Vasquez, a sophomore ‘getting better and better,’ looks to build on Aurora Christian’s QB legacy

Talented quarterbacks leading Aurora Christian’s vaunted spread offense have given the position a tradition like few others and make it the envy of many programs throughout the state.

With the rapid development this season of sophomore quarterback Jesus “Juju” Vasquez, it appears some things never change.

“I told Juju earlier in the season he grew up about three years in the last nine months in the way he approaches the game, his preparation and his maturity,” Aurora Christian coach David Beebe said. “He’s a joy to coach because he’s all in and super smart.

“Obviously, his physical gifts are there, but now he’s matching that with his mental side of the game. He’s getting better and better every week.”

Vasquez, who has thrown for 969 yards and 12 touchdowns, will lead the Eagles (6-1) back to the playoffs in his first varsity season while succeeding a graduated Division I quarterback in Northern Illinois freshman Asa Johnson.

Beebe pointed to a big play by the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Vasquez in last week’s 40-18 win over Chicago Christian.

“It was a beautiful throw, a deep play-action post route to Carson Moreno that showed off Juju’s skill set,” Beebe said. “He’s got a great presence in the pocket and looks the part very well.

“When he releases the ball, boy, it’s a pretty ball.”

The TD completion to Moreno, a junior receiver, covered 70 yards.

It’s just another example of how special Aurora Christian’s legacy at QB is.

“I think only one other team at any level has had more all-state quarterbacks than us in the last 25 years and that’s Rochester,” Beebe said. “I think we’ve had nine.”

Another one is coming.

Working individually the summer after eighth grade with former Chicago Bears quarterback Mike Hohensee, who is also an Aurora Christian assistant, has helped Vasquez improve.

“I knew we were going to start taking football more seriously and we wound up giving him a try and it’s been great,” Vasquez said of the decision by his parents, Jesus and Imelda.

Hohensee, who also trained Johnson, believes Vasquez is on the same Division I trajectory.

“Asa was more in your face where Juju is a little quieter, but he’s only a sophomore,” Hohensee said. “He’s also not as willing to run it. Asa was basically a bully with the football in his hands.

“Juju will get there. He throws a deep ball just as well as anyone I’ve ever coached at this age.”

Vasquez started as a left tackle with the Aurora Gators program at age 8, but a growth spurt at 10 caught the eye of his coaches who saw he could throw the ball “pretty well.”

Back then, his nickname was already with him.

“It’s from my middle name, Guliani,” Juju said. “It’s something my family started calling me when I was young.”

It stuck. And the positive energy he brings to the Eagles — aka “good Juju” — also applies.

“He was a baseball guy and had a lot of bad habits for a quarterback but worked out of it,” Hohensee said. “He allowed me to coach him hard. He’s taken it and applied it.

“Asa had a hard time after playing baseball, too. Juju is just trying to figure out who he is socially as a sophomore but is handling that very well. And I think the team is ready to follow him.”

Vasquez turned heads last season at the JV level. He confirmed that his offseason focus was getting smarter on the field and putting on more muscle.

“I definitely noticed a big difference in the speed of the game at varsity,” he said. “It was a little more than I expected, but I’m starting to get settled in. Winning the first game reassured me.”

His performance in a 27-18 win at Ottawa Marquette in a game interrupted twice by weather delays also impressed Beebe.

“Rained all night but he threw two touchdowns,” Beebe said. “He had a good, solid game.”