Interview: Former UNLV QB Dalton Sneed Slinging Ball Around for Fort Scott JUCO
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Experience in the pocket makes all the difference in the world, and Class of 2018 quarterback Dalton Sneed has a ton of it. The former Arizona All-State performer has knocked wits against top athletes in high school and at the collegiate level with UNLV showing out against Mountain West competition. Sneed is now applying his trade for Fort Scott Community College improving his game along the way.
Sneed was a considered a three-star recruit out of Horizon High School tossing the ball around in 2013 for 3,740 yards with 44 touchdowns with another big season as a senior covering 3,565 yards and 28 touchdowns with his arm. In 2016, Sneed received valuable baptism by fire experience with UNLV completing 39-of-88 passes for 632 yards with five touchdowns while rushing for 348 yards with another score off 57 carries.
During the offseason, a change came with Sneed transferring from UNLV to Fort Scott. As the team gels and finds their way, the 6-0.5, 205 pound, dual-threat has thrown for 954 yards and four scores completing 109-of-164 passes in stats posted in eight games. The 67 percent completion rate is phenomenal but he has also moved the chains with his feet adding 215 more all-purpose yards off 65 totes with one touchdown. Fort Scott started off the season rough but has found solid footing working their way into a fierce cohesive unit. At 4-5, 2-4, the team is fighting their way through a difficult KJCCC division getting a shot at 2016 JUCO national champs Garden City on Saturday.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Sneed covering Fort Scott’s season to date, his growing skills in the pocket, and his new recruiting interest.
Interview
Dalton, Fort Scott had a rough start to the season but has since found footing and is battling hard each game. What has been the difference in the team from the first three games to the last six?
“I think overcoming adversity and realizing how good we are. Guys on the team did not realize how good they really were until a few games into the season. We are a team with a lot of younger guys. As soon as the young guys started fitting into the system and realizing how good they are, they started producing and playing a lot better.”
How has the offense gelled over the season?
“I think game by game we have gotten a lot better. We do well when we do the simple stuff right. Our offense is simple, so effort is key. Against Hutchinson (won 29-24), they were a top ranked team. Our offense clicked and we got the job done against a very good team.”
How are your skills in the pocket improving game by game this year?
“I am sitting in the pocket better. I used to bounce out of the pocket quicker. I’m keeping my eyes down field instead of taking off early.”
As you mentioned, the last time out you guys faced Hutchinson. How did the game against Hutchinson go for you?
“It was probably my best game of the season. I made the right reads. My receivers helped me out a lot. We played to our full potential and things clicked for us.”
*Sneed completed 23-of-43 passes for 276 yards with three touchdowns and had 41 rush yards
Are there any obstacles you’ve had to overcome this season that have made you a better player and/or a better leader in the long run for having the experience?
“Absolutely. I have struggled at times, especially through the first few games. I made some wrong reads and threw some picks. You have to go back and look at the tape to fix your mistakes. You can’t dwell on it. You have to keep pushing harder in film room and in practice. You have to keep perfecting your craft. I feel that the adversity paid off verses Hutch.”
Which aspects of your game are shining this season?
“I’d say more of the mental side. Knowing my receivers, knowing who runs which routes best, and knowing who can get separation on different routes. I believe football is 90 percent mental. Knowing each situation and knowing when you can do certain things makes a difference in the pocket.”
What are you constantly working on game by game and practice by practice?
“My footwork. I try to keep my eyes downfield whether I’m outside or inside the pocket. I’m always working on knowing where the defense will be on any given play. I work to make the right read and get the ball out.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Memphis, Boise State, Stony Brook, and Bowling Green are the main ones.”
Have you received any offers yet?
“I recently picked up my first offer from Coastal Carolina.”
How did they offer you?
“One of their coaches connected with me on Twitter. We set up a time to talk, and that is when they offered me. It was pretty awesome.”
Have you taken any visits yet?
“No, not yet.”
Do you have any visits planned?
“None set. I am planning on visiting schools after our last game against Garden City (Saturday, Nov. 11).”
You guys close out the season on Nov. 11 against Garden City. Based on what you know now about their defense, what type of game are you guys expecting?
“We are always expecting a tough game against them. They won the JUCO national championship last year. We have to have a great week of practice. For Garden, you have to do the little things right. You have to make the easy throws, the right checks, and the running backs have to read the right holes. Our offensive line is working their tails off. We have to take the simple plays they give us. We will be just fine if we do that.”
Is there a challenge within the game that has you excited about playing Garden City?
“Knowing they were national champs last year and that they are always a tough team with a lot of touted recruits, it will be a fight. I love playing against great competition. I feel I play better against great competition. I am looking forward to that.”
Dalton, thanks for your time today and good luck with the season finale on Saturday.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Fort Scott CC; Dalton Sneed rolls out against Hutchinson