Ryerson Made Most of Time in Right Spot

There were Orange County high school quarterbacks who had better 1995 seasons than Fountain Valley’s Mitch Ryerson.

But not many.

Ryerson, one of the featured performers in the 37th North-South all-star game Friday at Orange Coast College, was aided by outstanding receivers and an offensive system that emphasized the passing game. The combination paid off and Ryerson threw for 2,149 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Only Los Alamitos’ Kevin Feterik and Servite’s Pete Cicero had more touchdown passes (28 each).

The season was vital to Ryerson because it was his first chance to prove his worth to college recruiters. As a sophomore, he broke his right shoulder. As a junior, he sat and watched senior Chris Ponchak run the team.

“All season, I felt some pressure,” Ryerson said. “If I have a good season, I probably go on to college. If not, I go to a junior college.

“I don’t think I put too much pressure on myself, but it was in the back of my mind.”

His future has been decided, with a scholarship to Iowa State, so Ryerson can approach the all-star game as a reward rather than a final exam.

“You try to make things happen, but defense does rule in this game,” Ryerson said. “Still, we’ve been throwing a lot in practice. I’m starting to get the timing with the receivers. Coach [Mark] Cunningham runs the wing-T at University, but they’ve been practicing a one-back-four-receivers set.”

That was the offense scheme Ryerson played at Fountain Valley, and Iowa State is moving toward a similar style.

“The first thing you notice is the arm strength,” said Kirby Wilson, Iowa State running backs coach and Ryerson’s chief recruiter. “When we looked at his film as a staff, that’s the thing everyone mentioned. And when [quarterback coach] Jay Norvell looked, he felt Mitch had poise and pocket presence, which we want.

“We play in the toughest conference in the country [the new Big 12] and we have to get better in a hurry. Mitch will compete for the quarterback job as a freshman. There is no pressure on him, but he will get the chance to start.”

Fountain Valley Coach George Berg said Iowa State is getting more than just a guy who can throw the ball.

“He has matured into real fine quarterback,” Berg said. “His mechanics are outstanding, he has a quick release and he has a knowledge of reading coverages.”

The all-star game is a favorite of Ryerson’s. He said he has not missed one since the eighth grade. “It is special,” Ryerson said. “You’re playing against the top athletes in Orange County.”