Rise and Fire Camp Series Interview: 2021 QB Peter Costelli Handling Trinity League Challenges Like a Veteran

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Life in the Trinity League is not easy, especially for a quarterback. The southern California high school football conference is arguably the best in the nation with an amazing collection of skill players at all positions on each and every team. Completing a pass with a future Pac-12 linebacker in your face against a future SEC corner is no picnic, yet Class of 2021 Santa Margarita quarterback Peter Costelli is getting it done during his first season as a starter at the varsity level and looking like a grizzled veteran through the process.

When the 2018 regular season ends for Costelli and the Eagles, will have played five teams ranked in MaxPreps’ Top 25; Mission Viejo, Orange Lutheran, Mater Dei, St. John Bosco, and JSerra Catholic, three of those teams in the Top 10. Through all the challenges, Costelli has delivered throwing for 2,090 yards with 19 touchdowns and has ran for 192 yards with two more scores posted. The 6-2, 193-pound, field general has a quick release, strong arm, can throw on the run, is mobile in the pocket, and is surprisingly fast able to pick up big chunks of yards as needed to keep drives alive.

With Costelli’s talent, upside, and productivity against some of the best teams in the nation, as one might guess college coaches have taken notice. Missouri, Notre Dame, Nebraska, USC, and Michigan are just a few of the teams looking into the rising talent.

In an RNG in-season catch-up interview, I sat down with Costelli for an in-depth interview covering his game this season with an update on his rapidly growing recruiting prospects.

*Click link for June 7, 2018, RNG interview with Peter Costelli 

Interview

Peter, the Eagles have had a very tough schedule this year which I am guessing has given you a ton of invaluable experience as both a leader and as a quarterback. How has your leadership skills developed and improved throughout the 2018 season?

“I feel like it has improved a lot. With each game, I am more and more comfortable with the team and more open to the team as a vocal leader.”

How has your game improved this season reading defenses and going through your progressions?

“I feel like I have gotten a lot better reading defenses and going through my progressions. Coach (Rich) Fisher (QB coach) has helped me with that. Each game I am seeing the coverages better. Coach Fisher always tells me the game will start to slow down; it is starting to slow down for me.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I feel like the Orange Lutheran game was my best game. I played well, the team played really well.”

You’ve played against four Top 25 nationally ranked teams this season and have a fifth upcoming. Of all the very talented teams you have faced, which was the most challenging for you?

“Honestly, they were all challenging… I feel like Bosco and Mater Dei are the same.”

How did that experience against those two teams help you improve as a quarterback?

“It helped me improve a lot. With this being my first year as a starter at the varsity level, I am getting into these games more and more and growing as a player. I am getting the game down.”

Yes, you are. As your experience has grown, how have your abilities as a passer expanded?

“I am getting better at staying in the pocket and not getting out with the first feeling of pressure. I feel like my accuracy has gotten better. My ball placement based on the defender has improved a lot.”

The Eagles get an angry JSerra Catholic team on Friday, what are you expecting from the Lions defense?

“I have not seen that much of them yet. We will work hard and do our best in the game to work for the win.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from Utah, Michigan, USC, Washington, Notre Dame, Cal, Nebraska, Boise State, and Missouri.”

I know you unofficially visited USC in June, do you have any other unofficial visits upcoming you may take?

“We are trying to figure that out. There are a couple I’d like to visit, Utah, Penn State, Michigan, and Washington are a few of them.”

Over the weekend, did you get to watch any college games, if so, which games did you watch?

“I saw the Purdue verses Ohio State game; that was crazy.”

Which college or NFL quarterbacks do you watch?

“I watch Aaron Rogers (Green Bay Packers) a lot.”

When you get a chance for downtime away from football and school work, what are you doing for fun?

“I am chilling, hanging with friends, and playing video games.”

Which video game is your game?

“Call of Duty.”

Peter, great getting to catch up with you today. Good luck in the season finale against JSerra Catholic.

“Thank you.”

Featured photo credit: Dave Schilling; No. 12 Peter Costelli

Photo credit: Rodger Clay; No. 12 Peter Costelli