Interview: 19-Offer 3-Star 2021 South Carolina DE Jatius Geer Updates Summer Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season was feasting time for Class of 2021 defensive end/lineman Jatius Geer. The 6-5.5, 255-pound, defender played up and down the line for Belton Honea Path High School earning first team All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference honors after a 63-tackle, 23-tackle for a loss, seven-sack, three-forced fumble, and one-pick season. The determination, skill, and physical giftings have earned Geer three-star recruiting status and 19 offers with more to come once the 2020 season kicks off.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Geer goes over his offseason workouts preparing to take on 3A South Carolina competition this season with a quick update on his recruiting.
Interview
Jatius, the Bears played 12 games last season and you were a dominating force off the edge. How many tight QB/offensive tackle relationships did you break apart last year?
(Laughs) “I’d say 12.”
What were some of the traits to your game against the pass that made you so explosive in 2019?
“My get off, my speed, and my hand movement.”
How did your abilities against the run improve a year ago?
“I was basically a maintain guy, nothing goes outside. Teams were not running to my side, but if they did I was inside/B gap run stopping. I did that well.”
Throughout the offseason, how have you worked to improve the technical aspects to your talents?
“This offseason I have been working on my footwork, get-off, hand movement, and becoming more powerful and more explosive.”
When the new season gets going, where all will we see you on the field?
“I am planning to play some tight end, that is still a conversation I need to have with my coach. This year on defense, I will be more of a B gap player.”
To prepare for the 2020 season, what has been your daily workout routine this spring?
“During the quarantine, with nothing open, I was putting as many heavy things in my backpack as I could doing squats, running hills, doing pushups, sit-ups, running daily, and ladder drills.”
Recruiting has been big for you thus far, how many offers do you have?
“Nineteen.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
“South Carolina State, Gardner Webb, and UNC A&T.”
Geer’s Offer Sheet (19): Akron, Alabama A&M, Campbell, Central Florida, Chattanooga, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Garner Webb, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, Liberty, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, UNC A&T, South Carolina State, Syracuse, Temple, and Western Kentucky
Which schools are showing interest?
“Kansas, Boston College, FSU (Florida State), Miami, and UNC (North Carolina).”
Going back to last season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“Yes, sir. I took visits to UNC-Charlotte, Georgia Tech, and Coastal Carolina.”
Looking ahead, are there any visits you may take?
“I plan to take all five (official) visits but nothing set yet.”
Last question for you. You got a sweet pick-six last season, what are some of the goals you have set for yourself this fall?
“I want to help lead my team to a state championship, break the single-game school sack record with three in a game, earn All-State, All Conference, and All region again. This season, I want 12 sacks, at least 12.”
Jatius, I’m pulling for you to accomplish your goals. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Belton Honea Path HS/Geer family; No. 8 Jatius Geer (2019)