Interview: 2017 Oklahoma QB Brandon George Updates Playoffs and Championship Game

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Every athlete dreams of this moment, the opportunity of a lifetime to compete for a state championship. Class of 2017 quarterback Brandon George has been ripping through opposing Oklahoma talent the past three seasons but is finally on the doorstep of putting his final touch on an outstanding high school career – bringing home a championship trophy.

George’s (6-1, 205) numbers on the field have been a steady rise from raw talent to field general in the pocket. At the end of his sophomore season he passed for 1,696 yards with 15 touchdowns and carried the pigskin for another 181 yards with four more scores. His junior season was far more prolific accounting for 3,324 yards with 32 touchdowns hitting 64 percent of his passes. His game was elevated to dual-threat status after tucking the ball 156 times for 1,002 yards with 15 more scores.

Jones High School has benefited from George’s abilities on the field winning 13 consecutive games a year ago before a stunning 39-14 loss to Lincoln Christian in the semifinal round of the 3A playoffs. The Longhorns are once again one of the best teams in Oklahoma steamrolling the competition to a 14-0 mark. Steamrolling is not just a clever or witty remark, the Longhorns are averaging 51.6 points per game while their defense is holding down the opposition to 14.3 points a game this season. No. 5 has been at his best all year completing 71 percent of his passes for 3,854 yards with 43 scores against just five interceptions. The 6-1, 205 pound, talent has been even deadlier on the ground rushing for 1,192 yards, sporting a 9.9 yard per carry average, making 21 solo trips into the end zone.

The Longhorns have barreled through the playoffs stopping Oklahoma Christian 54-0 in round one, Sulphur 58-28 in round two, Berryhill 44-29 in the quarter finals, and upended Marshall 36-29 in the state semifinal round. All that is left is a 13-1 Plainview (Ardmore) squad seeking to accomplish the same feat as Jones High School.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with George covering his season and the playoffs while getting a quick preview of the state championship game against Plainview.

*Brandon has 11 reported offers from Wake Forest, Yale, North Texas, Harvard, Wyoming, Ohio, New Mexico, Hawaii, Dartmouth, Bucknell, and Boston College.

Interview

Brandon, the Marshall game, how did that go for you and the Longhorns?

“A lot of people know John Marshall has two of the bigger recruits in Oklahoma with running back Devonte Lee (Class of 2018 – 2,659 yards, 35 TDs) and cornerback/receiver Justin Broiles (Class of 2017 – 38 receptions, 898 yards, 9 TDs). Going into that game a lot of people doubted us because we are a big passing team going up against Broiles, an Oklahoma commit. We got the job done. I don’t think there is a team that can stop us.

Our defense did a great job of holding Lee down. He was running for 400 yards a game. I think we were down 21-8 in the second, but we never put our heads down and we kept fighting. Towards the end we showed we had more heart and got the victory.”

You guys get Plainview in the state championship game. I know it is very early in the process for you learning more about their team overall, but based on what you know now, what kind of challenge will they bring to the field for you guys?

“First, I feel like Plainview will be one of the hardest working teams we will have faced this season. They are a lot like our defense, they play hard and give full effort. They are a corners team, good to run against. We will take advantage of their weaknesses. We’re a well-coached team, our defense can shut them down even though they have a good offense. They will be one of the best teams we will play this year. They are a great challenge. There is no one better team to play against for the state title than Plainview. Competition is always what I am looking for and this is will be a good one.”

For you in the playoffs, what has been your biggest challenge in the rise of competition each week?

“My biggest is commanding the field and being a leader. This is the time of year when the guys on the team are looking for a leader. Being the quarterback, a team captain, and a senior, I really wanted to show them whenever a game is rough and we are down that you have to keep fighting. Twice this year we were down, I kept positive and they stayed positive and we finished strong.”

Which game in the playoffs has been your best?

“I’d say John Marshall was a solid game. Going into that game I knew what kind of challenge it would be. In the Berryhill game, I had an injured foot but finished the game. I did not get that much practice time before the John Marshall game. John Marshall was my best. We went out against a team that thought they could stop us. I rushed for three touchdowns. I felt like that was one of my best games being a leader and slowing down the game.”

What has clicked for you this year allowing you to have such a big season on the field?

“Limiting turnovers. Last year I had big numbers but I had too many interceptions. I limited it this year. I’m not sure what my touchdown to interception ratio (43/5) is, but it is the best that I have ever had. I am proud of it and so is our coach (Dave Martin). We’ve been keeping our defense off the field and that is big. With an offense like ours, it is important to stay on the field and not have turnovers.”

Switching over to recruiting, which schools are showing interest right now?

“I’m in contact with Dartmouth a lot. I’m working on qualifying with Dartmouth. I have not reached that 24 on my ACT yet (has a 22). I’m taking it again on Saturday. The state game is not scheduled for Saturday, were playing on Friday. Hopefully I will be happy that we won state and get 24 or higher on my ACT then.”

Are there any other schools that have been in touch with you lately?

“I have been in contact with Nevada, New Mexico, and Ohio.”

Do you have any visits set?

“I have not set official dates yet. I’m not sure about All-Star games. I’m not sure what I am doing yet. I know I am taking a visit to New Mexico and Nevada sometime coming up.”

Which All-Star games have you been invited to play in so far?

“Just before I got the phone, I was invited to play in a Senior All-Star game in Hawaii. I’ve been getting letters about one in Australia too. Once all the state games are over the local ones will come in as well.”

Has Oklahoma press or coaches started handing out All-State honors yet?

“I don’t know of any yet. I was nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year and I have multiple AT&T Player of the Month honors. I was preseason All-State. Hopefully that holds up.”

I would think so. Brandon, thanks for your time today and good luck in the championship game.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: NewsOK.com; No. 5 Brandon George finds running room.

Photo credit: The Oklahoman; No. 5 Brandon George sidesteps a defender.

Photo credit: NewsOK.com; No. 5 Brandon George fights for more yards.