Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 high school football season was an announcement party for Class of 2020 quarterback Ryan Zanelli. Working against Division II California defenses, Zanelli competed 61 percent of his passes for 3,180 yards with 42 touchdowns tossed and even ran for a score. His play on the field earned him first team All-CIF and Freeway League Offensive Player of the Year honors. With the showcasing of his skillset for La Habra High School, college programs have come to the yard liking what they are seeing in the 6-2, 190-pound, field general. So far, six programs have extended offers hoping Zanelli will be the guy to lead them to college football glory in the coming years.
In an RNG catch-up interview partnered with QB Hit List, I sat down with the three-star recruit getting the inside scoop on his spring sessions and summer camp circuit.
Interview
Ryan, when the 2018 season came to an end, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
“I thought I had improved on my decision making, my leadership, and knowing the offense. I had control of the team and what we were supposed to do.”
Going into the offseason, what were the focus of your workouts?
“My focus was on building some more strength in my upper and lower body. I want to be ready for the hits and grind of a competitive schedule.”
How have your offseason workouts been going?
“They have been going great. We got some kids coming back and some new kids coming up. We have gelled well. I feel good about where I am at, and I am staying focused. The season will be here before you know it.”
Which areas of your game are improving the most?
“My lower body is improving a lot. I am making sure I am getting my body into the throw, not just using my arm. Getting through the ball has been the No. 1 thing for me.”
How did spring ball with the Highlanders go?
“It went really well. We won a 7v7 tournament and came in second in another one. That is a reflection of all the hard work we’ve put into our team. It is nice to have a good showing with our offense.”
Have you competed at any camps this offseason?
“I competed at the Whittier camp with Boise State and Washington (Friday).”
What other camps upcoming might you attend?
“I am going to Liberty next week. They offered me a while ago, and I have been talking to their coaches a lot. I am going to the east coast for some Ivy League camps and I am going to a Stanford camp.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have six offers from Yale, Dartmouth, Liberty, UPenn (Pennsylvania), Fordham, and Lehigh.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“San Diego State, Boise State, and BYU are showing the most interest right now.”
Have you taken any visits this spring?
“Yes. During the spring I went to some Ivy League schools. I visited Dartmouth, Brown, Harvard, Yale, UPenn, and Princeton.”
How did the Dartmouth visit go?
“It went great. The UPenn, Yale and Dartmouth visits – I liked those visits a lot. Each has opportunities beyond football, that excites me.”
With the Ivy League offers and interest, what was your GPA last semester?
“I had a 4.2 GPA this past semester.”
What is your top score on the ACT and/or SAT?
“I scored a 1310 on the SAT, but I am taking it again to get my math score higher.”
Do you watch video on college and/or NFL quarterbacks?
“Yes. I am left-handed so I watch Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama). There are not too many lefty quarterbacks out there. It is cool watching him.”
What are you watching of him or what are you trying to learn from Tagovailoa?
“I watch his timing and the way he gets the ball out. He is so sharp on how he gets it out which transitions to a faster game.”
Ryan, it was great catching up with you today. I wish you luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
