Really, it's like Griffin Addison never left.

From Day 1 of football practices — truthfully, from the start of 7 on 7 events in the summer — the senior wide receiver/linebacker interlocked into the Camarillo High football team like a Lego.

He made smooth catches, ran precise routes, demolished defensive backs, hooked up with quarterback Brody Meyer like they read each other's thoughts.

In his second game back with the Scorpions — albeit in a 47-28 loss to Rio Mesa — he hauled in nine catches for 277 yards and touchdowns of 81, 80 and 41 yards.

Except Addison hasn't been there, not for two seasons. He spent his sophomore and junior years at Oaks Christian School, where playing time was scarce. A season ago, he played in five games for the Lions and had two receptions for 14 yards.

From 0 to 60 at almost the snap of a football? How in the name of Cooper Kupp did he transform from the bench at Oaks Christian to an instant star with the Scorpions?

"I don't know," Addison says with a grin. "I think my mindset is that I feel very comfortable here. I've been here before and it's very familiar. I learned a lot at Oaks Christian and played with some great teammates.

"But I've played with all (the Scorpions) in my class since around the fifth grade for the Camarillo Cougars. We're all friends, and they've made it easy for me to be back. They accepted me back from the first day. I'm having so much fun playing this season."

Addison, indeed, had played at Camarillo High as a freshman. Head coach Jack Willard said the senior was an easy fit in his return to the program.

"These guys are all his friends," Willard said of the Scorpions. "I wish he never would have left."

The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder combines size with speed and is a physical load for defensive backs. In his return to Camarillo, Addison is an impact performer at the top of the class among Ventura County's wide receivers.

He leads the county in receiving yards with 1,075, good for a county-best 21.1 yards per catch and 134.4 yards per game. Addison is second in catches with 51 and tied for fourth in touchdowns with eight.

Is Addison surprised by the numbers? Yes and no.

"I don't know if I expected to have these (statistics)," he said. "But a lot of hard work has gone into this. I'm playing with a very good quarterback and with really good players on offense. It's hard for defenses to cover all of us."

Addison's focus is not on numbers, but on winning football games. Camarillo will close the regular season with two clutch Canyon League games against gifted opponents.

First up is a home game Friday night against dangerous Moorpark, which has been the surprise of the league.

Camarillo is 6-2 overall and 3-1 in league. Moorpark — which finished 1-9 last season — stands 5-3 overall and 2-2 in league.

Just last week, the Musketeers led undefeated Thousand Oaks in the closing minutes before falling 24-17 on a touchdown pass with 20 seconds remaining.

The winner Friday night virtually cinches a playoff berth.

A victory for Camarillo, coupled with a win in the regular-season finale vs. Newbury Park, would secure second place.

"It's a big game," said the 18-year-old Addison. "I'm excited and have some nerves. These next two weeks will be fun."

Among Addison's biggest fans is Meyer, who's having his own stellar senior season. The quarterback has thrown for 2,316 yards, 23 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

He cites chemistry as the key to success for the duo.

"We've developed a great relationship on and off the field, which I feel is a big reason for our success," Meyer said. "The trust we have for each other has led to some big plays for our team.

"Griffin shows up every day ready to work and get better. His athletic ability paired with his football IQ makes him unstoppable."

Addison cites route running, size and explosion as the "secrets" to his success. He said he doesn't possess elite speed, but he's got a quick burst honed by competing in track and field.

Addison does the long jump, triple jump along with 200- and 400-meter runs.

"That's definitely helped me to add some explosion as a wide receiver," he said.

Addison pays keen attention to running precise routes.

"I always try to sell the defensive back on the deep route," he said. "I want them backing off, focused on taking that away. If they bite on that, it leaves everything else open."

Then there's one — make that two — other assets he relies heavily.

"My hands," Addison. "I've dropped just two balls this season, and that's something I'm proud. I feel like if I can get to the football, I'll catch it."

He's also the typical standout wide receiver: He believes a touchdown is possible on every play.

"That's always what I'm thinking," he said. "When I touch the ball, I want to score. I'm thinking just one move, breaking one tackle, can set me free."

Addison lines up at linebacker/safety on defense, where he has 10 tackles, including nine solos. He concedes that a two-way role is challenging.

"It can be a grind," he said with a smile. "Sometimes I feel like I'm going to pass out. I don't play on special teams, which is a help. Allows me to take a break."

Addison admits he favors the offensive side of the ball. It's the ideal fit for a player whose definitely "laid-back."

"Yeah, I do feel more comfortable on offense," he said. "Football should be fun. I'm definitely having a lot of fun this season. It's been a good season, with hopefully more to come."

Addison is practically a legacy at Camarillo.

Though he was born in Louisiana, he moved with his family to Ventura County when he was "1 or 2."

His mother Laura was a star sophomore pitcher who helped Camarillo win a CIF-SS championship in 1991. His father Jeremy played football for Buena. Younger sister Sophia is a freshman volleyball player at Camarillo.

Family is important to Addison, who boasts a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

"I lost my grandfather (Ross Richardson) last year, and he was my biggest supporter," said Addison. "I play for him. I dedicate everything to him."

WEEK 9 SCHEDULE

Friday, 7 p.m.

• Moorpark at Camarillo 

• Fillmore at Hueneme 

• Oxnard at Pacifica 

• St. Bonaventure at Calabasas

• Oaks Christian at Simi Valley

• Santa Barbara at Buena

• Channel Islands at San Marcos

• Oak Park at Newbury Park

• Thousand Oaks at Agoura

• Carpinteria at Nordhoff

Saturday

• Westlake at Bishop Diego, 7:30 p.m.

Loren Ledin is the Prep Editor for The Star. He can be reached at loren.ledin@vcstar.com or 805-437-0285.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Addison has been one of the area's top receivers in his Camarillo comeback