Sam Darnold's Journey at San Clemente High School Through the Eyes of Coach Jaime Ortiz

Sam Darnold has come a long way from the sun-soaked fields of San Clemente High School in Southern California, where he first showcased the competitiveness, poise, and playmaking ability that defined his 2025 season with the Seattle Seahawks.

Darnold's high school days under head coach Jaime Ortiz laid the foundation for his remarkable resilience and leadership. Coach Ortiz, who has guided the Tritons since 2012, has known the Darnold family and Sam long before the former No. 3 overall NFL draft pick arrived on the San Clemente campus.

Below, High School Football America's Jeff Fisher talked with Ortiz, before Sam's Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots, about his memories of him at San Clemente, where he also excelled in basketball, averaging 13.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per contest.

Darnold's football journey at San Clemente truly ignited during his sophomore year, initially playing wide receiver and linebacker behind a senior quarterback. By the end of the season, Sam became the team's signal caller.

After a junior season cut short by injury, Darnold's senior year was nothing short of dominant. He threw for over 3,700 yards with 46 touchdowns, leading the Tritons to a CIF-Southern Section Southwest Division championship game.

Prior to Darnold's senior season in 2014, he had an outstanding performance at the Elite 11 quarterback competition. Fisher spoke with Darnold about his Elite 11 performance and his hopes going into his senior high school season. You can watch the interview below.