Interview: Arizona 2019 QB Jacob Conover Ready to go Back-to-Back with Chandler in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Winning a state title in high school football is difficult no matter the level or classification. The odds get a little bit harder if said school trots out a first-time sophomore starter in the pocket seeking to help capture that trophy for the mantle. Despite the odds, Chandler High School, the coaching staff, players, and first-year starter Jacob Conover rallied together for a season to remember posting a 13-2 record grabbing an Arizona 6A title in the process. If the pressure of the odds is mounting to go back-to-back with Conover guiding the offense, one would not know it talking to the rising talent.

If an Arizona state title does not do enough to introduce Conover to the football fanatics nationwide, perhaps his prolific season in the pocket will do the honors. Conover dropped back 308 times completing 215 passes with just five picks tossing for 3,715 yards with 32 touchdowns. He also scrambled for 183 more yards posting four more touchdowns on the board.

The Wolves’ offense was about as close to balanced as one can get with the passing game accounting for 253 yards per contest and the running attack adding 267 yards per led by 2,000-yard rusher TJ Green. All was not perfect out of the gate with a 2-2 start dropping games to California’s Corona Centennial (56-49), an end of the season Top 10 team in the country, and a lopsided 52-7 defeat by the hands of Mountain Pointe. As the Wolves season progressed, head coach Shaun Aguano got his team as sharp as any other in the country. If by no other measuring stick, the 45-point loss to Mountain Pointe on Sept. 8 was effectively erased in the playoffs with a 36-17 victory in the state semifinal round.

Coach Aguano got his 6-1, 195 pound, maturing quarterback up to speed quickly. Conover showed not only his ability to lead a team, but his skillset within the offense stymying opposing defenders with forward momentum halting play fakes, a strong arm, and poise under pressure. College coaches have responded in kind with an offer presented to Conover by Nevada and teams like Stanford, BYU, Utah, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Boise State showing interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising Class of 2019 Arizona products covering his championship winning season, off-season workout goals, and his recruiting process to date.

Interview

Jacob, the Wolves had a fantastic season in 2016 claiming a state title, what was that run like for you?

“It was full of ups and downs. At the beginning of the season we played Corona Centennial. We showed what we can do offensively. Even though we did not win, we showed what we can do against a tough team like Centennial. Against Mountain Pointe, that showed we were still not at the top of the totem pole. The turning point was against Brophy (won 56-7). That was right before the start of the playoffs. Our ultimate goal was a state championship game win. We dominated in the playoffs all the way to the state championship game and got the ring.”

What was some of the adversity you had to overcome last year to help lead the team to the title during your first year of varsity action?

“Being the young guy, I had to prove I was a leader. One of the things I got better at was becoming a vocal leader. Before the state championship game, I held a team meeting. I talked to the team and told them what was at stake and what we needed to do win. That was a pivotal moment for me becoming a better leader.

“One other thing was the quarterback challenge during camp. Aaron Howard and Billy Bolger were tough to go up against and are two great athletes. Through the challenge there were some rubbing of heads, but coming out of the challenge the quarterback room was together. You need that to be successful. That kept the team tight. That was huge coming out of the competition being a unified group.”

You got revenge against Mountain Pointe in the playoffs winning 36-17 after losing 52-7. That is a really big turnaround. What was the difference the second time around?

“The difference was the way we responded as a team. We really came together and started focusing with one goal in mind, a state championship. We realized that we function as team better than as individuals. That makes us different. We are a family. That is how we roll and get things done.”

The Wolves had some great offensive talent on the field last season like 2,000-yard rusher TJ Green and 1,200-yard receiver Johnny Johnson, which guys coming up will help you drive the offense next season?

“Next year, Gunner (Romeny – 70/1,309/9), he is an amazing weapon coming back at receiver. We have some juniors and sophomores that will have to step up. DeCarlos Brooks, was at cornerback last year, he will be playing running back this year. Drake Anderson and Devin Shivers will be counted upon too. We have Jarick Caldwell and Brayden Liebrock at tight end. We have some holes that need to be filled but it will come together.”

How are you working with the next group of guys on timing and chemistry in the passing attack?

“What is great about this next group, my freshman year they are the guys I played with. We have great chemistry. It is like we’ve been together all along. It has been a great transition. I already have a connection with these guys.”

What are some of the things you are working on this off-season to get ready for the 2017 schedule?

“One thing I am working on is speed. I was on the track team this year. That has helped me become faster and quicker. Defenses will not expect it coming this year. I have been working on becoming more sound with my mechanics. I have been working with Dennis Gile (quarterback coach) perfecting my QB play as well.”

What are the strengths of your game on the field?

“I feel I am cool under pressure and I have the ability to read the defense. I use what they give me. Another is communicating with my team in stressful situations. I can calm my team down and lead them from behind. From a mechanics standpoint, my arm has gotten stronger. Being shorter, 6-1 is looked at as being shorter for a quarterback, I have a great release point. I get it out high. My footwork, escaping the pocket, and being mobile – not just sitting in the pocket and waiting for something to happen, are all strengths.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes. At Chandler, we do a handful of 7v7 tournaments. We have competed at an Arizona, Arizona State, Northern Arizona, and a Nike tournament. At the end of the spring season we go to San Diego State for a tournament. Besides playing with Chandler, we have put together a team of Arizona All-Stars. We played in the Pylon Tournament in Vegas and competed in the Adidas National Championship 7v7 Tournament.”

How is playing 7v7 helping your game?

“Things are moving a lot faster in 7v7. Playing 7v7 helps me read defense and get the ball out quicker. It helps me understand the game from a defensive standpoint to prefect my game offensively.”

Have you attended any exposure camps this spring?

“Yes. I went to the Rivals Three Stripe Camp and I have been invited to the Oakland Nike Regional on May 21.”

Are there any college camps you plan on attending this summer?

“We have started to line that up now. This summer I’m going to Utah, Stanford, and a BYU camp. And I may be going up to Wisconsin for a camp.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Boise State showing interest. I am talking to BYU. I just got off the phone with Stanford before our interview. Michigan State is coming down this spring to see me. Utah State, Wisconsin, and University of Utah are showing interest too.”

Which school has offered you?

“I have an offer from Nevada.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yeah, this year I went to BYU and Utah. I toured their facilities during my visit. I’m going up to Stanford and Cal as well.”

What has you excited about the Cal and Stanford visits?

“At Stanford, not only do I want to see their facilities and meet their coaches but if you go to Stanford the team is amazing and so is the education. Education will get you further in life than football. With Cal, they have a great football program. They have a program that is rising and they are known for putting out great quarterbacks.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“Great. I have a 4.4.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

What do you do for fun away from homework and working out for football?

“I’m a huge fisherman. I love to fish. I love to sing. My mom is a singer. Music is a huge part of my life. Family, family comes first. I love hanging out with friends and being with family.

What type of music you sing?

“Almost anything.”

Which band or artist is your favorite to sing?

“Cold Play. I really like current pop culture songs. It is hard to narrow down to one group. I listen to all types of music.”

Jacob, thanks for your time today and good luck with all of your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Great American Rivalry Series; No. 17 Jacob Conover wins game MVP honors vs Brophy

Photo credit: AZCentral.com; No. 17 Jacob Conover fires a pass downfield (2016).

Photo credit: Conover family; Jacob Conover at BYU.