Interview: 3-Star 2021 OC/OG JT Hand is a Versatile Powerhouse in the Trenches
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Beyond size, skill, strength, and a nasty streak a mile wide, collegiate offensive line coaches also love versatility in their players. The ability to shuffle around a starting five in the trenches without missing a beat from one game to the next, especially if the center position is involved, is hard to do; that’s what makes Class of 2021 standout JT Hand so special on the recruiting trail.
Hand fits all the criteria for a next level prospect. At 6-3, 295-pounds, and with a weight room max of 550 on squat and 335 on power clean, Hand is a beast along the offensive line, and all that talent was showcased during the 2019 season with California powerhouse Mission Viejo. Hand lined up at right guard and kept in blowout games working at center to keep that skill in his game fresh and evolving. The So Cal native earned second team All-League, All-County, and All-State honors for his tenacity stomping on California Division 1/2 defenders during the Diablos 11-1 run.
With an offer in-hand from UNLV, teams west of the Mississippi are starting to find Hand. Ahead of a big senior season and with the Pac-12 and Mountain West looking on, I sat down with the three-star recruit to learn more about his game from the snap to the whistle.
Interview
JT, the Diablos were fierce on offense last season rolling at a clip of 42 points per game. What was working for you guys making it possible to be so productive?
“Our RPO (run-pass option) and the variation of plays we had within our offense. Coach Johnson (head coach), he is the football guru. He knows which play to run against different defenses. We are able to adjust to any defense, even during games and drives.”
You were getting after at right guard for the Diablos. How did your overall game improve going up against the tough schedule?
“It improved big time. The games you play will get you better, but the week of Mater Dei, training for their best defensive lineman, I know I have to lift more, get faster, eat right, and improve on everything – you don’t want to get embarrassed in a game. I love playing teams like that.”
Specifically with your run blocking, which areas within got better?
“Staying low, being able to keep control – not diving into blocks, and watching my linebacker while staying on the block and keeping balanced. Also, my ability to track where they are going and getting them on slants or blitzes.”
What about with your pass-pro?
“That was the biggest thing that improved for me. Being able to stay with them and, not giving ground improved a lot. In previous years I was staying with them but was in the QB’s face, but now I have the strength to keep them on the line.”
What offensive set were you guys executing?
“Mainly a zone offense with some under center and power packages and RPOs.”
You also got some snaps in at center. As the anchor in the trenches in the middle, how did that part of your game improve overall?
“I love playing center. You are in the middle of everything playing center; and I grew up paying center. My dad played at Arizona and had tryouts in the NFL. He always believed that if he had learned how to snap that he would have made it to the NFL; as soon as I started playing football, he taught me how to snap. I feel at home at center and I like being the quarterback of the line. I love that responsibility and being in control.”
Where did you see the improvement in your game last season as a center?
“The big things I worked on last season and this offseason, my snaps were good, but getting that off-hand and firing off to get that instant line with no delays.”
Where will we see you on the field in 2020?
“At center.”
How have you been preparing for your senior season this spring?
“We’ve been doing Zoom meetings for our spring ball. As a returning starter, I am taking a lead for our offense and with our offensive line. I think we are doing well. For me, I am lifting six days a week three hours a day and I am doing snap stuff with my quarterback and some 7v7 kind of stuff. When I am working on my snaps, I am also snapping with NFL QB Josh Rosen (Dolphins). He played under our head coach at St. John Bosco. Through our spring ball, I have dialed in on my knowledge and I am getting really well rounded here with my knowledge strength and speed.”
Going with your strength, what are your weight room maxes?
“My bench is 340 and my power clean 335. With squats, I have not maxed out recently. The last time I did I got 550, but that was a while ago; I’d say I am around 600 pounds now on my squat.”
Wow. Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Moving to recruiting. You have an offer from UNLV, which schools are showing interest?
“A lot of Mountain West schools like Utah State, Army, Boise State, Air Force, San Jose State, Colorado State, San Diego State, and Arizona.”
Going back to last season, did you get a chance to visit any programs?
“Yes. I too a visit to Arizona for a game day. There were seven planned visits for this offseason but all cancelled.”
Which schools did you have on the schedule for this spring?
“Colorado, Colorado State, Wyoming, San Diego State, Utah State, UNLV, Arizona, and I was invited to San Jose State’s Jr Day.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned trips you may take this summer of fall?
“For sure to UNLV on an official. I want to see some Pac-12 schools too like Oregon, Oregon State, Washington State and a lot of Mountain West Conference schools – I want to see all of those schools.”
JT, it was great covering all this ground with you today. Thanks for your time and keep up the hard work this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mission Viejo HS/Hand family; JT Hand in action (2019)