Interview: Arizona 2018 QB Jack Plummer has All the Tools for Power Five Programs

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Recruiting by college coaches is not always without bias. Players lining up in smaller states or in lower high school classifications tend to get missed out on more often than not. The same approach typically applies to teams struggling to post victories. It is to no surprise, the overlooked players on forgotten teams usually turn up some of the best players.

Football is not a one-man sport needing a team to string together wins game after game. While losses may build character, it only builds strength and resolve when said player is busting his or her hump to post a “W” in the column. One player giving it his all is Gilbert High School quarterback Jack Plummer.

Plummer fought through a 1-9 campaign with his Tigers squad against Arizona 6A competition, but the win-loss record should not reflect on his playing abilities, quite the opposite. Plummer connected on 191 passes for 2,475 yards with 18 touchdowns tossed. The stat line was an improvement upon his sophomore season when he hit 129 receivers for 1,577 yards with 16 scores. He also rushed for 164 yards with a touchdown as a sophomore.

Through all the tough losses, Plummer has showcased his ability to lead a team taking his squad out onto the gridiron to play as tough as they can game after game. The other thing he showcased was his natural athleticism. Plummer has all the physical tools to be as good as any other quarterback in the 2018 recruiting class. Gifted with a rocket arm, the 6-5, 190 pound, gunslinger is no statue in the pocket capable of extending plays with his legs or picking up yards on the ground.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Plummer at the conclusion of the Tigers season to get an overview on his year, his skill set, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Jack, the Tigers had a tough 2016 season, what are some of the learning lessons from this year that you will take forward with you?

“I’d say getting rid of the ball as fast as you can, read defenses faster, and if you have nothing throw it away.”

Which game was your best this season, against who and why do you consider that your best game?

“I’d say my best game was against Highland (lost 36-34). I did not miss that many reads in that game and I was fairly accurate. I moved the offense the best we could that game.”

What are some of the skills you bring to the field as a quarterback?

“I’m pretty accurate. I can put the ball where I want. I’m not super-fast but I can get away from the rush. Our coaches have worked with me on reading defenses. I’m getting better at that.”

How did your overall game improve from your sophomore year to junior season?

“I improved on throwing the ball downfield more and developing more touch on my deep balls. The game slowed way down for me. As a sophomore it was fast, it slowed way down this year.”

Is there a player at the college or NFL level you watch to learn more about the game?

“I like watching Tom Brady (Patriots) and Aaron Rodgers (Packers). I think they are the best quarterbacks and do everything the right way.”

Do you play any other sports for Gilbert?

“I played basketball last year but I’m not this year.”

What are your immediate plans for the off-season?

“I plan on taking a little time off then get in the weight room and work with my QB coach.”

Do you have a quarterback coach you work with in the off-season?

“I work with Mike Giovando out of Scottsdale.”

What are some of the areas of your game you want to work on this off-season?

“The basics really. I’ll work on getting better with my footwork and staying in the pocket longer. I’ll work on my release, get that cleaned up. I want a smoother and higher release for next season.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you thus far?

“I’m getting letters from Pac-12 schools and Mountain West schools. I have an offer from New Mexico State.”

Which schools are showing interest specifically?

“Michigan State is showing a little bit of interest and the University of Iowa. ASU (Arizona State), Arizona, Utah, UCLA, Boise State, Wyoming, and Colorado State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I have. I went to an Arizona State game, when they played Texas Tech (Sept. 10).”

How did that visit go?

“They took me through the facilities and then we went on the field and watched warm-ups. Then we watched the game from some good seats.”

Do you have any visits planned upcoming?

“I’m going to Iowa vs. Michigan game (Nov. 12).”

That should be fun. How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have somewhere around a 4.55 GPA. That’s on a weighted scale. AP and honors classes count as five points if you get an A.”

Jack, thanks for your time today and good luck on your visit to Iowa.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: East Valley Tribune; No. 13 Jack Plummer on the Gilbert sidelines.

Photo credit: East Valley Tribune; No. 13 Jack Plummer buys time in the pocket.

Photo credit: East Valley Tribune; No. 13 Jack Plummer finds running room.