Catching Up with Aaron Corp

WeAreSC: We're here at an event to help support Chris Rix's Champion Training Academy, how long have you known Chris?

AC: I've known him since high school. He broadcast one of my high school games and since then we've been in touch and he's been real supportive.  I'm just glad I could come out here and support a good cause on a day like this.  

WeAreSC: One of the elements of the training academy is working with young quarterbacks.  How important is that in the development of someone who wants to play the position?

AC: Quarterback is such a technical position.  You can't just go out there and be a good athlete, you have to hone the skills.  I know it really helped me progress when I was in high school and hopefully it will help give other kids the tools they need to be successful.

WeAreSC: Which do you think these trainers can help most with, the mental side of quarterback or the fundamental side?

AC: I think it's more the fundamentals, like learning the 3,5 and 7 step drops.  That isn't a natural thing to do.  I think the mental side is more for the coaches in high school and younger levels to develop.  

WeAreSC: Let's get caught up on what you're doing right now.  Finals ended a few weeks ago, have you taken some time off before summer workouts really get going?

AC: Yeah, summer school started last week and I'm taking one class there.  Other than that, just getting my lifting in here and there, throwing one day a week with the guys, nothing too major.  We really start up in another week and a half or so and I can't wait.  

WeAreSC: Have you noticed anything different in the way people have treated you since being named the starting QB?

AC: Not really, at least not the people who know me.  There might be certain times when I'm out in public where people say things, nothing too drastic.  I haven't done anything yet, hopefully this fall I can do some good things and warrant some of that publicity.  

WeAreSC: I'm sure you've envisioned in your mind what it's going to be like coming out of that tunnel at the Coliseum as the starter against San Jose State.

AC: It's going to be awesome.  I can't wait.  I mean, I still haven't done anything yet, I've still got to perform in fall camp but that's the goal and I can't wait for it.

WeAreSC: What are some of the things you will be trying to accomplish with these summer throwing sessions?

AC: I think just trying to be first in everything we do with the team workouts.  I want to prove my leadership to the guys.  Personally, I just want to get more consistent in throwing the ball and really lock in a solid throwing motion going into fall camp and hopefully that will send me in the right direction.

WeAreSC: Talk about Jeremy Bates now that you've had a spring ball to work with him.

AC: I love working with Coach Bates.  He's awesome, real down to earth.  His coaching style is real good to what I think I need as a player.  I think we're gonna work great together as we go into fall.  I think it's gonna work out just great.  

WeAreSC: You say he is good for your kind of player.  Elaborate on that, how is he good for someone like you?

AC: I'm pretty hard on myself and he knows that.  He's not going to drive me into the ground with criticism or anything like that.  He just expects good things from you and if you're not performing he's going to put someone else in there.  That kind of goes well with my personality and how I operate so I think it's going to be a good fit.

WeAreSC: Speaking of personality, you're not a vocal guy.  You're not someone who is going to be too emotional out there.  Is Bates that way?  Is he a loud guy?  

AC: He can be but I wouldn't say that is his initial response to things.  Like I said, he just expects good things and he operates that way coming from the professional level.  If we do the things he asks us to do, he gets fired up when that happens.  I think we were really lucky to get him.  

WeAreSC: One of the elements you will bring to the position is running the football.  Describe your running style.

AC: I would say I'm fast but I wouldn't say I'm explosive.  Once I get going I can be pretty fast.  I just want to be opportunistic with my running, I don't want that to be the main part of my game.  At least the receivers don't want that (smiling).  I'm gonna try to get the ball to the guys who are faster than me but if I can make a play with my feet when the time comes, that will be a good thing for us.

WeAreSC: One of the reasons I know the coaches like to name a starter at the end of spring is to allow the guy to grow into the role over the summer.  Has it been a natural feeling to get back to the starter role for the first time since high school?

AC: Yeah, a little bit.  It felt natural.  I mean, it's been a long time coming.  I'm not going to change anything though, I'm just going to keep being me and I think the guys will respect that.  Of course,how you play will determine a respect level so hopefully I can keep performing well and improving too.

WeAreSC: Right now there are three Orange Lutheran Lancers on the team but you're the only one who has been healthy lately.  What's the update on Blake Ayles and Michael Reardon?

AC: Actually, we threw with Blake last week so that was good to have him out there.  He didn't seem like he was pushing it but it didn't look like it was bothering him either.  Mike is gonna go through rehab and hopefully that will work out but right now it looks like Blake will be good to go for the fall.