Interview: 4-Star 2020 Arkansas QB Jacolby Criswell Covers Recruiting and Upcoming Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The secret high school football fans in Morrilton, Arkansas, have known about for years is now sweeping across the nation – Class of 2020 dual-threat quarterback Jacolby Criswell is the real deal. The 6-1.5, 212-pound, Morrilton High School talent is capable of moving the pigskin down the field with his growing knowledge of the game, his arm, and speed making him seemingly impossible to stop. His ability in the pocket has led to 15 scholarship offers with new interest growing.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the four-star talent covering his offseason workouts and busy visit schedule this spring.
Interview
Jacolby, when the 2018 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a passing quarterback?
“I felt like I was set in the pocket. I was reading everything well, and I felt that I had improved in a lot of ways as a quarterback.”
How had your overall game improved?
“At the beginning of the season I was shaky with reading certain coverage, but I got better with that throughout the season. I got better at feeling the pocket, I was not rushing as much as the year before.”
With the mental aspect of the game, how did you push your understanding of the game forward in 2018 beyond reading coverages as you just mentioned?
“Going through my progressions was a big improvement. Before the snap, I was set on where I would go based on reading the defenses, and 99 percent of the time it was open. Knowing what I was supposed to do was a big difference in my game.”
Which areas of your technique are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my footwork, going over coverages, especially Cover 6, I am not that familiar with the coverage.”
Are you going to any national camps and/or combines this spring to showcase your skills?
“Yes, sir. I will be at the Elite 11 in St. Louis.”
Nice. Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I am receiving interest from North Carolina, Auburn, Miami, and TCU.”
*North Carolina offered after the interview
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 14 (15) offers.”
Criswell’s Offer Sheet (15): Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, Memphis, N.C. State, Ole Miss, Seton Hill, South Alabama, Purdue, Oklahoma State, Central Arkansas, SMU, Colorado, Arkansas State, and North Carolina
Do you have any planned unofficial visits you may take this spring?
“Yes. In March, is when all my visits will start. I am going to North Carolina, Auburn, Mississippi State, Georgia, Houston, and Colorado.”
Busy man. Jacolby, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck at the Elite 11 Regional and with all your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Criswell family; Jacolby Criswell at Ole Miss