Special Double Interview With Palatine's Two Playmakers ATH Alex Clue & QB Joe Ayala Class O
So in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for lllinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know , but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Alex Clue Class of 2021 ATH 5'10 160 HUDL
Joe Ayala Class of 2021 QB HUDL
Joe Ayala how was your 2018 season?
My 2018 season started off in summer camp where I was moved up to varsity as a sophomore. I had a lot to learn about the offense and getting myself prepared for varsity football. I worked my way up and was battling for the starting quarterback spot. It was tough batting Zach Garnmeister because he was a senior and had a way more experience then I did. I was in the roster for all the 2018 games on varsity. I came in mostly when our team was doing good or when we were losing. Half way through the varsity season i had 4 touchdowns as a backup and 200 yards passing. And 40 yards rushing. I had 2 touchdowns and 97 yards passing against rolling meadows. And a touchdown and 35 yards rushing against New trier. And for my last 5 games of the 2018 season I ended up going and playing with JV who were 1-3 at the time, and I found success with them. The first 3 games we went 3-0 and tied against Conant and lost to a hard fought battle against Barrington. Finishing second in the division.
Alex Clue how was your 2018 season?
My 2018 season was a pretty tough one moving from the NYC to Illinois I had to start all over again earning my spot to play. Working day and night with Joe Ayala to get better at route running and our chemistry
Alex: What difference do you see in the states with New York football next to a Illinois football?
It’s a lot more speed and talent . But I’m use to speed I’ve always been a speed guy on my team. Growing up in Florida with my dad playing youth football helped me out a lot those guys were tough on me which helped me out in the long run
Joe: What do you like about playing QB?
I feel like the word “like” is a understatement. But what do I love about playing Qb is the influential part of it. Playing QB is not for everyone, it may not be for me. But I still do it because I get to influence the players around me and provide positive energy and giving my teammates advice and helping out with there game. I’ve been playing football for 8 years. Through those 8 years I learned how to become a better teammate and allowing the players around me to get better.
Joe: What should college coaches know about you?
I want college coaches to know that I am a great leader and even though I might not meet some coach's height requirements but I have great instincts and vision in the pocket and you can see that in film and in practice.
Alex: What should college coaches know about you?
I want coaches to know that all I’m willing to work hard on and off the field. I will not back down from competition, I want to become a better football player and a better man I’m ready to learn more about the game.
Alex: What excites you the most about this upcoming season?
Just knowing that everyones doubting us coming off a losing season. I have a lot to prove, I’ve been told I’m too short, not big enough to make it d1 but at the end of the day i know who I am as a player and the goal I want to complete
Joe: What goal do you have for yourself this season?
A goal for myself this season is to grow as a player and a teammate and bring back a winning mentality to Palatine football. Most of our teammates have a chip on their shoulder and were told that football wasn’t the sport for them, but from what I see from my standpoint as their quarterback they have every means of playing football at a high level. I want to bring a state championship to palatine within my two seasons of playing quarterback.
Joe: Toughest secondary you faced last season?
The toughest secondary I faced last season was Stevenson. Those guys were one tough group and played physical against our WR. I went in in the second half of the game against their secondary and I couldn’t even get a pass out to my Wr without them jumping right on it. Fortunately i didn’t throw any picks in the game, but I still think that was the toughest secondary I’ve played against.
Alex: What is your favorite route to run?
I’m great with selling double moves. One of my favorite routes is out and up.
Alex: What is your strongest trait on the field?
My vision and quick movement is outstanding when I have the ball in my hands.
Joe: Give me some players on Palatine besides you I should be on the lookout for this upcoming season?
Eric Person (FS, WR), Tyler Pecson (SS,WR), Luka Popovic (WR), Charles Harris (RB/Wr), Ronald todd (RB), Jayden Houskins (DE) Peter Russenburg (DT) Brandon Hernandez (LB) Rand Paddack (OLB/ WR)
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