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| Ian Book of Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills is piling up the offers while leading the Trojans to a 3-0 start in 2014 (photo contributed). |
Boise State surfaced as Book's third offer. The 6-foot, 175-pound quarterback from Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills said the Broncos made their pledge to him on Sept. 14. Book said he reached out to the Broncos and developed a relationship with some of the BSU coaches.
"They really liked my film and wanted to talk to me. I called them a few times over the next two weeks (beginning on Sept. 1) and we continued to talk. I got to know Director of Player Personnel Taylor Tharp and then coach Mike Sanford, who eventually offered me last Sunday," Book said.
Along with the Broncos, Book holds offers from the University of Idaho of the Sun Belt and San Diego University of the Football Championship Subdivision.
Book is currently leading Oak Ridge with a 3-0 record in 2014. The Trojans are averaging 37.6 points per game on offense. He said this year's Trojans are a young but disciplined group.
"Our Coaches have done a great job preparing our team especially since we lost so many seniors to graduation last year" Book said. "We are young with a lot of juniors playing this year. I give our coaches and my teammates a lot of credit for working so hard to get us ready for our difficult Sierra Foothill League play."
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| Book looks for running room (photo credit Max Preps). |
Book has brought efficiency to the Trojans' attack. He's completed 74.2 percent of his throws, has eight touchdown passes and no interceptions. His quarterback rating stands at 151.2. Book is starting to see growth in his development as a passer.
"Since I'm still growing, my arm strength and speed are getting better every month," Book said. "My ability to see things down field and extend plays is what most college coaches say is my strength."
He adds that he's included another trait to his play.
"I'm becoming more of a dual-threat QB and teams now have to prepare for that," Book said. "I have about 80 yards rushing so far in my first three games."
Book hasn't just heard from the three programs who've offered him a scholarship. He said he's had "great communication" with Cal-Berkeley, Washington State and Arizona State.
"Purdue and Northwestern (Big 10 schools) appear very interested as well," Book said.
The next challenge for Book and Oak Ridge is on Friday, Sept. 19, as the Trojans welcome Nevada juggernaut Reed, who's 14-4 in its last 18 games.
"Reed is a very good football team and one of the top rated teams in Nevada," Book said. "They have lots of athletes and they like to blitz a lot. I will have to be on my game for Reed and make them think about my ability to run and our teams' ability to run the ball."
CALI GOLD MINE'S TAKE
What to like: Book does an excellent job of fooling defenses on play action throws. He's good about tucking and hiding the football on fake handoffs, then throwing the strike down the field. He has good arm strength for a junior quarterback and can continue to hone his right arm. He runs a 4.74 40-yard dash time and isn't afraid to show his mobility. He can escape defenders and pass rushers. Book has been an efficient thrower who minimizes his mistakes.
What to build on: He plays in a pro style system that requires a lot of play fakes, so it's hard to determine if he can consistently spread the field. He doesn't have a consistent quick release as of now. He's made most of his throws on roll outs. I'll need to see more of his ability to stay in the pocket and show patience with his receivers.
Overall: Book is beginning to blossom at the right time. He still has one more year to add to his quarterback resume, which could potentially make him a highly wanted quarterback on the recruiting trail. Right now, he reminds me of former Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore, who was a master with the play action while with the Broncos.
More on Book: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2598473/highlights/164078375
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