One to Watch Interview with 2019 Arizona Dual-Threat QB Steven Castle

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The modern quarterback coming up through the high school ranks is typically either a dual-threat quarterback operating solely out of the spread or a pro-style quarterback engineering an offensive attack out of a pro-style set. Few quarterbacks can truly do both, which on the surface may not seem like much, but when it comes to making split second reads after a five-step drop at the collegiate level, experience in various offenses mean a lot. One of the few high school quarterbacks with a background to do it all is Steven Castle.

Castle used his junior season to gain experience in Skyline’s offense while pushing his game forward. His first season as a full-time starter was successful on several fronts averaging 19 yards per completion hitting on 58 passes for 1,114 yards with nine touchdowns tossed. He also rushed for 355 yards off 35 totes with six more trips into the end zone in seven games played.

The scouting report on the 6-0, 175 pound, rising Class of 2019 talent shows versatility across the board. He can go under center, execute his drops, and make his reads downfield. He can also work out of the shotgun in the spread working his receivers downfield or tuck the ball moving the chains with his feet. The footwork is there, as is the arm. Regardless of the style of offense, his ability to escape the pocket buying time for his receivers to break free is a skill of Castle’s further enhanced with his capacity to throw on the run.

With a big senior season expected, college coaches are starting to take notice of the Mesa, Arizona, gunslinger. With a few camps already under his belt, and a big opportunity to showcase his skills at an Under Armour All-American camp in Texas come April, the list of schools showing interest is sure to expand rapidly.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Class of 2019 under the radar quarterback to learn more about his junior campaign and offseason workouts.

Interview

Steven, the 2017 season gave you a chance to be the starting quarterback and develop your game throughout the season. What were some of the strides you made from Game 1 to the end of the year in the pocket?

“One of the biggest strides I made was anticipating where everyone will be on each play. Knowing defenses and knowing the coverages they will roll into made a big difference. My knowledge of the game expanded knowing when to eat a play up, get the ball out of my hands, and knowing my hot reads on each play.”

What type of offense do you guys run?

“We are 50-50 run/pass. We run the ball a lot to set up for a big one. As far as our offensive set, we are 50 percent pro-style and 50 percent in the spread.”

Will the offense change at all in 2018?

“This past season, we were more of a running team, but now we are opening up for more passing. We have a new offensive coordinator who will shake things up.”

You’ve touched on this slightly already, but what do you consider the overall strengths of your game?

“One of the biggest strengths is knowing the coverage, if they will roll or not, whether to audible or stay in the play. Another strength is knowing when to take off or stay in the pocket. I can roll out and throw on the run. I am good using my feet to extend plays. That is one thing I worked on last offseason, my footwork.”

What are you working on with your mechanics this offseason?

“This offseason, I am working on getting the ball out of my hands faster. All of that starts with me knowing my receivers – knowing how fast they are going to get there so I know when to release it. I’m doing a lot of footwork drills this offseason.”

Are you working with a private quarterback coach, if so, what specifically are you guys working on with your game?

“I do work with two private quarterback coaches. They don’t just focus on my throwing. We go over everything, not just throwing the ball. With Coach Tom George, I go to all his camps. He has done a lot for me. With Coach George, we work on a lot of things. He basically works on my rhythm throws – correlating it with the route. On the last step, the ball should be out of your hand. A five-stop drop on a hitch, on that fifth step the ball comes out as quick as possible in rhythm.”

Have you attended any camps or combines this spring?

“I’ve been to a couple. The most recent was the U.S.A. camp and I have been to two QBI camps.”

Do you have any national camps you might attend upcoming?

“I am going to an Under Armour camp next month in Texas.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“UTEP, Northern Arizona, and Arizona State are showing interest.”

Are you playing any other sports for Skyline?

“I played basketball previously and ran track. Currently, I am playing volleyball.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“Not yet, but I plan on taking those tests soon. I’ve been studying for them.”

Last couple of questions going back to football. Are you doing anything differently with your leadership role this spring?

“I have been more vocal with everyone this offseason. When the news kids come in, I try to meet them so they know who I am and how we run things with the program. I have made changes with my leadership on and off the field this offseason.”

What do the Coyotes have to do this offseason to make a deep run in the playoffs in 2018?

“This offseason we have been working on connecting more with each other. We have been putting in a lot of hard work in weight room and on the practice field. If we keep working hard, we will do well in 2018.”

Steven, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: MyNewsMesa.com; No. 16 Steven Castle in action