Offseason Update Interview with 2021 California QB Danny Rodriguez
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
The foundation for a bright future was set during the 2018 season for Danny Rodriguez. After suiting up for St. Genevieve High School as a freshman, Rodriguez was versed in the Valiants weekly practice preparation, game day schedules, the offense, and the speed of the varsity game. The early exposure paid off for the 2021 quarterback seeing him hit 97 of 144 passes for 1,538 yards with 11 passing scores. He further developed his dual-threat nature covering 360 yards on the ground off 29 totes with a trip into the end zone earning second team All-Del Ray League honors.
With Rodriguez’s talents on the field expanding, I sat down with the Panorama (CA) area product to learn more about how the 2018 season shaped up in his own words with an early look at his recruiting prospects.
Interview
Danny, you took on a big responsibility in 2018 as the starting quarterback for Valiants. When did you learn you had won the starting job?
“After my freshman year. I was on varsity my freshman year, so I had an understanding of varsity football and the offense. That made it easier.”
How did you prepare week to week for any given opponent?
“We would watch film, I focused on the defense. I would sit down with my coaches for a lot of one-on-ones going over defenses. We would go over the scouting reports together.”
You have developed a reputation for being able to deliver the long ball and for your running abilities, what were some of the other areas of your game that grew last season?
“My ability to read defenses, that grew last season. My long ball developed along with my footwork and play action fakes.”
How did your understanding of the game, from an offensive standpoint and recognizing defenses, improve throughout the 2018 season?
“It improved a lot. In the beginning I struggled, but by the middle of the season I started understanding defenses and coverages. I started understanding everything. Early on in our practices, I worked on half the field and now I can read the entire field.”
What are you focusing on with your offseason workouts?
“I am focused on my balance with my throws and my arm strength.”
Are you working with a QB coach this spring?
“Yes. I am working with our QB coach here at school and Coach Oseransky from College of the Canyons.”
What are you working on from a technical standpoint with your coach?
“I am cleaning up my footwork, I am working on my balance, working on arm strength, and having a quicker release.”
Do you watch film on college or NFL quarterbacks? If so, who are you watching and what are you seeking to learn?
“Yes. I watch Lamar Jackson. I watch his running skills. I like to see how quick he gets away from pressure and when he decides to run.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I attended the Rise and Fire Camp (January) and a Fresno State camp.”
How did the Rise and Fire camp go?
“It went well. I was invited back to compete on the second day. That is where I met Coach Oseransky.”
What about the Fresno State camp, how did that go?
“It went well. There was a lot of competition there. They placed me with the upperclassmen.”
Do you have any upcoming camps you may attend?
“Yes. I am planning on competing at a UCLA and Redlands camp.”
I know everything is just starting off for you with recruiting, but are you receiving interest from college programs?
“Yes. I am receiving interest from San Jose State, Portland State, and Idaho State.”
Nice. Do you have any visits planned for this offseason?
“I am planning on visiting Texas-El Paso this summer.”
What goals have you set for yourself for the upcoming season to help ensure even greater success that the year prior?
“My goal is throwing for 20 touchdowns and rushing for 20 touchdowns. I want to go 20-20.”
How would you describe your leadership skills as the starting QB for the Valiants?
“I am a take control leader. I have good character. I set an example for my teammates and underclassmen leading by example. I hold everyone accountable.”
Danny, thanks for your time today. I wish you continued success with your offseason workouts and upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Danny Rodriguez at the Rise and Fire Camp