Rise and Fire Camp Series: Freshman Varsity Snaps for 2021 QB CJ Montes Paying Off with Long Beach Poly

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Along the high school football ranks across the country, the name Long Beach Poly is etched into the history books as one of the nation’s most storied programs. The tremendous amount of talent that has walked the halls of the school and donned the Jackrabbits jersey leaves a lasting legacy that means something to every other player who follows in the footsteps upholding the legacy. One player rising to the challenge of keeping the Jackrabbits winning ways during the 2018 season is Class of 2021 dual-threat quarterback CJ Montes.

Montes has executed Poly head coach Stephen Barbee’s offense successfully this season guiding the team to an 8-2 mark going up against Division-I California competition. The 6-1, 170-pound, field general got a taste of varsity ball during the 2017 season with Pasadena’s La Salle High School completing 117-of-170 pass attempts for 1,800 yards with 18 touchdowns. Poly’s offense has stormed past the opposition for an average of 34 points per game with Montes completing 52 percent of his passes for 1,011 yards with 14 touchdowns tossed and has rushed for over 200 yards with another score going up on the board.

The play on the field and the upside for Montes has brought in offers from Nevada and San Jose State with programs such as Utah, SMU, and Oregon, among others, showing interest.

In an RNG in-season catch-up interview, I sat down with one of California’s top rising talents in the 2021 class to find out how his sophomore campaign on the field turned out with an update on his recruiting.

Interview

CJ, the Jackrabbits closed out a fantastic regular season going 8-2 with a 53-18 win over Lakewood on Friday. How did the team look in the close out win getting ready for the playoffs?

“We looked really good. Everything is coming together. Our offense is coming together and we are all on the same on the page.”

What are some of the strengths of the team on both sides of the ball this year?

“On offense, were are well-balanced and we have been even more so at the end of the season. We have picked it up with more passing at the end of the season. Our defense is strong. Really, that is what helps us win games.”

Which game this season was the best game for the team as a whole that will help come playoff time?

“I think the Serra (Gardena) game was our best as a team (lost 29-25). That was the best team we’ve played thus far. We did what we had to do early in the game, we showed out but learned that we cannot let off the gas against good teams like that. The Serra game was a learning lesson for us.”

Which game this season was your personal best and why do you consider that to be your best game?

“For me personally, I’d say the Lakewood game was the best (won 53-18). We opened up the play book more against them. I had about 295 yards passing and three touchdowns in that game.”

That is a good game. How did your game as a quarterback grow throughout the season?

“My game developed a lot this season. I watched a lot of film, worked on my technique, and through repetition of plays in practice I got better.”

What are some of the things you feel you do really well on the field as a quarterback?

“Coaches tell me I have a quick release. I feel that I am good at recognizing defenses, getting the ball to my receivers, and making the right reads.”

What has you excited about the playoffs?

“The whole city is ready for the playoffs. We’ve had a lot of doubters this season, we are ready to prove them wrong. That is what we are waiting for.”

You have the two offers, which schools are showing interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from Utah, Boise State, Mississippi State, Baylor, and Washington.”

Halloween is coming up, any fun plans?

(Laughs) “No. I will chill at the house and pass out candy.”

Are you dressing up?

“I don’t know. If I want some candy, I will throw on a mask and have fun going around the neighborhood.”

Do you have a favorite scary movie you like to get you into the mood of the season?

“Halloween – the original.”

That is a scary one. CJ, great catching up with you today. Good luck in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: CJ Montes