Interview: 2020 Talent Jake Overman is Emerging as a True All-Purpose Tight End for Servite

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Whatever may come in the future for Class of 2020 tight end Jake Overman, it will be bright. The 6-4, 235-pound, talent is a true tight end able to put his hand in the dirt contributing as a glorified tackle on run and pass plays, can line up in the backfield as an H-back, and can go out of the slot as a receiving threat. Going up against Trinity League competition in 2018 with Servite, Overmann pulled in 20 passes for 163 yards and handed out pancakes like he was a line chef at IHOP.

The early work on the field for Overmann has brought in two offers from Arizona and UNLV with other regional interest coming in from Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference programs. To learn about it all, his play on the field and recruiting, I sat down with Overman getting the inside scoop.

Interview

Jake, the Friars coaching staff used you in a myriad of ways last season. How would you describe the role you played within the offense?

“My role was mainly at tight end and being put out in the slot or as an H-back, but I love to put my hand in the ground and blocking.”

Before we get to the highlight action everyone loves to talk about with your pass reception, you are a nasty blocker in the best use of the phrase. How did your blocking off the line improve this season?

“It improved a lot. We had a new offensive line coach, I was with him every day working on my blocking. That was a huge part of my improvement from last year. I mostly ran routes last season in the Spread. Blocking has become one of the best parts of my game.”

What are some of the things you feel you do well as a blocking end?

“I think I am great at run blocking and pass blocking. My footwork is good, that is one thing I have excelled at improving upon. From 7- to 14-years-old, I was a left tackle. I have always worked on my blocking. I have that ability that a lot of tight ends do not have.”

You do a great job of catching the ball with your hands out front, what are some of the other things you feel you do well as a receiving target?

“We have a great receiver coach here who played in the NFL. I have been working with him for two years now. He has taught me so much about being a receiver. He has worked with me on my footwork, routes, and technique. This is all within the last two years, a lot of people think I have been a receiver or tight end my whole life. This is my third season catching the ball, I have improved tremendously in the three years.”

Another thing you do well that I noticed, that you did not mention, you do a very good job of shielding the ball from the defender with your body to make the catch.

“I am hard to cover with a big body, a big body that knows how to run routes. That is another quality of mine. I can get myself open using my body that way.”

Which do you like doing better, coming off the line as a tight end for a pass or out of the slot?

“That is a tough one. Honestly, I love the both. It depends on the situation and where we are at on the field.”

With your size, might we see you at defensive end next season?

“Yes. I will be playing defensive end next year.”

What will you work on as an end to get ready for next season?

“I will work on my strength and being physical off the snap. I will be in the weight room five times a week. I am also playing rugby this year. That will help me become better at tackling and better with angles. I am also running track this offseason to help with my overall speed. But, Rugby is huge. That will get me better at tackling.”

With the offseason here, what are some of the things you will work on with your game as a tight end heading into your senior year?

“I will be on the jug machine catching 100 balls a day, that is something my dad believes in strongly. I plan on playing 7v7 which will help me with my route running and improve my overall game as a tight end. I am also working with our offensive line coach this offseason, working on my blocking.”

With recruiting, you have the two offers, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“The schools showing the most interest are UCLA, Cal, Northwestern, San Diego State, Fresno State, Washington State, Arizona State, Boise State, Rice, and Navy. I am also receiving some recent interest from Notre Dame.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“Yes. I went to UNLV, UCLA for their game against USC, and this past weekend I went to San Diego State for their game against Hawaii. I also went down to San Diego for the Notre Dame-Navy game.”

How did the UNLV visit go?

“It was a great experience. It was fun. Their coaches are really interested in me, and they treated me well. They were my first offer, they will always have a place in my heart.”

What about UCLA, how did that go?

“That was also great. I didn’t know how that would go. I had a great talk with Coach (Derek) Sage (tight ends). They were the first to show interest in me, I will also always have a place in my heart for UCLA. I grew up watching UCLA and going to UCLA games. I have a campus visit to UCLA coming this Thursday, we’ll see how it goes.”

You have the UCLA visit coming up, what other schools might you visit?

“I was supposed to go to Cal for their game against Stanford, but Coach (Beau) Baldwin (offensive coordinator) called me letting us know the game was cancelled. He did say they wanted me up on campus soon. I do plan to make a trip to Cal. San Diego State wants to get me down to see the campus. Arizona is another one, I have not seen their campus yet. I’d love to get over there. I’d like to visit Northwestern as well.”

Jake, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the offseason workouts and all the upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Overman family; Jake Overman at Cal and UNLV