Update Interview with 4-Star 2021 Texas All-American QB Preston Stone

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Lone Star State has a tremendous history of producing amazing high school quarterbacks who can spin it at an elite level. The long history of talented gun-slingers scorching fellow Texans before matriculating off to college continues thanks to players like Class of 2021 quarterback Preston Stone.

Over the past two seasons Stone has been the rock in which Parish Episcopal’s offense gravitates around. The 6-2, 185-pound, dual-threat took the sport by storm in 2017 hitting 201 of 339 passes for 2,937 yards with 29 touchdowns while running for 216 yards with four scores. Building off his freshman season, the growth of Stone’s skills saw an upswing in the win-loss column for the Panthers. The squad went from a 5-7 team to 9-4 with a three-game run into the playoffs with their four-star talent connecting on 237 of 386 passes for 3,522 yards with 44 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. His ability as a dual-threat improved as well covering 544 yards off 93 totes with nine trips to the end zone.

As the Lone Star State embraces another “favorite son”, so do college football programs nationwide. To date, the Dallas area standout has 38 offers spanning the Big 12, SEC, ACC, Pac-12, Ivy League, and Big Ten among others.

To learn more about Stone’s talents on the field and his recruiting process, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one picking the brain of the MaxPreps’ All-American quarterback.

Interview

Preston, the Panthers had a very good season making a run to the TAPPS semifinal round going up against eventual state champs Bishop Dunne. What was the playoff experience like for you in 2018?

“It was really-really fun. A lot of people did not expect us to make it as far as we did. We went three rounds in the playoffs and beat some very good teams. It was an exciting year.”

How did playing against all those tough Texas teams help push your game forward during your sophomore season?

“We did have a tough schedule. In my opinion, we have the hardest district in the state. I think three out of the four teams in the semifinals were from our district. Playing against all these guys will definitely help me get ready for the next level.”

You led the team during your freshman season and played at a really high level. What were some of the differences for you from 2017 to 2018 with your play on the field?

“This year, I felt the game come to me a lot slower. I was seeing everything clearer. Friday nights your first time out there, everything is so hectic. Being this was my second year as a starter, it was easier. I knew what guys were doing and where the defenses will be.”

Which game was your best during your sophomore season?

“That’s a tough one. I’d say Nolan Catholic (Fort Worth). We came back in the playoffs for the win (27-14), that was pretty sweet.”

Why do you feel that is your best game?

“It wasn’t as much about how I played, but how we came together as a team to beat a team we were not supposed to beat. I played to the best of my abilities, and so did my teammates. It was great to pull off the upset.”

*Stone threw for 314 yards with three touchdowns and rushed for 84 yards with another score

Were there any areas of your game that started off as weaknesses in 2018 but by the end of the season you had turned them into strengths?

“I improved on the mental aspect. We have a really good QB coach, he brings a different perceptive. If a QB has a bad series, you get down on yourself. Towards the end of the season, I was gaining confidence in myself, keeping my composure, and improving all the way around.”

Which areas of your game are you focused upon improving this spring and summer?

“I am focused on the physical intangibles. I am working on putting on weight and getting faster. The biggest thing, we graduated a lot of seniors, I am working on the chemistry with younger guys to get our timing down for next season.”

Everyone knows you are a big-time recruit, how many offers do you have now?

“I have 38 offers.”

Which programs were the last couple to offer?

“Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama.”

Nice. It doesn’t seem possible with so many offers, but are there any schools showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Yes. I am in contact with Stanford and USC.”

Last question. For those out there that may only know you as a talented quarterback, who is Preston Stone away from the field?

“Outside of football, I am connected at church and with my youth group. I spend a lot of time with my brothers, we just got new puppies. I am excited about that.”

Preston, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Stone’s Offer Sheet (38): Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, LSU, Colorado, Arizona, Arizona State, Harvard, North Carolina, Michigan, Mississippi State, Boston College, Illinois, Nevada, SMU, Tennessee-Martin, North Texas, Houston, Penn State, Ole Miss, Texas State, Washington State, Vanderbilt, Western Illinois, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State, Virginia, Tulsa, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, South Carolina, Tennessee, and TCU

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Photo credit: twitter.com; Preston Stone at practice