Interview: 2018 California QB Jack Alexander Sets Camp Circuit Tone with US Army Combine

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The proving fields for all high school juniors is coming up quick. As soon as National Signing Day is set aside for current high school seniors and junior college transfers, college coaches take an intense look at the next wave of talented players coming through the system. One Class of 2018 talent already setting the tone for his camp circuit level of competition is Redondo Union High School quarterback Jack Alexander.

Alexander has seemingly played with and/or against every other top southern California talent since his freshman year in school. From 7v7 tournaments to spending a season at St. John Bosco, Alexander has had a world of opportunities to learn by experience honing and crafting his game year round. His junior season with Redondo Union was another opportunity to gain valuable field experience leading the Sea Hawks to a 7-5 mark with a roster chalked full of underclassmen. Rough stats for Alexander had him complete 126 passes for 1,573 yards with 19 touchdowns tossed. Displaying his wheels, the pro-style quarterback added 142 yards on the ground with three more touchdowns put up on the scoreboard.

Early interest for the 6-2.5, 185 pound, pocket passer has included Washington State, San Jose State, and Arizona. New interest is building up especially after a strong showing at the U.S. Army All-American Combine for underclassmen held in San Antonio the weekend of Jan. 7. Alexander showcased his skill set against some of the top players in the nation showing he more than belonged. Building from that performance, Alexander has earned an invite to the Elite 11 Regional competition on March 12 where he can once again prove that he is among the best of the best against his peer group.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Alexander after he competed in the U.S. Army All-American Combine to get a rundown on the event and his thoughts on how he performed.

Interview

Jack, how did you prepare for the U.S. Army Combine?

“I was in the weight room a lot to get my body right. I worked on my conditioning for the shuttle drill and three-cone drill we had to do. I worked on the 40-yard dash getting off on the right stance.”

What did you work on in preparation for making all the throws you needed to make during the combine?

“I worked with Danny Hernandez and our new QB coach from Banning (John Aponte). I threw with our receivers to get my timing down.”

What was your 40-yard dash time at the combine?

“I ran a 4.9 laser.”

That’s a good run. I know the top time posted there among all players was a 4.66. What was your shuttle time and other numbers you posted?

“My shuttle was a 4.5 laser, vertical 33.5, broad jump was 108 inches or nine feet, and my three-cone drill a 7.3. All of the times were laser. I was in a group with a lot of running backs. I was surprised that I was doing as well as them.”

How did the on the field workouts go along with all the one-on-ones you did?

“I think the camp went well for me. I exceeded my own expectations. I did better on the drills than I thought I would. On throwing, during the one-on-ones I felt like I was a Top 5 quarterback there. I felt smooth in my drops and with how the ball was coming out.”

How did the defensive backs challenge you during the camp?

“There were some solid defensive backs out there. There is no coverage that works against a perfect ball placement. I worked to give the receivers the easiest ball to catch.”

Did you connect with any of the receivers there?

“There were guys there from all over. Some of the guys were from Arkansas, Texas, and Arizona. Everything was rushed so I did not get to connect with a lot of the guys there or catch their names.”

What was one of your takeaways from the combine?

“Spending time out there, the soldiers are giving their time for us. Them giving their time back to us while they are serving our country was humbling and inspired me to keep working hard.”

Did you get any feedback from the coaches at the camp?

“One coach said I stood out in the quarterback group. He said I was athletic and that I did really well. All good things from the coaches there.”

I know the dead period has slowed down a lot of communication with various schools but which schools were showing interest at the end of last season?

“Central Florida, there is a new coach at San Jose State who likes my film – I might visit there, University of San Diego and San Diego State. Dartmouth has been a new Ivy League contact.”

Do you have any other camps or combines planned yet?

“I’m not sure on all the camps yet. I just found out in the mail that I have been invited to the Elite 11 on March 12. I’m not sure when the other camps are yet.”

Last time we spoke you were preparing to take the SAT in December. Did you get your test score back?

“I did. I got a 1280 out of 1600. I might retake it.”

Nice. Jack, congratulations on the showing at the combine and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Alexander family; Jack Alexander (right), Jermar Jefferson (left-center), Julian Woodard (right-center), and Kobe Smith at the U.S. Army All-American Game.

Photo credit: dailybreeze.com; No. 7 Jack Alexander rolls out.