RISING STAR WATCH: MATT CORRAL

Quarterback Matt Corral of Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) landed the first of what could be many scholarship offers on Thursday, Oct. 15, as USC came calling first (photo contributed). 

Three days ago, Matt Corral of Oaks Christian (Westlake Village) was among 15 quarterbacks in the 805 region highlighted by Cali Gold Mine because of his knack for the deep ball and for being a two-year varsity starter as a sophomore.

Now, Corral landed the first of what should be many scholarship offers, as the 6-foot-3, 190-pound cannon launcher received his first pledge from USC on Thursday, Oct.15.

It’s ludicrous to think that Corral is just a sophomore, because his arm strength is unreal and few high school signal callers in California has his intangibles. Here’s a closer look:

WHAT TO LIKE: He’s a master at fooling defenses with the pump fake then unleashing the Hail Mary. He also has thrown the long ball without faking the throw and then letting the 47-yard bomb loose, proven at the 29 second mark of his 2015-16 film. He’s unafraid to take aggressive strikes down the field and has sometimes sailed his ball past two defenders for his receiver to grab. Has excellent pocket awareness. Rarely tucks the ball in and runs, but when he does he won’t go down on first contact.

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Right now, his strength has been the long range throws through play action calls. Need to see his ability to quickly release the ball out and how he does on short throws. His passes sometimes hangs in the air too long, which could lead to multiple interceptions down the road.

OVERALL: The PAC-12 has hit Oaks Christian hard on the recruiting trail since the school opened for the 2002-2003 season. Corral has now kept the PAC-12 coaches coming to the pristine private school after getting one prestigious university to extend an early offer. It’s unique to see how far along Corral is in his develop. What’s scary is that after this season, he has two more years to become the complete package.