Colton James (CJ) Villanueva
Twitter: @CJVillanueva10_
Insta: @cj_villanueva26
5’10, 182, c/o 26
‘Iolani School , Hawaii
Colton is a big-time playmaker with pro-style pocket ability with, good movement in the pocket, and a masterful ability to see the whole field while reading the defense to deliver the right pass. Colton can launch the deep ball, intermediate, or short throws accurately. Colton is willing to stand in the pocket and deliver throws despite getting hit. Colton can effectively roll the pocket and throw nicely on the run. Colton has quick release and gets the ball out quick (offense emphasizes taking what defense gives us). Colton uses his IQ to know when to pull it down and use his legs to get those extra yards.
Last season, Colton threw for 2093 pass yds, 28 pass TDs, 2 rush TDs, and only
1 INT. Colton followed that up this season, going for 2415 pass yards, 24 pass TDs, 1 rush TD, and again only 1 INT. That's big-time production. Colton's biggest improvement from last season till this season was becoming a more vocal leader on the team while being focused on creating team unity and addressing obstacles of individualism from the previous season. Colton collaborated with seniors to organize more team bonding events. Colton actively encouraged teammates and hyped up the sideline when the defense was on the field, developing stronger relationships with linemen, resulting in only two sacks this season. Although the team didn't make it to the States, it emphasized growth through hard work and perseverance. The most motivating thing that pushed Colton this season was that feeling of losing in our conference championship to make it to the States, that feeling of emptiness, and wishing he did more for this team to succeed.
Before the snap, Colton sees the playbook in his mind. In their offense, they have a lot of half-field reads, key progression, and progression with options
Reading leverage of corners/safety and helps Colton to ID coverage and if the defense is rolling to another. Looking at the defense, not receivers, start-up top first (safeties give him the idea of what possible coverage they are in). Look at the numbers in the box to see where he is protected and where there might be an unblocked guy.
What fuels Colton's fire on the field is knowing that his family is watching and many of his little cousins look up to him. Just knowing his parents worked so hard to get him to this point gives him the will not to give up when the going gets tough
Whenever an obstacle arises, Colton always returns to why he started doing this for his family. Colton thinks to himself, “Quitting is an insult to the people that believe in him. Colton wants to give back to those who believe in him ( his family and loved ones who have supported him through this journey).
What sets Colton sets you apart from other people is his willingness to stand in the pocket and deliver the football even when under duress. Colton can take a hit and will always get back up. Colton will always take what the defense gives him (willing to take the higher percentage completion instead of just launching the ball in the air to a contested WR). Colton will hold people accountable, not yell at them.
Colton's advice or encouragement to those coming behind him: " When things don't go your way, don't get discouraged, don't dwell on past mistakes,
go hard every practice and game, understanding you never know when it will be your last, always have a “fire,” something that keeps burning from within, knowing it helps propel you forward in tough times, and put the work in; it will not go unnoticed. "
The best coaching advice Colton has ever received is, " Don’t ever show your brothers that you are down." " You are the leader of this team, and if they see that you are affected, their morale will begin to drop."
Colton sees himself playing at the D2/D3 level and believes it will take commitment to staying consistent every day, understanding that challenges will come up, like sacrificing temporary success for long-term success and learning from his mistakes; it's through mistakes are an opportunity to grow. Colton would consider maybe IVY league, the only concern is expensive tuition. What would make the school stand out to Colton is a school with a sense of community, a place where everyone has each other's backs, where coaches are loyal to the team and willing to give their 100 percent, and that will push each individual to their fullest potential. A team that has each other's backs, camaraderie, and a high academic school.
Colton has a D2 Interest from the Colorado School of Mines and a D3 from Oberlin College (offered). Other Interest: Williams College UChicago WashU Pomona Pitzer Whitworth U Pacific Lutheran Chapman Case Western Reserve University Lewis and Clark Carnegie Mellon Claremont Mudd Scripps
I assess that Colton is a high-level athlete who thrives even under pressure. A very efficient QB that is accurate and dependable. Each season, Colton has improved his skills, and the numbers bear that out. And he will excel anywhere he lands. Colton is a true leader on and off the field and takes academics as seriously as the game itself. Colton is a well-rounded, humble young star with potential and charisma. Success awaits in football on the next level and life in general. Stay tuned to see just how high Colton can fly.
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