CLOSER LOOK: Rancho Verde’s Elijah Ugorgi
Take a closer look at MoVal Rancho Verde senior Elijah Ugorgi and not only will you see a great athlete from a family of great athletes, but a player who can make his own moves.
Ugorgi is perhaps the most underrated offensive talent in the Inland Area, and he again showed it as the Mustangs (4-0 overall) blasted San Jacinto to the moon in a nonleague win on Thursday, April 8.
The 5-foot-9 running back has totaled more than 100 rushing yards in each of his four games this season, and should receive heavy consideration for Player of the Year.
Ugorgi is fast and physical and headed to a PAC-12 or similar program if he can get everything squared away. He’s got next-level vision and speed, and will be an asset to an NCAA offense.
We caught up with Ugorgi after Rancho Verde’s 42-0 victory over San Jacinto. Ugorgi ran for a season-high 129 yards and scored twice to lead the Mustangs to a fourth consecutive blowout win.
InlandFieldhouse.com: Are you disappointed with the level of the opponents?
Elijah Ugorgi: “I honestly thought that we played our asses off tonight. The team that came out here, they were pretty good (and) they played till the last whistle, and so did we but, you know, the better team won out.”
IF: What’s going do right for this team right now?
EU: “We’re really just staying within the offense and not taking things too far (and) it’s basic fundamentals – catch the ball, run the ball – and just listen and execute.”
IF: What do you think about the differences between the two quarterbacks?
EU: “I like the both of them. They both have things to work on right now but we’re going to take care of it. They’re both comfortable. They’re both ready to play.”
IF: What’s the last game going to mean for you?
EU: “It’s my senior year so it’ll be my last game so last game of the year, senior year, don’t have any playoffs, I’m about to leave it all out on the field.”
IF: What are you thinking about for football after this year?
EU: “I’m going to have to reach out to more colleges. Right now I AM looking to go to college to play football.”
INLAND FIELDHOUSE 