Louisiana Football: Interview with Episcopal 2021 QB Dylan Mehrotra
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
When people think of football in Baton Rouge, most people think LSU football. However, there are some great high school football prospects right in the Tigers’ backyard. One such player is dual-threat quarterback Dylan Mehrotra who is the leader of the Episcopal Knights.
During his junior season, Mehrotra threw for 1,271 yards with 21 touchdowns while completing 62 percent of his throws. He also chipped in with 228 rushing yards on 37 carries in the team’s 9-3 season. After the season, the junior play-maker received numerous individual honors.
This 6’3”, 187-pound, star possesses great footwork to move around in the pocket, makes plays on the ground if necessary, and also has a tremendous arm to make different kinds of throws all over the field.
This class of 2021 recruit currently has one college offer and is also drawing interest from several in-state and Ivy League schools.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Dylan to discuss his junior season at Episcopal and his recruiting process.
Interview
Dylan, how would you grade your individual performance in 2019 and why?
“I would give it a B. I got off to a slow start but as the season progressed, I started to feel more comfortable and performed much better.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I feel like I have a good arm, I can read defenses, I’m competitive, and I feel like I can extend plays.”
What was your most memorable moment last year?
“Our first round playoff game was awesome. We came out fast and didn’t take our foot off the pedal. It was great to see the offense and defense have complete games.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“I was first team All-District, the Team Offensive MVP, was a finalist for WBRZ Week 6 Player of the Week, and a Rivals spotlight player.”
What kind of challenges did you face last season?
“I faced a slow start to the season. It was my first year starting at QB, so the first three games were tough. I finally got used to the speed of the game and got more comfortable.”
How did you overcome those challenges?
“I stayed focused and I kept working hard in practice to get better.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during this extended offseason?
“I get up in the morning and do my school work. After that I try to find time to go throw with one or two of my guys, and then lift in the evening.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“I am trying to improve my mechanics and having quicker feet. I am also working on improving my ability to read defenses.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“I love the way Deshaun Watson (Texans) plays. He’s a great passer but can also run. I loved watching him play at Clemson and now in Houston.”
Do you consider yourself a dual threat or pro style quarterback?
“Dual-threat, because I can make plays with my legs.”
Do you have any college offers?
“Yes, I have one from Morehead State.”
Which schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, Tulane, Army, Rice, Southern, Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Dartmouth and Northwestern State.”
Have you been to any camps?
“I have only been to the Rivals Camp Series so far. I was invited to the Elite 11 but that was cancelled because of the virus.”
What did you like about the Rivals camp?
“Rivals was great. I got to compete with some of the best athletes in Louisiana. I really enjoyed the experience.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I do track and field at Episcopal. I do the triple jump (43’1.5”), long jump (20’6”), and high jump (6’2”).”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“I like studying U.S. government and science at Episcopal. I have aspirations to major in sports management or sports medicine.”
What is your GPA?
“I have a 3.4.”
What is your favorite thing about playing at Episcopal High School?
“I love playing football at Episcopal! I’m surrounded by great coaches who I greatly respect. I love going to battle every Friday night with my teammates. We all share a common goal and love competing together. We hope to win our first state title next season!”
Photo credits: knightpix.com; Episcopal High School QB Dylan Mehrotra
Dylan Mehrotra is a Blazer and I am so looking forward to his career at UAB. I am an alumnus of the school of years past, and I know he will fall in love with Birmingham and it’s world class university. This guy appears to be a “ diamond in the rough”. So articulate, well spoken and humble. Go Blazers!