2021 Texas Talent Jacob Psyk is Developing into an Unstoppable Weakside Defensive End

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Complete season stats have not been released for Strake Jesuit High School’s football team, but game reel tells no lies. One of the rising talents on the Fighting Crusaders 6-1 team this season is weakside defensive end Jacob Psyk, and Psyk is developing into an unstoppable force.

For now, Psyk is a weakside end putting fear into the hearts of Texas 6A left tackles before he even steps onto the field. Most young ends at the high school level have one move either a speed or bull-rush move working that ability repeatedly to a level of perfection to dictate the outcome of plays and games. With Psyk, he can blow tackles off the line with his speed, use his power to move past linemen, and works in various moves to leave hopeful tackles looking at the back of his jersey as he punishes quarterbacks.

Psyk has compiled seven sacks this season working his way into one of the top rising prospects in the 2021 class out of the Lone Star State. At 6-3, 230, he is a weakside end with all the tools and upside a college coach would want with the potential to stack on more weight to become a strongside end. Some of the schools already looking into the Houston area recruit includes Auburn, SMU, and Clemson. Expect the list of interest and offers to rise rapidly in the coming months.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Psyk to learn more about his game with a quick recruiting update.

Interview

Jacob, how is your season go so far?

“My season is going well. I am performing well, but I always have stuff to work on with my game. I am always working on my speed, agility, and pass rush.”

I don’t ask this question much, but how many false start penalties have you scared out of tackles this season with your speed and abilities?

“Oh my gosh. (Laughs) I don’t know, maybe around to eight to ten.”

The Crusaders have worked hard to be one of the most feared teams in the Lone Star State this season, what is the mindset or mood like in the locker room and on the practice field every day?

“We are very friendly to each other, and great friends away from football. But, we are the most competitive towards each other in practice. We view our practices as way to get better. We know we are better than most of the teams we are playing against. Our practices are where we improve as players.”

The team reeled off six consecutive wins to start the season, looking at the defensive side of the ball, what are the strengths of the team there?

“I’d say our pass defense is a big strength.”

You guys had a wild game last time out against Pearland (7-0) in a 57-42 back-and-forth slugfest. As a player in the thick of it, what was that game like for you?

“It was crazy. It was pouring rain and our game was delayed for two hours. It was a rollercoaster. We had the mindset that we had to stop them. We knew that whoever played the best defense was going to win the game.”

You have a motor at the snap of the ball that goes through the whistle and you bring it on impact, what are some of the other strengths of your game as an end?

“I’d say my quickness, compared to offensive linemen, and my footwork.”

Aside from a speed rush or a bull rush move, what is your go-to move?

“My go-to move is my spin move.”

What is an area of your game that you are constantly working on in practice to turn into a strength?

“My hands.”

I know your recruiting process is just beginning, but do you have any schools showing early interest?

“Yes. I am receiving interest from SMU, Clemson, Auburn, and Boston College.”

Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?

“Yes. All the same schools I just mentioned; SMU, Clemson, Auburn, and Boston College.”

Since you live in Texas, how did the SMU visit go?

“That was a really nice visit. I went to a camp there this summer and then I went back in early August for another visit.”

What about Auburn, how did that visit go?

“That visit surprised me the most. Their campus was compact, everything was close together. But, it was by far the best campus I have seen yet.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I have none set right now. I am waiting until the end of the season before I start taking visits again.”

Back to football. The team picks ups Brazoswood (Clute) on Friday, how will their offense challenge you guys?

“They throw the ball a lot. Their tight end is a good player, he is someone we will key on in this game.”

What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?

“One of my personal goals is to get 10 sacks. I want to lead my team in sacks, I am doing so right now. Another goal of mine is to win state.”

Jake, great getting time in with you today. Good luck with Brazoswood and with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Hudl.com; Jacob Psyk