Interview: Busy College Camp Circuit Planned for 3-Star 2023 North Carolina QB John Mark Shaw
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is more to being a quarterback than the arm talent that dazzles fans in highlight clips. Putting the points on the board is great, but learning how to become a leader and how to compete while taking on the nuances of the game leads to longevity in the sport and wins on the board. After a Freshman All-American season in 2019 with the Sandhills Titans, Class of 2023 quarterback John Mark Shaw took on a new challenge with Raleigh’s Broughton High School. The stats may not add up to the average fans expectations, but the season was one of great growth for the three-star prospect.
It is hard not to be in shock and awe of Shaw’s talents, especially after the breakout freshman year. With the Titans, Shaw connected on 156 of 263 passes for 2,122 yards connecting on 23 touchdown tosses while rushing in two on his own. With the Capitals, the 6-5, 205-pound, gunslinger learned more about the game playing behind senior Ben Gilbert.
When the 2021 season kicks off this fall, the Capitals’ Air Raid offense will be fully in Shaw’s hands. His attack on 4A North Carolina defenses will be watched heavily by ACC and Big 12 teams with an offer down from Florida International.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Shaw stopped by the Lab updating us on his offseason workouts and planned college camp circuit.
Interview
John, after your Freshman All-American season with Sandhills, you took on a new challenge with the Broughton. What style of offense were you running with the Titans and what did you switch to with the Capitals for the 2020 season?
With the Titans it was an Air Raid offense. It was a throw-first empty set. We almost never had a running back in the backfield with trips and doubles. I liked that offense a lot. By the end of the season, it was really nice. I was comfortable with each throw and with my receivers.
With the Capitals, it is also an Air Raid but with a running back. We are in the shotgun every play. I transferred in late and because of Covid, I got comfortable late in the season with the offense. I am in really good hands This year I will go crazy with this offense. I am really excited.
From a football IQ perspective, what were some of the lessons learned during your sophomore season that will help you as a quarterback and leader going forward?
During my sophomore season, I learned my progression. That got a lot better. During my freshman year, I did well with my progressions but I needed to get better. I was learning a new offense and taking on new challenges. Competing was something else I learned about. In college you will have three or four quarterbacks competing for the starting job. Competing this season, that will help me a lot in the long term.
Footwork is key for a quarterback, what drills or exercises are you doing to improve upon your lower body as a thrower?
Yes, sir. I do a lot of footwork drills. I work with different QB coaches. We do the main drills, like the Elite 11 drills, shuffling and moving around in the pocket. I also do the towel drill. Using a towel without a football, I am moving around with my footwork, not too long or too short with my steps, but quick powerful steps. I do a lot of drills without the ball. I get that down before I even pick up the ball with my workouts.
What are you working on with your throwing mechanics this spring?
With my throwing mechanics, getting it out faster. I think I get it out fast, but the faster you can get it out the more it makes a difference. Power and accuracy is something else I am working on. One of my QB coaches is critiquing my form, with my arm straight out and getting out it faster. There have been a lot of improvements this offseason, I am excited for next year.
Did you guys have any form of spring ball besides the season?
No. We have summer practices, but no spring practices. Our practices this summer will help me get more comfortable going into the year.
What goals have you set for yourself over the summer months?
I am going to a lot of camps. I have been contacted by a few schools; they are showing good interest. It would be great to get a few more offers. My goal is to get at least three more offers.
I want to get my 40 down. At the Elite 11 last weekend, I knocked two tenths off my 40. I am trying to get to a 4.8 this summer. Those are my two big goals.
Do you play any other sports for Broughton?
Yes, sir. Track, football, and basketball.
Which events in track did you compete in this year?
I run the 400 and the relay. Those are fun. In track, I was hesitant at first but I have really enjoyed it. It has helped with my speed and agility. I will keep doing it through my high school career.
You mentioned camps a minute ago. Which camps have you been to and which ones do you have coming up?
I did the Elite 11 last weekend. The Under Armour All-American camp is coming up, I may do that one. I have to talk to my parents. I am preparing for college camps.
Going back to the Elite 11, how did that camp go for you?
It went really well. I enjoyed it. That was my third time doing it. It has always been fun. I like to compete with the best, and they have great coaches there. I was happy with the way I performed and I am happy I did it.
With the college camps, which ones might you go to this summer?
There is a list that have contacted me to go to their camps, schools like West Virginia, Wake Forest, Duke, Clemson, Georgia Tech, NC State, and I am considering more along with some in-state schools. As June unfolds, I may hit a few more depending on interest.
Which programs are showing interest?
West Virginia, they called my coach yesterday. Wake Forest and Duke are showing strong interest. Clemson is asking about me and one of my receivers. Georgia Tech and NC State are showing strong interest. There a couple more that have contacted my coach.
John, thanks for your time today. I am excited to find out how the college camps go for you. Keep us in the loop.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Shaw family; John Mark Shaw