RNG-Rise and Fire Interview: 4-Star 2020 California QB Shane Illingworth Plans Pac-12, Big 12, and SEC Offseason Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

During the 2018 California high school football season, Class of 2020 quarterback Shane Illingworth proved he was among the best in-state and in the nation completing 63 percent of his passes for 2,739 yards with 29 touchdowns. The talent displayed in the pocket helped his Norco High School squad to a 9-3 season with a two-game run into the Division-II playoffs. As the total package with tremendous upside, the 6-6, 235-pound, gunslinger has pulled in six offers with wide-spread interest coming in from the likes of Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, USC, Missouri, Georgia, Oregon, UCLA, LSU, and Washington State.

In an RNG update interview, I caught up with Illingworth after the Cougars wrapped up their season for a look back on his junior campaign with an update on his offseason recruiting activities.

*For his performance throughout the 2018 season, Shane Illingworth has been selected as an RNG-Rise and Fire Camp Series Interview as one of the top quarterback talents in California

Interview

Shane, Norco had a great season going 9-3 with a two-game run into the playoffs. Looking back as a leader on the team, what are some of the things you are proud of in terms of accomplishments?

“Resiliency, we fought to the end. We fought and never gave up, and there were no fingers pointed. We relied on each other and we all did our job.”

In the second round game against Upland, you had a great game passing for 321 yards with four touchdowns. The outcome of the game aside, what was working well for you in that game against a team going to the championship game?

“They were bringing a lot of pressure and have a really good edge rusher. We made them run with us against their blitzes. They were playing a bend but don’t break underneath. I thought they ran a good scheme, it was a tough game.”

Through the two playoff games, you connected on seven touchdowns. How did you step your game up against top California competition in crunch time?

“When you play against the best you have to step up. You have to bring your “A” game. You have to be mentally and physically ready. We worked hard as a team to be 100 percent ready for both games.”

With the entire season, what were the top improvements you showed on the field?

“My accuracy, my downfield passing, making good reads, being a better game manager, and taking what defense gives. I showed that my pocket presence and ability to make plays downfield improved. I was focused this season and doing the best that I could for my team.”

What will you work on this offseason in preparation for your senior year?

“I will work on my speed, agility, and quickness. I made escape-ability moves this season in the pocket. I want to move around the pocket and run downfield to make plays. I want to be as good with my legs as I am with my arm.”

Each time I talk to you, it seems your recruiting picks up another notch or two and top teams are focusing in on you more and more. You have the six offers, which schools are showing the most interest in you right now?

“LSU and Arkansas are showing a lot of interest. Arizona, Arizona State, and UCLA are showing a lot of interest as well.”

Illingworth’s offer sheet: Arkansas, Arizona State, Louisville, San Jose State, Arizona, and Colorado

Have you taken any recent visits?

“Yes. I went on a visit to UCLA for the USC game.”

How did that visit go?

“It was a good visit. I was impressed with UCLA.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I plan on going to a UCLA camp this offseason and on a visit. I also plan on going to a USC camp. I also plan on visiting LSU and Arkansas in February. I plan on Arizona State and Arizona visits again, and hopefully I will get to visit Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.”

We are coming up on the last week of college football’s regular season. Saturday will be a big rivalry weekend, are there any games you are already excited to see?

“I am excited to see Oklahoma against West Virginia and USC against Notre Dame.”

Shane, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today.

“Thank you.”

**Click link for RNG’s Sept. 17, 2018, interview with Shane Illingworth

Photo credit: Illinworth family; Shane Illingworth at Arkansas