Interview: 2021 Florida QB Ridge Jacobs Updates Playoffs and Unofficial Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As Class of 2021 quarterback Ridge Jacobs heats up the Florida gridirons with his arm, college coaches along the recruiting trail are warming up to the talents of the University Christian gunslinger off of it. The 6-2, 200-pound, rising recruit has completed 101 of 175 passes for 1,550 yards with 14 touchdowns tossed and one rushing score guiding his Christians squad to the playoffs. Teams along the eastern coastline have responded with Jacobs receiving interest from South Carolina, N.C. State, South Florida, Central Florida, and Virginia Tech among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Sunshine State for insight on his sophomore campaign and his recruiting process with a preview of his unofficial visit to Valdosta State this weekend.

Interview

Ridge, how did the 2018 regular season go for you as a quarterback?

“I started off slow. As the season has progressed so have I. My pocket presence has been really good. I am leading my team to, hopefully, another state championship.”

As you are learning the game as a first-year varsity starter, how did your skills as a passer improve this year?

“I have always played football, training all the time. All of it is coming together, I am read defenses well, fitting the ball into tight windows – that has improved tremendously, and my hip and arm movements have improved. All the technical stuff that I have worked on to make my game better has helped me a lot this season.”

What do you feel are your overall strengths as a quarterback?

“A couple of my strengths are my accuracy and reading the field really well.”

Which areas of your game are you consistently working on in practice that may not show up on game day?

“In practice I mainly work on my footwork, roll outs, and pocket presence with rushers coming off the edge that makes me get the ball out quick.”

What type of offense do the Christians execute?

“We run a spread offense. We rarely run from under center.”

How does the offense fit your talents?

“I really like a spread offense, but I can go from under center just as easily. It is easier to read defenses in the spread.”

The team rolls into the playoffs on Friday to face Rocky Bayou Christian (4-5). What challenges are you expecting from the Knights defense?

“They play a cover 2 with the outside corner coming up. I am looking to hit them deep and some short stuff. I come into every game thinking that team we are playing is the best in the state so I can go out there for a good game. I am looking forward to a good game and looking forward to tearing them apart.”

Which colleges are responding to the season you are having in the form of interest?

“I am receiving interest from Virginia Tech, South Carolina, North Carolina, N.C. State, UCF, USF, and Valdosta State.”

Have you had a chance to visit any schools during the season?

“Yes. I have taken visits to South Carolina and UCF.”

How did the South Carolina visit go?

“That went really well. I really like the atmosphere and coaches there. They always put on a good show there.”

What about UCF, how did that visit go?

“That went really well. I love Coach (Jeff) Lebby (quarterbacks). The atmosphere is great there too. Great to see them keep rolling off an undefeated season.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am going to Valdosta State this weekend. I would like to go to North Carolina before the season is over, but I am not sure if I will be able to make it up there.”

What has you excited about visiting Valdosta State this weekend?

“I love Coach Kerwin Bell (head coach) and Coach Kade Bell (GA). They are both energetic and they make you want to be there with the way they talk and their enthusiasm. The area around there and the city is very pretty.”

Ridge, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the playoffs and on your visit this weekend.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Jacobs family; Ridge Jacobs in action and at South Carolina