One to Watch Interview with Rising 2020 California QB James McNamara
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Heading into California’s Camino League action, a team no one wants to face, thanks in large part to Class of 2020 quarterback James McNamara, is Camarillo High School. The Scorpions are on a tear with a perfect 5-0 record to start the season with a leader on offense throwing darts around the field and improving each game out.
The Scorpions are lighting up the night sky via the scoreboard on Friday nights thanks to McNamara’s talents in the pocket. The 6-0, 175-pound, quarterback with dual-threat abilities has been locked in with his passes hitting 75 percent of his attempts for 740 yards with 10 touchdowns against just one pick in stats posted through the first four games of the season. McNamara is on pace to exceed his sophomore season stats when he threw for 1,695 yards with 15 touchdowns while rushing for six scores in 11 Camarillo games played.
Ahead of the Scorpions taking down Ventura 35-19 on Friday, Sept. 14, I sat down with one of California’s rising talents in the 2020 class to learn more about his overall game and developing talents within the Scorpions offense.
Interview
James, the Scorpions are putting the sting on the opposition so far (sorry, had to do it) this year jumping out to a 4-0 start. What has been working for the offense allowing you guys to average 46 points per game?
(Laughs) “Everyone has been working well together. We are running the ball well and our receivers are getting in space.”
It looks like you are playing catch out there with the receivers completing 75 percent of your passes, what is working well for you as a quarterback where you make the game look easy?
“I am more comfortable. I am in the same offense and I have more confidence. I have good chemistry with all the receivers from the offseason.”
In Week 4 against Oxnard, that might have been the team’s biggest challenge to date (won 35-19). What kind of challenge did Oxnard pose to you as a quarterback?
“We knew they would be aggressive. They have big defensive linemen and fast linebackers. We had the right game plan and succeeded on offense against them.”
How did that challenge help make you a better quarterback?
“It helped me grow as a quarterback and as a leader. After throwing a pick in that game, I had to pick my head up and lead the team to a touchdown. I had to set the tone for the team.
What are the overall strengths of your game?
“I’d say my strengths are making sure everyone knows what they are doing, knowing all my checks and protections, and the progressions. My other strengths are my footwork, pocket awareness and delivering ball with accuracy.”
What are some of the aspects of your game you continually work on practice after practice and game after game?
“I am always working on my deep ball. I miss opportunities with that, but I have improved on that from last season.”
What are some of the other big games left on the schedule you are excited to play?
“I am most excited about Moorpark. We lost that one last year. Grace Brethren is another big game. They went to state last year, that will be a big one for us.”
When you watch college or NFL games, which players are you watching and what are you looking at to help learn more about the game?
“I watch a lot of different quarterbacks. In the NFL, Tom Brady, he’s one of the best. I watch defenses to see their coverages and blitzes to better identify that stuff.”
Smart man. James, it was fun learning more about your game today. I appreciate your time and good luck with the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credits: KBash.smugmug.com; No. 17 James McNamara in action