Senior varsity football quarterback Brayden Zermeno recently committed to play Division 1 football at the University of Arizona. Over the summer, Zermeno had verbally committed to play for Princeton. However, after much reflection, he decided that the University of Arizona was the right fit for him.
In discussing his choice of Arizona over Princeton, Zermeno felt there is a better opportunity for him to make his mark. He said, “It really boiled down to being closer in proximity to my family members in California, so they can attend my games.”
Zermeno added, “Playing for the University of Arizona football program is a great opportunity all around. I’ll have the chance to make an impact on the team there and hopefully make a real difference.”
Zermeno is looking forward to playing for their newly hired coach, Jedd Fisch. Despite the uncertainty of the senior season due to strict COVID-19 protocols and state regulations, Zermeno is grateful for the upcoming opportunity to play for such a great coach and strong Division 1 football program.
As a junior, he completed 147 of 263 passes (55.9%) for 1,633 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions in 13 games. Additionally, Zermeno proved to be an impact in the rushing game, accumulating 322 yards and two touchdowns.
While the football team has been practicing, these are still no-contact practices, but contact is a huge factor in practicing game-time situations. The stringent regulations have negatively affected not only him but also many of his teammates and friends.
“Fewer players received offers, and it affected the team as a whole because many talented players missed out on recruiting events and offers to play collegiate football,” he said.
Throughout the pandemic, Zermeno has consistently trained and remained in top shape. He has continued to train at a private gym in Beverly Hills as well as at 3DQB, a quarterback training facility in Orange County that focuses on biomechanics, nutrition, and motion and timing mechanics.
Varsity head football Coach Drew Casani ’91 described Zermeno as a “captain, a great leader and someone who is smart and makes the right decisions.”
“Brayden can distribute the ball all over the team. He has a great work ethic. He always works hard and leads by example,” Casani said. “He shows up on time, is a well-rounded young-man who, with his competitive, yet laid-back personality, makes friends easily. Brayden is a great student who has the size and athletic ability to succeed at the Division 1 level.”
With his qualities, work ethic, tenacity and athletic talents, it’s easy to see why Zermeno is a highly sought after quarterback recruit, and there’s no doubt that Zermeno will continue to train and prepare to lead his team to success.