DITR: Angelo Izzard

Angelo Izzard is a class of 2022 quarterback for Southern University Labratory School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Izzard is 5’10” and 180 lbs. Angelo is a dual threat quarterback whose height does not define him, he has the kind of accuracy and speed that translates to the next level. In his sophomore year, Angelo was named all state, all district, and offensive MVP for his district. He was also named all district in his junior season. Izzard also truly loves being a student holding a 3.9 GPA.

Q: How long have you been playing football?

A: I started playing when I was six years old. I wasn’t really a huge fan of football when I was young, but my uncle who is a big inspiration to me got me to buy into it and I’ve loved it ever since.

Q: What did your off-season training regiment look like?

A: In the summer, I practiced a lot, at least twice a day. On a normal day I would start off with a run, then I would go to my uncle’s house. He would help me do some drills and lift some weights. Then I would go to practice and work on my game more there.

Q: Do you have any goals for this season?

A: I want to break the school’s record of 40 touchdowns in one season. With the way I’ve been playing this season I think I’m on track to get it done. Other than that, I want to throw for 3000 passing yards and win a state championship.

Q: What kind of quarterback would you describe yourself as? Are you more of a pocket passer or dual threat?

A: I guess I would say dual threat because I can run. I don’t look to run but when I have to, I’ll do it. I have a lot of trust in my guys to catch my passes and get the yardage in the air so I usually don’t have to run.

Q: What is your favorite part about playing quarterback?

A: Having the trust of everyone on the team and trusting them in the same way. I love being a leader on and off the field, and being a quarterback kind of amplifies that.

Q: How would your teammates describe you? 

A: I think they would describe me as a leader. Someone who listens to them and acts off their reactions to find solutions for what  problems they have.

Q: What is a part of your game that you feel will translate to the next level?

A: I would say my pre-snap reads. I feel like a strong part of my game is being able to see the defense and understand what they are running before the play starts.

Q: Do you have any role models who have inspired you?

A: My head coach has been a role model for me, where he came from, what he overcame. Coming from being broke to now being successful but still helping the community and those around him is something that is inspiring to me.

Q: What are you thinking pre-snap?

A: Well it varies from play to play. If a running play is called I look at the linebackers and defensive line. I look to see if the linebackers are playing over top, then I might adjust the play at the line. If a passing play is called, I look at the defensive backs. If the defensive backs are face-to-face, I assume it is man coverage. If they’re playing off, I assume it is zone coverage. Nothing is really running through my mind pre-snap, I am just focusing on assessing the coverage.

Q: What is something that recruiters should know about you?

A: My height does not define me. Just because I’m considered short for a quarterback, doesn’t mean I can’t do everything a traditional quarterback can do.

Q: What is a time you went through significant adversity and how did you get through it?

A: My tenth grade year we lost in the semifinals. Everyone seemed like they were blaming it on our coach but he wasn’t the one who lost the game, our team did. That off-season defined us. We just focused on the team and pushed ourselves to work harder.

Q: Why do you play football?

A: To hopefully have the option to go to school for free. I love football, but I am big on school. If football takes me farther in life I’ll be happy, but I really want to get into a good school. 

Q: Do you think football has affected you as a person?

A: Yeah, football has made me a lot more vocal. I’m not one to talk a lot usually, but being a quarterback I have to speak up more. So I have found that this leadership position has caused me to be more vocal to others so it has affected me in that way.

Q: Has football taught you any valuable lessons? 

A: It has taught me to play every down like it’s your last because you never know when it will be. Especially if you are a senior, if you get hurt then you’re done. That’s why I just try and give everything I have on every play.

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