One to Watch Interview with 2023 California QB Charles Conner
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a buzz in Northern California centered on the potential of 2023 quarterback Charles Conner. The 6-0, 190-pound, field general played up a level during the 2019 run competing against California junior varsity squads with Stevenson School as a freshman. When the 2020 season kicks off, Conner will be slinging it against Santa Lucia League teams with programs spanning the Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference watching.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Conner goes over his offseason workouts and preparation for taking on California varsity teams during his sophomore year.
Interview
Charles, during the 2019 season at which level or classification were you playing?
At the JV level.
What offensive scheme were you executing?
We were doing a lot of passing, not much running. We were in a Spread.
Within the scheme, what were some of the routes your receivers were running?
A lot of deep routes: posts, corners, and goes.
Once the season finished, what did you feel were the strengths to your game?
I felt like I developed exponentially from reading the field, finding the open receiver, and getting the ball there in a tight window.
Over the long offseason, what have you focused on with your skill and technique?
I have recently been working with KJ Carter Samuels; he’s a QB coach in Bay area. We have been working on fine-tuning my throwing motion, and I have been lifting at home.
How have you pushed your knowledge of the game forward?
Personally, I have been working with KJ Carter Samuels on my knowledge. I have also been researching on my own and watching a lot of football.
When watching games and doing research, what are you seeking to absorb and/or learn?
On YouTube I watch film to see coverages and different defenses. When watching the NFL, I am watching Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs). I watch to see how he reads the field. I learn a lot from that.
Even if it may have been somewhat limited, how have the early practices with the Pirates’ varsity squad gone?
We haven’t really had any varsity practices. We are not back in school on campus yet.
What have you been doing to keep the wing warm while developing chemistry with your guys?
I go to the field with my local receivers at least once a week doing routes and one on ones. We are a boarding school; a lot of the guys are in other states. I try to find the guys that are available in the area. We are working on what we can.
Have you been attending camps or playing 7v7 or with a club team?
I have been working locally with some football mentors and coaches. I attended the Elite 11 Regional and a National Preps camp.
Turning to recruiting. Are programs already showing recruiting interest?
Yes. I am receiving interest so far from Cal, San Diego State, USC, UCLA, Utah, and San Jose State.
Nice. When visits get going in the coming months, which schools would you like to go see?
Any school within the Pac-12 and those along the west coast. I’d like to visit all those schools that are showing interest.
Charles, I enjoyed getting time in with you today covering ground on your skills on the field.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Conner family; Charles Conner