Update Interview with MaxPreps All-American 4-Star 2022 California QB AJ Duffy

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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The last two seasons on the field for AJ Duffy (6-2, 205) has been a flurry of activity out of the pocket, and he still has two more years left to unleash his dual-threat attack. As a freshman, Duffy led his Rancho Verde squad to a 13-1 season by tossing 40 touchdowns for 2,984 yards with 316 yards on the ground and four rushing scores. That onslaught was backed up with an 11-1 campaign filling the stat sheet with 2,568 yards and 26 touchdowns along with 501 yards on the ground and four more trips into the end zone. The 2019 season resulted in second team MaxPreps All-American acknowledgements along with four-star recruiting status. That earned attention has been supported along the recruiting trail with 32 scholarship offers dropped.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Duffy fills us in on his offseason workouts as the Mustangs prepare for a January 2021 kickoff to the 2020 season against Division-II California competition.

*Click the link for the April 23 RNG interview with AJ Duffy

Interview

AJ, one of the things that I love about your game is your arm strength. What have you been doing to increase that rope with your accuracy?

Lifting and throwing a bunch.

What other parts of your mechanics have you been fine-tuning this summer?

I’ve been working with Coach Danny Hernandez this summer. He is working with me on involving my hips more, and small stuff like hips to make throws easier.

How often are you getting your receiving corps together for throwing sessions?

You can’t organize with coaches, but I call the guys twice a week to go throw.

Where are you seeing the noticeable improvements in your skill this summer?

Feeling like I am getting bigger, stronger, faster and placing the ball where I want it effortlessly.

Your footspeed is a difference maker as well. What are some of the drills and workouts you’ve been doing to push that part of your game to the next level?

Oh man, I’ve been running a lot of hills, jumping rope, and playing pick-up basketball.

When we last spoke, you mentioned that the Mustangs’ offense was going to be a little different sending out as many as five at a time depending on the down and distance, defense, etc.… How are you working on that part of your game so you can rip apart teams this season?

Not really too different, just a little different. We will have a talented running back out of the backfield this season. I expect him to have big numbers, he is a do it all back.

Another big change for you is the love you are getting on the recruiting trail. When you speak with the various college football coaches what are they telling you they like about your talents?

They can tell I am a coaches’ kid. They like how accurate I am, how I spin it, and how athletic I am. I’m at a 4.75 time in the 40 now. I ran a laser-timed 4.8 at the Under Armour Camp.

How are you handling all the incoming communications with the various schools?

I don’t have too much going on, I respond back in between workouts. If they want me to call, they communicate with my dad. I will call them when I am free. I love talking ball and learning about what they do.

When coaches talk to you about their program, what are the things you are seeking to learn about their offense and/or school?

About the school, all the schools are going to be about the same with the same majors. My mom asks a bunch of questions. With the offense, I like to learn how the coach goes about calling plays. I like picking his brain learning what makes him do what against different defenses.

The offer total continues to rise. How many offers do you have now?

I have 32 offers.

Wow. Which programs were the last couple to offer?

Louisville and Virginia Tech offered last week.

Duffy’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, BYU, California, Colorado State, Florida State, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Nevada, NC State, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Rutgers, UNLV, USC, Utah, Utah State, Virginia Tech, and Washington State

Are there any schools showing interest or have all of them offered for now?

I talk to Texas A&M and Florida a little bit, and Alabama a little bit too.

Once visits are allowed again, do you have any planned trips on the schedule?

None set yet, but by that time I will know where I want to go but that is not for a while. Right now, I am taking it all in, building bonds, and checking with my parents where they want to go.

California is in an extended offseason until the planned season begins in January. What are your plans and goals in the coming weeks and months to stay sharp?

I want to get better every day so by the time the season comes I am that much better. I’m going to keep going over old film and keep working to staying sharp.

AJ, great catching up with you again today. Wishing you and the Mustangs success this fall with workouts preparing for the 2020 season.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Steven Brrn (@StvnBrrn)/Duffy family; AJ Duffy