Football is in the blood of Dos Pueblos High School senior quarterback Ryan Marsh.
His great uncle, Alex Bravo, a Santa Barbara High School alum, played for the Los Angeles Rams in the late 1950s and was an original member of the Oakland Raiders in 1960-61.
After learning under fire in the tough Channel League the last two seasons, Marsh is looking to have a breakout year for the Chargers.
He’s put on muscle, improved his speed and footwork, and worked to be more consistent in his play.
“I put on about 40 pounds since last season,” said the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Marsh, who made sure his training regimen also included speed training. “I did a lot of speed training in the off-season, and I think there’s a good chance of getting out of the pocket a bit more than last year. It helps, to be honest. Maybe we’ll see a couple runs in there.
“I’m excited to get out there and show what I’ve been working on.”
Marsh has an athletic group of wide receivers to work with this season. Those players include seniors Daniel Johnston and Nate Warren, sophomores Micah Barnhart and Ivan Velez, and junior Joel Felix.
“We’re a lot more athletic on the outside, which gives more options to push the ball down field. We’re excited about that,” coach AJ Pateras said.
Marsh has embraced his role as a team leader.
“He’s in the meetings with the coaches, so we’re happy he’s taken on that coach kind of leadership,” Pateras said. “But he’s still a young guy and is learning how to play through mistakes. That is helping the offense take those next steps.”
Marsh has put in the work to become a better quarterback. He’s attended football camps at AT&T Stadium in Dallas and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and played in an all-star game at the home field of the Rams last spring.
His passion for the game of football goes back to a really young age.
“I’ve been playing football since I was a little kid, and I’ve grown up with the Rams as well. We’re season ticket holders. I’ve only missed two games since they’ve been back in L.A. in 2016. It’s really all I’ve known.
“My great uncle played for the Rams, so it’s kind of in my blood. Just being able to come out here and compete on Friday nights is one of my favorite things.”
He says confidence and consistency will be the keys for the Chargers this season.
“Consistency throughout the whole season is a big one for us,” he said.