Interview: 3-Star 2022 Talent Jackson Holt Preparing for Another Big Season in the Pocket
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Showing versatility in a complex offense with multiple sets is not easy to come by for offensive coordinators when scouting high school quarterbacks. A deeper look at the skills and football IQ of Class of 2022 gunslinger Jackson Holt, he has it all. Executing a run-first offense with Oakdale, the 6-4.5, 210-pound, quarterback was picking apart California defenses during his sophomore campaign. The diversity of his responsibilities from under center and in the shotgun has interest spreading from the Pac-12 and Mountain West to Ivy League programs.
In an RNG first-look, Holt visited the Lab to talk some football.
Interview
Jackson, the Oakdale offense is anything but simplistic. You guys are giving multiple looks to defenses with tempo. If you will, do a simple breakdown of the offense you were executing last season?
Our offense is power football. We pound the rock, and we are successful at it. They’ve been doing it for 20 years. With our running, guys are running wide open after play action.
The action under center gives great scrutiny for you as a quarterback with your reads. What is your pre-snap process on passing plays?
Pre-snap I am always looking at the flat defenders. We always have a flat route. Once I see their flat defender, I know their coverage and then make my decision off of that.
How is the offense set up with the reads? Are you making a two-read play and running?
Most of the time with pressure in my face, I look to the flat. If that is not there, then I go deep over the top, back to the flat, and then to a middle crossing route.
With the diversity in the offensive set, which routes were you throwing to last season?
Drags, flat routes, inside vertical, posts, 12-yard curls to the outside, 5-yard outs, and stuff like that.
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a quarterback?
I did a good job of throwing on the run and I also had a great understanding of the offense. I knew where everyone was going to be on each play. If guys did not know what to do, I could put them in the right spot. That helped with my leadership on the team.
What have you been working on with the small details to your physical tools this offseason?
I have been studying a lot of film, learning defense to better understand and recognize defenses. I have also been working on my mechanics and I have been in the weight room getting bigger, stronger, and faster working on my speed.
After 20 years, why change what is working. But just in case, are you guys doing anything differently on offense this season?
We will be running the same offense. Run the ball, and then get the ball in space to guys running free.
With the hard work put into your game, what are you wanting to showcase the most this season?
This season I want to show when a play goes bad that I can make things happen. I want to show that I can make a move, get out of the pocket, and deliver a ball.
Which schools are showing recruiting interest as we near the start of the 2020 season?
Oregon State, Cal, Yale, Eastern Washington, Nevada, Fresno State, Columbia, Cornell, and Harvard.
Nice. When visits are expected to resume in 2021, are there any visits you’d like to take?
I want to visit as many schools as possible. I want to see what each college has to offer. A big part of my decision will be the campus and education. You have to have a backup plan once football is over. I want to check out the environment at the different schools.
Breaking from football, do you play any other varsity sports for Oakdale?
Yes, I play basketball and I compete in the high jump.
What’s your best jump?
5-10.
Jackson, I appreciate your time today and wish you the best with the remainder of your workouts until the season begins.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Holt family; Jackson Holt at Elite 11 Regional (2020) and working out with Coach Danny Hernandez