Interview: 3-Star 2022 Texas QB Josh Hoover Talks Recruiting and All-State Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The play in the pocket supported by the stats on the sheet and wins in the column helped propel Class of 2022 quarterback among the best in the Lone Star State. The three-star recruit picked apart 6A Texas defenses in 2020 for Rockwall-Heath earning All-State and District Offensive MVP honors as the Hawks rolled to an 11-3 record. The 6-2, 205-pound, field general slung it around for 3,556 yards with 36 passing scores and ran it in four times with 12 programs responding dropping scholarship offers.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Hoover covers ground on the Hawks 2020 campaign with an update on his expanding recruiting options.
*Click link for Dec. 2020 RNG interview with Josh Hoover
Interview
Josh, after we last spoke in early December you marched the Hawks four games into the playoff with a thrilling 27-24 overtime game against Cedar Hill. Texas 6A defenses are tough as is, how were the defenses different in the playoffs?
It wasn’t really much different. Our district is good. We did the same things in the playoffs. Cedar Hill was different. They took away some of our deep threats. We got a little greedy. It was not a high scoring game; we ran the ball a lot.
Going up against the best of the best in the playoffs, what did you do to step your game up to help lead your team?
I tried to keep doing the same things that got me there, keep being a leader and doing the things to help us win.
Since the first of January, what have you been doing to keep the wing loose and strong?
Lots of footwork and working on tuning up all the things. I have been focused on my footwork, throwing motion, and getting better in all aspects of the game.
Are you playing 7v7 this winter?
Not yet. I will play 7v7 this summer with my high school team. Right now I am playing baseball.
How is baseball going?
Good. We are just getting started. We’ve had some stuff cancelled because of the weather. It is in the single digits down here.
As the weather gets better, are there any camps you may attend this spring?
Yes, I am going to the Elite 11 and Under Armour All-American camps in Dallas.
The offer sheet continues to grow for you. When you talk to the various coaches, what feedback are they giving you about your skills as a quarterback?
Most people like my film, it speaks for itself. They like that I have good arm talent and good arm strength. They also like that I am able to throw off-platform
Which schools are reaching out but have not offered yet?
I was talking to Minnesota today. Michigan State, Northwestern, Mississippi State, Baylor, TCU, Florida, and USC are also showing interest.
How many offers have you collected so far?
I have 12 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
SMU and Memphis
Hoover’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Illinois State, Incarnate Word, Memphis, Nevada, New Mexico, North Texas, SMU, Texas-San Antonio, Tulane, Tulsa, and Utah State
Visits are always an important part of the recruiting process. Whenever campuses open back up, are there any programs you’d like to go see?
I have visited SMU a lot. The campus is 25 minutes from my house. I am interested in going to Arkansas. Everything depends on who is showing interest at that time. The recruiting game can change overnight. I will look to visit a place that might be a good fit when visits are allowed.
Josh, always great catching up with you. Wishing you and the Hawks success on the diamond this spring.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hoover family; Josh Hoover