Interview: 2020 Oklahoma QB Jacob Switzer Preparing for Breakout Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The maturation process for every quarterback builds to a moment in time when the reins of an offense are completely handed over… a big lead up has been building at Norman North. During the 2017 season, Jacob Switzer had the best of all worlds getting snaps in at the junior varsity and varsity level while learning behind standout senior signal caller Ryan Peoples. When the 2018 season kicks off, Switzer will be ready to make his mark against opposing Oklahoma 6A defenders with an understanding of the game, talent, and strong arm supporting his efforts on the field.

If Switzer’s varsity stats from his sophomore year are a foreshadowing of events – the Timberwolves are going to roll. The 6-2.5, 172-pound, gunslinger completed 13 of 20 passes for 246 yards with three touchdowns and one rushing score posted on the board. If anything is to be gleamed from his junior varsity stats, a MVP kind of season might be in store. Switzer blistered his peer group with an estimated 1,200 total yards accumulated in just four games. His first JV game was a dominating performance passing for 400 yards with 200 on the ground.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down the Class of 2020 Oklahoma prospect to learn more about his growth on the field during his sophomore campaign and how he is preparing for life in the pocket ahead of his junior season.

Interview

Jacob, during your sophomore year you got some valuable snaps playing behind senior quarterback Ryan Peoples. What was the learning curve for you in 2017 going against varsity competition?

“The learning curve was hard at first over the summer, but over time I saw more reps and improved. Watching Ryan work the offense, that helped me. I got a lot better by the end of the season.”

How did your overall game improve last season?

“I got use to the pass rush, dropping back deeper, finding my reads, and improved my field vision.”

What type of offense did the Timberwolves execute last season?

“We ran a spread.”

How does the Spread offense fit your skillset?

“I have adapted to it. I’m better suited for a pro-set with my skills. I am good at my check down reads. Last year we had one or two check downs then you go out of the pocket to make a play.”

Will there be any new wrinkles in your game or in the Timberwolves offense in 2018?

“Yes. We lost all our coaches from last year. It will be a lot different this year. We have a new offense this season, a pro-style set. I will be under center more. We will still have a lot of receivers out there and we’ll have a tight end.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am trying to gain weight. My height is alright but I want to be 190 by senior year. I am doing a lot of strength training this offseason.”

Are you working with a private quarterback coach?

“Yes. I’m working with Coach Tom George. He runs QB Impact. I’ve been working with him for over a month now.”

What are you guys working on when together?

“We are improving my footwork, working on rolling out, and throwing on the run.”

Is there a college or NFL quarterback you watch to learn more about the game?

“Yes. Tom Brady. Everything he does is with specific intent and purpose. He is probably the ideal QB to watch from a mental approach.”

Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“I went to the Blue-Grey camp and a camp in Nashville.”

Do you have any upcoming camps you may attend?

“I will attend more over the summer, but I am not sure which ones yet. I went to a bunch last season.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“UTEP is showing interest.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.1 GPA.”

It is still early for you, but have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?

“I took the SAT. I got a 1210 or 1250 on it. I can’t remember which.”

When does the team start spring ball?

“We start on Monday.”

Tough to tell now with a new system and new coaches coming in, but how is the team looking so far?

“We lost a lot of seniors. We have our left tackle returning, which is big for us. A lot will depend on how well we gel with the new plays. In terms of talent, I think we have a playoff team again this year. Our defense will be good this year.”

Jacob, thanks for your time today and good luck with spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Switzer family; Jacob Switer with Coach Tom George at Blue-Grey camp