Interview: Strong-Armed 2023 Louisiana QB C’zavian Teasett Pulling in SEC Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When people talk about football players with “million-dollar arms”, C’zavian “Zae” Teasett is one of those guys. The Class of 2023 gunslinger has one of the more impressive arms in the nation capable of throwing a 50-yard bomb in the air while on the run, as seen on his highlight reel. During Scotlandville’s seven-game 2020 season, Teasett threw for 1,352 yards with 14 scores off 86 completions. Showing that dual-threat ability, he rushed 18 times for 112 yards with two individual trips into the end zone. As word of the abilities of the 6-3, 202-pound, quarterback grow, so does his offer sheet. Ole Miss was the first to offer followed by Arkansas with South Alabama and Southern University throwing their offer hats into the ring.
In an RNG first-look interview. Teasett stopped by the Clubhouse going in-depth on his skills, offseason workouts, and recruiting process.
Interview
Alright Zae, I gotta start off with that 50-yard bomb you threw on the run for a touchdown. The first play on your reel. The arm strength is incredible. How have you developed that talent over the years?
It was natural to be honest. I’ve always been a big-strong kid, but now I am controlling it. Before, I was just a big kid who could throw it. It really is a God given talent.
When you were slinging the ball around for the Hornets during the 2020 season, what offense were you executing?
A Spread. We have small speedy receivers. In my opinion, we have the best running backs in the state. We let them do their thing. It was a fun versatile spread offense.
How were defenses trying to stop your attack, especially with your ability to run?
Every defense was trying to stack the box. They knew I could extend plays and with our two running backs, they were trying to stop the run. They didn’t know I could throw. Later in the season they started backing up.
Which coverages were you seeing during the season?
Cover 1 and Cover 2 were the main ones. That’s all they really played. They’d blitz the Mike or Will backer. Every game was Cover 1 or 2.
Which routes were your receivers running?
We’d smash the corner looking outside for a hitch, curls on the outside, or arrows from the slot. I was reading the flat defender and making the play.
It is hard to quantify how one’s knowledge and understanding grew during a given time period in football, but what were some of the key parts to the game like reading defenses that flourished for you during your sophomore run?
It grew off mistakes. I was making a lot of mistakes. Being a young quarterback, I had to make mistakes to learn. Throughout the season I was watching other high school quarterbacks seeing what they do and learning from their mistakes.
Looking strictly at your fundamentals, what have you been working on this spring?
The real fundamentals, step one throwing, closing my shoulder, and bringing my hip through. The fundamentals are my focus. I can get the ball there, but sometimes it hurts. I don’t want to tear my shoulder so I am focusing on the fundamentals.
How are you further developing your touch and timing this offseason?
Me and my receivers are on the grind. We have a new offense this season. We are changing the identity of the offseason. When the season gets going, we will have new routes. This offseason we have to build that chemistry. And, we have new guys coming up. Practice and games are different; I have to get them used to my balls. They are adjusting to left-handed balls.
Are you playing 7v7 this spring?
Yes, sir. QB camps, 7v7, AAU basketball and spring football. I am doing it all.
In which tournaments have you played in so far?
I just went to Dallas with 15u, and there was a tournament in Baton Rouge, and I did an 18u tournament in Lafayette.
Taking on players outside your district or area, what are the differences you are seeing against national competition as a quarterback?
I think a lot of people from these other areas are smarter when it comes to football. They may study the game more. It is fun to compete against those types of people. They are more with the mental part of the game not just the physical. They are more mentally into the game; you can tell.
You mentioned camps a few minutes ago. Which camps are you going to or have you been to already?
There are a lot. The Elite 11 is this weekend and I went to a Rivals camp in Dallas last weekend. Then there is an ESPN 300 camp. There is an LSU camp on June 17 I plan going to. I am doing a lot this summer. I can’t remember it all right now.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
It is mostly LSU right now. I talk to their analyst every week. Vanderbilt on Twitter, and Purdue, are showing interest. The school doing it the most is LSU.
How many offers have been given to you?
Four: Arkansas, Ole Miss, South Alabama and Southern University
Which program was the first to offer?
Ole Miss.
Very cool. This summer, are there any visits you may take?
I want to go to LSU. I have been to an LSU game a long time ago. It was back when, Odell Beckham was playing. I think it was against UAB. Odell returned a kick in that one. I want to go back and visit. They are close. I want to visit Arkansas too. Arkansas, I had never looked into Arkansas but now they are in my view.
Ole Miss, that seems like a good environment. Their fans are behind them and support them. I want to see that environment. Ole Miss is not too far as well. One of my close friends is going to Florida, I’d love to go visit there as well. They are on my mind right now. I’d like to start communicating with them.
Zae, I had a lot of fun covering ground with you today. Wishing you success at all of the camps and with your potential visits this summer.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Teasett family; C’ZavianTeasett