Interview: 2022 LB/RB Jakob Galloway is a Rising Two-Way Star for Banning
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2018 season had ended for Banning High School after a two-game run into the California playoffs, there was great reason for optimism for the Pilots looking ahead; that joy for the Pilots but pain for opposing Division I teams was linebacker/running back Jakob Galloway.
The freshman appeared in two varsity games after tearing it up against his peer group last season. The early playing time has helped his transition as a do-everything talent for the Pilots in 2019 seeing him rush for 309 yards off 39 carries with six touchdowns along with five receptions for 42 more yards. On defense, the 5-10, 220-pound, bell ringer has put an end to 32 plays with five tackles for a loss and three pass breakups. And now, word along the recruiting trail is starting to pick up on Galloway’s talents.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2022 recruiting class to learn more about his overall game.
Interview
Jakob, when you take the field, you take it to lay the wood on some folks. For me, that speaks to passion for the game. What do you love about playing football?
“I love that I get to lay everything out on the field. I just love the game.”
You got time in last season on both sides of the ball at linebacker and running back. When you went through the offseason, what were you focusing on with your game as a linebacker?
“I was focused on completing my goals and doing what I was told. I worked on my speed mainly. I can see that has helped.”
What about at running back?
“I worked on reading the holes and finishing through every play.”
The Pilots are three games into the season, where are you seeing the improvements on defense?
“My biggest improvements are being more aggressive, getting the tackles, and doing my job better than last season.”
And on offense?
“I am seeing a lot of changes in my speed; it is getting a lot easier. I have a better football IQ now.”
What style of defense are the Pilots executing?
“We run a lot of man and Cover 3. We are mainly lining up in 4-3 base.”
How are you being used within the scheme this season?
“I am playing outside linebacker this season. They like blitzing me a lot and having me man up on the strong-side.”
For both on and off the field, what goals have you set for yourself this year?
“Off the field, I want to succeed in school. On the field, I just want to do my job and do what is expected of me.”
I know things are just starting to pop for you on the field, are you receiving any early recruiting interest?
“There are a couple schools that are showing interest, Boise State, San Jose State, and I believe SC (USC).”
Jakob, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Jakob Galloway