Interview: 2017 Oklahoma 3-Star QB Brandon George Announces Top School

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Statistical information in football can be quite telling, especially if one knows what to look for within the numbers. Some stats are misleading but for Class of 2017 quarterback Brandon George, his collection of passing yards and trips to the end zone speaks volumes.

Since the 2014 season, George has been that quarterback on the rise showing promise of the complete package that could one day come. By the end of his sophomore campaign George had thrown for 1,696 yards with 15 touchdowns and added another 181 yards on the ground with four more touchdowns. The stat line grew in 2015 seeing the Jones High School star cover 3,324 yards via the air with 32 touchdowns hitting 64 percent of his passes along the way. The extra dimension to his game really broke out with 1,002 yards on the ground with 15 more touchdowns.

The play-making ways helped the Longhorns to a 13-1 record during George’s junior season making a run to the semifinal round of the 3A playoffs before falling to Lincoln Christian. Over the summer, George worked on his craft adding the motivation of the playoff loss. One of his highlights on the camp circuit was taking home top honors from the Rivals QB Challenge in Dallas.

George is back with Jones for his senior year guiding the Longhorns to a 5-0 start and a No. 7 ranking within Oklahoma. The 6-1, 205 pound, dual-threat is off to a really hot start in the pocket hitting 72 percent of his passes covering 1,434 yards with 17 scores against just two picks. He also has team-highs in rushing yards, with 503, and rushing touchdowns, with 10.

Colleges are aware of George with 11 different schools seeking his talents at the next level. The list of hopefuls includes Wake Forest, Yale, North Texas, Harvard, Wyoming, Ohio, New Mexico, Hawaii, Dartmouth, Bucknell, and Boston College. The opportunities seem boundless but George already has his mind made up on which school is the right fit for him with a possible backup option.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with George going over his senior season and recruiting process getting his announced top school along the way.

Interview

Brandon, this is always a tough question but, how did the semifinal round loss to Lincoln Christian help motivate you and the team through the off-season and so far into the 2016 schedule?

“It really motivated us. As a team we felt like we were unstoppable last year. We were doing well in the season but that loss gave us a reality check. We were confident but not cocky. This year we are going in at everyone full-speed. We gave up plays last year, not this year. We are showing what we have this year. Last year’s playoff loss has motivated me as an individual and the whole team.”

The Longhorns are off to a 5-0 start and ranked No. 7 in the state by MaxPreps, how does the team look going into the second half of the schedule?

“The team looks great. Our head coach likes to have us look at the season a certain way. The first four games are looked at as a playoff schedule. We played top teams in 2A and 3A. We called out Lincoln Christian (won 42-6). We’ve played against top competition. How we have played and come together as a family, our team is a lot different than the last two years. That will make a difference this year in the playoffs.”

Of the games left on the schedule, are there any games you are excited to play a little more than the rest?

“Yes, sir. We played on Thursday last week. As a team we choose which team we wanted to go watch on Friday night. We went to watch Prague (5-0) play. They are a great looking team. They have the guys to match us, but there is not a coverage that we cannot break. It will be an exciting game. We’ll come out hot and stay together as a team.”

Who is the toughest or best player you have gone up against at the varsity level so far in your career?

“I’d have to say Reed Martin (Class of 2017), the running back for Lincoln Christian. That kid comes out and he competes. When we played them last year, he was probably one of the best players on the field then and the most respectful. Seeing guys like that – I want to be like that. He will hit you hard but help you up after the play. I went on visit with him to Tulsa and SMU, it was great getting to hang around a guy like that. I hope he is successful in everything he does.”

What are your strengths on the field as a quarterback?

“I feel like what I am best at is probably using my feet. I’ve always depend on that. My knowledge of the game the past two years was not the best. During the off-season I did a lot of classroom work with coaches and my dad. I knew I had to do that to be an elite quarterback. My feet have gotten me out of sticky situations.”

What are you working to improve upon with your game?

“Obviously with my game, making my reads downfield is important. Sometimes I get ahead of myself too quickly. I trust my O-line and have to stay in the pocket more. I do it in practice but I have to do it more on the field. I want to be a better leader on the field. I’m one of the team captains, but I want the guys to trust me to come away with a victory.”

Understanding everyone wants to win a championship, what goals have you set for the 2016 football season?

“My goal going into the season, statistically, was to have higher numbers than last year. But I am more about spreading the ball around this year. Last year, Sean Shaw had most of the receiving yards (65/1,139/13). I wanted to spread the ball around more this year. I like getting the ball to all the players. I had nine receivers touch the ball last week. I’m getting better at spreading it around.”

I have you with 11 offers, is that accurate?

“Yes, sir.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Indiana.”

Of the schools that have offered you, are there any pushing a little bit harder to make that connection with you?

“There are a couple of schools in contact with, but the one that has been with me the most is Dartmouth. Dartmouth is the most important school to me. That is the place I really want to be. I’m working to get my ACT score up. I’m doing everything I can to get it up. Dartmouth is a school that can benefit me with football in college and after with a career when I’m finished playing football.”

You mentioned your ACT score needing to come up. What is your best score on the ACT so far?

“I have a 22 right now.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 3.6 GPA.”

When you have talked to the various college coaches, what type of feedback have you received from these colleges about your game?

“A lot of times they tell me they like how well rounded I am. I’m not the fastest guy and I don’t throw the best but I’m pretty good at both and put them together well. Teams are looking for pocket passers, I’m not 6-4, but I work hard and they can see that on my film.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits yet or do you have any set up?

“I have not taken any official visits yet. I’m planning on setting one with Indiana and one with Dartmouth.”

There are a lot of great college football games coming up this weekend. Is there a game or two you are really excited to watch?

“I’m actually watching the Dartmouth game this weekend. They play Friday night, so we are recording it and watching it on Saturday. All of my attention will be there.”

Brandon, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: newsok.com; No. 5 Brandon George rolls out to pass.

Photo credit: newsok.com; No. 5 Brandon George hangs in the pocket.

Photo credit: newsok.com; No. 5 Brandon George pre-snap.