Interview: 2020 3-Star TE Jake Overman Talks Washington Official and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Over the last three seasons, Class of 2020 Servite tight end Jake Overman has worked his way into being one of the best in the nation. Initially highly-praised for his run and pass blocking (IHOP), the 6-4.5, 235-pound, talent expanded his offensive capabilities working to be a threat in the passing game for the Friars. All has added up to three-star recruiting status and 15 offers extended. The recruiting process for Overman appears to be narrowing after official visits taken to Oregon State and Washington with a possible trip to Cal this weekend, if not in the near future… but will there be a fourth or fifth official taken?
Overman updates his busy recruiting process with a look ahead to the 2019 playoffs for his Friars’ (7-3) squad, the No. 27 ranked team in the nation (MaxPreps).
*Click link for Sept. 25, 2019, RNG interview with Jake Overman
Interview
Jake, the Friars have won three in a row with impressive wins over JSerra Catholic, Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran. How has the team looked in the victories?
“We are looking great. We’ve had great practices this year, and that is showing in the games. We are going in the weight room and working hard. We have a great group. We are looking forward to the next game. I am really excited.”
The team gets a bye this week to prepare for No. 21 nationally ranked Mission Viejo (10-0). What are you guys expecting from the Diablos in the first round?
“We are expecting a great game from them. This will be one of the better games in the opening round of the playoffs. We are looking forward to it. There is already some talk going on back and forth. The hype ahead of the game will be matched on the field come game time. We are looking at this as another game, a big one, but this is another week of practicing. This bye will help us prepare. We will be ready.”
Let’s jump into recruiting. You just took an official to Washington over the weekend, how did it go?
“It went great. We had a great time. The energy was great in the stadium and the fans were very supportive. So many people came up wishing me luck and told me how great the Huskies are. The coaching staff was great and they showed a lot of love. My mom, sister, and dad went, the whole family checked it out after just my dad and I checked it out last time. It was a great visit.”
What all did you do during the visit?
“We ate a lot of food; we were well taken care of with the food. I got to hang out with Julius Irvin (DB), a Servite grad. We caught up. He kept it real with me, he gave me advance, and he answered all my questions. I appreciate that time with him. It was great hanging out with him; I knew him at Servite. Seeing his growth as person and as a football player, seeing that could be my possible growth as an athlete and a man, that was cool.”
Thoughts on the offense?
“The coolest part, I would say, is being able to hear the tight end history at Washington from Coach (Jordan) Paopao and how the tight ends are used in the offense. He let me know that we use the tight ends in the offense. All the fans are texting me “Tight End U” (University). To see it in person, they have six tight ends that can step on the field at any time. When I was there, their tight ends had over two handful of catches and a touchdown. Seeing them work in person was awesome and refreshing to see. Knowing they are recruiting me to be in that room is awesome.”
Looking ahead. You have two official visits down, any other upcoming official visits?
“That is in the air right now. I was supposed to go to Cal this weekend, but we have practice on Saturday now. I am hoping to get up to Cal but not sure when that will be. I might not take those other two visits. But if another school that has offered could get one of those spots. Right now, I am taking three visits and making my decision off those three schools.”
When you take a visit, what are you looking at? What are you seeking to learn?
“The best part of the visit is sitting back and not trying to play the game. You can sit back and take it all in. I try to take it all in. I talk to as many players, coaches, alumni, and ex-players as possible asking them questions. That is the time to be real with them and hopefully they are real with you.
“The atmosphere is something I look at during a visit. Also, do you see yourself fitting into the offense and fitting in with the guys in the locker room? Do you see yourself fitting into the city? I have tried to do that on all my visits. At Washington, I was talking to an ex-tight end Will Dissly (Seattle Seahawks). We talked for about 45 minutes about how great Washington is. I also talked to Drew Sample (Cincinnati Bengals) before the game. That was cool to talk to two ex-Huskies tight ends who are now in the NFL.”
Jake, as always, I appreciate your time and wish you success in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Overman family; Jake Overman at Washington