway, he’s in Long Beach. Usually I work with them on the weekends.
Which areas of your game are you always working on?
This year I have been emphasizing my speed. If the pocket breaks down, I want to make a play. Mechanics wise, I have worked to be more rotational to generate power in my throws. This offseason I have also been working on my release point for better control and to make more accurate passes.
What have you been doing to expand your understanding of the game?
Talking to coaches, asking question, going over film, and studying the playbook. There is a lot that goes to the game other than the physical.
Agreed. With all the work put in, which traits to your game are showing the biggest improvements?
I’d say becoming more rotational; I am better at that. Before, I was just using my arm. Now that I learned you throw mostly with your lower body, I am preserving my arm and I am playing longer. With this offense, my footwork has changed. The normal three-step drop with a cross, I am shuffling instead of crossing. This helps with timing and accuracy on my throws.
You are set to suit up with St. John Bosco once the 2020 season gets going. When did the Braves start practices?
We started a while ago. We had a summer camp and then once school started up, we started practicing five days a week, Monday through Friday.
What are you guys working on in practice?
We have not put the pads on yet. We are installing offensive plays. The coaches have days for defense and offense. There is a lot of learning going on for me before the pads come on in December.
What is the QB battle like to replace DJ (Clemson) this fall?
There are a lot of varsity quarterbacks. There are about seven, eight including me. It will be tough to fill his shoes. He left big shoes to fill.
How much film and playbook studying are you already doing to prepare for the season?
I’d say every day. I am always on Hudl looking over the plays and watching film from last year. The plays are not the same, but the same concepts are there. I see the quarterback’s mistakes and the times it was read well. I have a lot of learning to do. Whenever I can be, I am on Hudl.
Caleb, thanks for your time today. Wishing you continued success this offseason preparing for your freshman year.
Thank you.
Photo credit: QB Select Camp/Sanchez family; Caleb Sanchez