San Juan Hills QB goes from under the radar to completely covering it

When last catching up with Patrick O’Brien in December, the San Juan Hills quarterback was processing a solid season under center for a Stallions team that came up a little short on the field in 2014. Despite throwing for over 2,000 yards with 15 touchdowns and rushing for another 653 yards with another 13 scores, the Class of 2016 dart thrower was far more focused on how the Stallions would come together in 2015 and how to ready himself for the next season than being under the radar on the national recruiting scene.

With at least 12 starters expected to return to a 4-7 team, O’Brien was excited about how his senior campaign could shape up. The young team took their lumps early, but in his words stated, “Towards the end of the season we started playing as a team coming together playing against better teams.”

What a difference a couple of months can make. Now O’Brien may be able to have his cake and eat it too.

Every Division-I football team across the nation worth their salt should at least know the name Patrick O’Brien after he won the Elite 11 Quarterback regional in Los Angeles on March 8.

The Elite 11 Quarterback Competition has grown in popularity year after year. Right or wrong, the competition is designed to indentify the top high school quarterback in a respective class before each senior season begins. In 2015 the Elite 11 coordinators will run 13 camps across the nation hoping to filter down the best of the best before inviting 10-15 kids to the Nike Football “The Opening” to compete for the honor of top quarterback in the nation.

As the popularity of the competition grows, so does the pressure to compete at a high level for hopefuls across the nation. Last year there were just eight regional camps along with a documentary series that aired on ESPN following each invitee through the process.

O’Brien won the third camp of the season, and perhaps one of the toughest.

The 6’4”, 220 pound, prototypical quarterback resides in the backyard of schools like USC, UCLA, Cal, and Stanford but the majority of teams showing early interest were East Coast teams like Rutgers, Arizona, Louisville, Virginia, and Duke along with in-state D-I San Diego State. Now the recruiting letters and calls to San Juan Hills head coach Aaron Flowers are growing, as one might imagine.

O’Brien sat down for an interview after a B2G 7×7 tournament team practice to discuss how his offseason has progressed, winning the Elite 11 Quarterback Competition in LA, and the reaction of college recruiters to his win.

 

 

Patrick, how did the Elite 11 invite to participate come about for you?

“I sent my film to the Elite 11. I had a connection through one of my friend’s Sam Darnold (San Clemente High School, USC signee) who participated last year. When I sent my stuff over, one of the guys on the Elite 11 team knew of me and invited me. I’ve always watched the Elite 11 program on TV. I was excited to get the invite.”

How did the day of the competition go for you? Did you play at your normal level or were you just on fire the whole day?

“Everything started off normal. We started doing different QB drills. Over the course of the day everything kind of picked up, I started throwing the ball really well in one-on-ones. I think that’s what caught Trent Dilfer’s eye. I had a good day in total but I normally throw really well. I was just being really consistent. That’s what makes a good QB.”

What was it like when they called your name as the winner of the LA Regional?

“It was meaningful to win something like that. I enjoyed it. It was really cool. It was just amazing when they called my name.”

Did Trent Dilfer pull you aside at anytime before, during, or after the competition?

“He did afterwards. He said all good things. Things like “I’ll be in touch with you later.” He did say I may have to go to Charlotte and compete there to get invited to The Opening. Hopefully will get the invite there if not before.”

The Charlotte competition is scheduled for May 9 (at Mallard Creek High School), are you going to compete there or just kind of wait and see what happens?

“I’m not completely sure if I’m going or not. I think they want to see me again in person. It’s a 50-50 thing at this point.”

What has changed for you since winning the Elite 11 regional in LA?

“More people following me on social media, more recruiters and more schools are looking at me. I still have to work hard everyday but the notices have been picking up.”

Which colleges have you heard from or talked to since the win?

“I talked with the player personnel manager at Rutgers. I’ve talked with Nebraska through my coach (Flowers) and I’ve messaged with Stanford offensive coordinator (Mike Bloomgren). I’ve talked to the recruiting coordinator at Nevada (Mike Bradeson) and messaged with ASU a little bit.”

How is 7×7 tournament play for B2G Team Five Star going?

“We played in a preliminary tournament, just three games. It was good. We won every game even though we did not play or best. We’ll be ready for our first real tournament.”

I’ve watched B2G practice. Wide receiver Javon McKinley (Centennial High School) is an absolute beast. What is it like throwing to McKinley in practice and during 7×7 tournament games?

“He’s amazing. He can catch everything. It makes it easier on me as a quarterback knowing I can throw it up to him and he’s going to make a play.”

When is the next tournament B2G is playing in?

“In Fontana on March 29.”

Have you scheduled any college camps for the summer?

“I have not signed up for any yet. Schools are looking at me. If a school offers chances are I will go there. Whoever is really interested in me that’s probably where I’ll go.”

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: Gareth Lindo; Patrick O’Brien works at a B2G practice.