Interview: 3-Star 2022 California RB Ian Jernigan Preparing for Another Standout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As Garces Memorial went through their five-game 2020 season this spring, their Class of 2022 running back was ring bells and leaving defenses in the dust. Ian Jernigan carried the rock 83 times for 685 yards reaching the end zone seven times during his junior campaign. As tough as it was to slow the three-star tailback down or to catch him, Jernigan has slimmed down to 190 pounds on his 5-foot 9-inch frame pushing his speed to that next level. Those next level abilities have already been rewarded with four scholarship offers.
Squaring up for a highly anticipated senior run, Jernigan stopped by the RNG Lab for an update interview on workouts and college camps.
Interview
Ian, you were laying it on California defenses during the 2020 season averaging 137 yards per game. What was clicking for you coming out of the Rams’ backfield?
A connection between me and my QB. I fit perfectly in the offense. It was just a perfect fit.
What were some of the play calls that got the ball into your hands?
We mostly ran inside run plays, power plays up the middle and some option plays. We had some pitches on the outside too, but a lot of inside run plays.
Are you guys changing up the offense for the 2021 season?
No, we are pretty much running the same thing.
What have you been doing to improve upon your footwork and agility getting ready for your senior season?
After going to a lot of camps, I am taking some of the bag drills they have been doing to help improve my balance and ball security. I am looking at the camp drills and doing those.
How have you worked to increase your top end speed?
I run a lot of hills and with a parachute. That has helped improve me speed. Last year, I was a high 4.8 now I am at a 4.5.
Where did you run the 4.5?
I ran that time at school. At the SMU camp, I ran a 4.6 flat. Last week, that is when I ran a 4.5.
For the 2021 season, what goals have you set?
To average about 200-plus yards per game and have 10-plus touchdowns. I want to get a Valley win. I want to carry my team to Valley.
As we get closer to the start of the 2021 schedule, are there any games you are already getting hyped to play?
Yes, I am pretty excited to play my old high school, Bakersfield. The energy will be different for that game, and it is homecoming too. I am looking forward to San Joaquin Memorial too.
You mentioned camps, did you get to compete at any national camps?
Yes, I was picked for the Under Armour All-American camp.
How did the Under Armour camp go for you?
That went really well. That was one of my best camp performances.
Which college camps did you perform at this summer?
I went to UNLV, San Jose State, Sac State, and the SMU showcase. At the SMU camp, there was about every college program there. I went to a lot of camps this summer. I am thinking about going to the Eastern Washington camp before the summer ends.
Tell me about the UNLV camp and your performance there.
I feel that it was really good. I showcased my catching ability. We did a lot of routes; not a lot of coaches had seen that side of me. I was able to showcase that.
And the San Jose State camp, what all did the coaches have you do there?
We went through individuals and bag drills, reading blocks, and catching out of the backfield. I feel that I performed really well there.
Which programs are now showing interest but have not offered yet?
Eastern Washington, Saint Thomas, New Mexico, Wyoming, and UTEP.
How many offers do you have?
Four: Bethel, Colorado, Nevada, and San Jose State.
Did you get to visit any programs this summer?
Yes, I visited UNLV, San Jose State, and Sac State.
What did you see and do during the UNLV trip?
They showed us around campus, the facilities, and showed us what they do every day. I went with their running backs coach. He took us to the film room, went over film, and their big three; ball security, balance, and blowing them up. He went over what he expects from their running backs.
Very cool. You mentioned possibly going to an EWU camp, are there any other visits you may take?
Eastern Washington and I am trying to visit Michigan.
Ian, I enjoyed catching up with you today. I hope the EWU camp is a great one for you.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Jernigan family; Ian Jernigan