Interview: 2022 Oklahoma QB Jesus Guerra Morey Guiding Trojans with Heart and Determination

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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The rules of football are setup for all to compete on a level playing field, but not every situation is the same across the country or even from one high school to the next within the same county. With Douglas High School, all football fans across the country have to love and respect the heart of the players suiting up for practice every day and the leader taking them into battle on Fridays, Class of 2022 quarterback Jesus Guerra Morey.

When it comes to leadership and dealing with adversity, on and off the field, Morey is of five-star status. The 6-0, 160-pound, field general went through a winless 2019 campaign and returned to be with the Trojans in 2020 with sights set on competing for a 3A Oklahoma state championship. Due to circumstances out of his control, the Trojans are now taking the field with 13 players in uniform. When the odds of winning are stacked against you, it is easy to quit with reasonable explanations, but it takes grit, determination, and courage to keep pushing forward, and those character traits are what help makes Morey a special talent in the pocket.

In an RNG initial interview, Morey fills us in on his growth at quarterback this season with insight to some of the difficulties leading a 13-man roster onto the field on Fridays.

Interview

Jesus, I am getting you after a tough game against Heritage Hall. For you personally, how did the game go against the Chargers?

We knew our situation coming into the game, we had a lot of ineligible players. Before the game, we knew we had to take on that weight. Being short on numbers, we knew the people next to you are the ones you have to depend on. We knew we’d be fatigued with so many guys going both ways. The great thing, we were there picking each other up throughout the game. In this one, we were not looking for the outcome and the win but how we would react and to our effort. That game was a big achievement for us. We accomplished something as a team in that game.

Overall, how has the season gone?

The season has gone very well. The offseason prepared me for this season. This was my most dedicated offseason so far. The season has been going well, but as a team we have to pick it up being more disciplined and have the courage to keep our priorities straight. It can be hard as a leader, we had 33 guys that were not disciplined. Now we have 13.

To make sure I understand, the Trojans only have 13 players on the roster?

Yes, sir. For this last week.

Wow. I now fully understand what you are saying. That has to be hard.

Yes, sir.

What offensive set are you running with the Trojans?

We are running a Spread.

In the offseason, what did you work on with your mechanics to prepare for your junior run?

My mechanics, my pocket presence, and my footwork. This offseason, I kept progressing and my body matured. I spent time reading defenses and getting ready mentally this offseason.

Did you work with a QB trainer?

Yes, sir. Coach Tom George.

How has Coach Tom George helped you as a quarterback?

He has opened many doors in my life. I can’t appreciate that man enough.

When working with Coach George, which areas of your technique and/or form did you focus on?

Working on with him, this is what is crazy, he teaches you multiple positions at one time. On a play, he is teaching you about reading linebackers and how to prevent or avoid a situation. During our workouts, we are working on footwork, ladder drills, roll out drills, and escape drills. It was a great offseason.

You touched on this, going deeper. How did you expand your understanding of the game over the spring and summer months?

A big portion of the credit goes to Coach George. He taught me how to write up on the white board, offense and defense, 11 and 12 personnel, all the routes, and all the coverages. He has taught me everything I know as a quarterback.

Which areas of your game are you constantly working on in practice?

I am working on deep, shallow and mid-routes. If there is a Cover 2 or a linebacker in Cover 3 in the flats, where to go with the ball. I have been working on my timing and accuracy. But it all starts with the line. If I get a good block, I can get it to the receiver and the receiver makes a play. If I make a play it is because the offensive line is making the play for me.

With the short numbers, what are practices like for you and the team?

In practice, it has been tough these past few weeks. We were out for a couple of weeks because of COVID. We’ve been practicing hard. Our head coach works with me on the offense. Because of our numbers, we go over what will work best, running the Spread or a Wing-T.

Are you also getting snaps in on defense?

Yes, I played some on defense. That is no problem for me.

No one can question your toughness hanging in the pocket to deliver the ball downfield, what do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game?

As a player and as an athlete on the field, you also have to be straight with academics and disciplined. On every play of every game, I am probably the only quarterback that runs after handing off the ball. If I stand on the field, I am not helping my team. I have to block for us to be successful. It is all about the team. We all wake up the same, with the same dreams, and bleed the same blood with the same goals.

Once the season is completed, what all will you have set for yourself to accomplish?

As a team we came in with the goal of being state champs. As the season goes, we want to win one game. We were 0-10 last year. Milestone goals are ahead for us now. I am keeping the energy up and keeping a positive mindset with the low numbers we have. We have to keep learning and continue becoming young men with maturity on the field.

We have two games left. For some, this is the last two games of their high school career. With the right effort, some of those guys will continue you on. We thought we had 10 games this year, but we are not guaranteed anything. We have to keep preparing and working hard.

Jesus, it was interesting gaining more insight to your season with the Trojans. I appreciate your time today and I am certainly pulling for you guys to come together and winning out.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Morey family; Jesus Morey