One to Watch Interview with 2022 California WR Seth Gonzalez
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The offseason in any sports is akin to spring time, a rebirth, if you will, of the athlete. In football, the determined player takes a hard look at what they do well, but more importantly what they do not do well to come back the following season anew. One focus is always the physical, speed and strength, and the other is technical, the nuances of the game that separates the pure athlete from the talented athlete. For Seth Gonzalez, after a midseason call up from San Joaquin Memorial’s junior varsity squad in 2019, he is ready to step into the role that made Washington signee Jalen McMillian a 1,600-yard receiver and Fresno State signee Mac Dalena a 1,200-yard top performer.
With the opportunity for greatness against Central Valley California squads, Gonzalez (6-0, 165) has taken to the offseason ready to become an impact player for the Panthers and will be doing so with early interest coming in from teams like Montana. For an update on those workouts and goals, Gonzalez stopped by the RNG Lab for a first-look interview.
Interview
Seth, the 2019 season was a big one for you and the Panthers making a four-game run into the playoffs. That experience for you, going up against top teammates and top competition, how did that help expand your understanding of the game?
At first it was difficult. The game is a lot different going from JV to varsity, but I had (4-Star) Jalen McMillian (Washington) and (3-Star) Mac Dalena (Fresno State) as mentors to look up to. They helped me get through all of it.
What style of offense were the Panthers executing last season?
We were running the Spread. We were passing the ball a lot.
Which routes were you running in the scheme?
I had a bunch of different routes; quick outs, posts, post-corners, bench-corners, digs, curls, hitches, and stuff like that.
When you went into the offseason, what were the key aspects to your game that you were focused on improving?
My key aspect was getting overall stronger, adding more weight and muscle mass. Another was improving my route running and getting off the press. One hurdle of mine during the 2019 season was getting off the press. That was a big thing I wanted to work on.
Your reel shows you playing some defense last season, which positions were you playing?
It was mainly at nickelback on third down coverages. I played a lot of man for that.
How did that opportunity go getting to line up opposite of your primary position?
It went pretty well. I did not give up any catches. It was bumpy at first but once the weeks started going, I got more confident and better with my defense.
Now the payoff. How did going both ways help you as a receiver?
It brings a different aspect, a different view to what is going on. At receiver you don’t think as much as what the DB is seeing. Going on the other side, you get those reads and then you can start fine tuning what you are doing. After playing defense, I had a better idea of what is going on with my routes and releases.
Have you played 7v7, gone to camps, or joined a padded club team to get extra reps in to prepare for the season?
Of course. I am playing 7v7 now and I went to a couple of camps over the break before we were shut down again.
This was brought up a minute ago; what have you been doing to increase your strength and speed over the fall and winter months?
Power lifting on a more regular basis. That has been the main thing. Almost every day I am lifting doing legs, chest, or back. I am always trying to get something in.
After all that you’ve done for yourself, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game as a receiver?
I have seen a lot improve. My speed, the physicality, speed and strength, and now mentally recognizing how the DB is playing me has all improved. Knowing when I should break my route and the move I should put on him. It is a huge change from the end of last year to now.
When the 2020 season gets going, are you taking on any additional roles? Are you playing defense again?
I’m not sure. We have not practiced since July. While we were out there, they had me at receiver. We did not get to go in-depth on special teams or third down situations on defense. I assume I will be on special teams this season.
Last question for you. Are you playing any other varsity sports for San Joaquin?
Yes, I do. Last year, I did track and I am going back out for baseball this year after playing my freshman year.
Seth, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the continued 7v7 action and the preparations for the upcoming 2020 season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Gonzalez family; Seth Gonzalez