Interview: From QB to DE, Jonah McGranahan has Morphed into Impact Defender

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

After countless hours working on his craft growing up on the gridiron as a quarterback, Jonah McGranahan was confronted with an option during his senior year to help out Mission Hills High School’s defense. After trying out a couple of different positions, the 6-2, 215-pound, athlete made the transformation to defensive end morphing into an impact player for the Grizzlies. In stats through nine games, McGranahan has racked up 62 tackles, 31 solo, four sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, five QB hurries, one forced fumble, and broken up two passes making the transition a success. That success has helped his San Marcos squad into the playoffs and has attracted recruiting attention and an offer.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I spent a few minutes getting the rundown on McGranahan’s senior year and recruiting process before the Grizzles second round playoff game against La Costa Canyon.

Interview

Jonah, you reinvented yourself for your senior year going from quarterback to defensive end. What was that change like for you?

“It was a weird change being a QB for most of my career. I decided to try defense and have fun, I thought I would excel. I have always liked the hitting part of football and the physicality. I went back to defense and love it. I tried a couple of positions before landing at end. I have excelled and I am having fun.”

Your stat line says a lot, but I don’t think it shows how active you are in the opposition’s backfield. What were some of the moves you developed over the season that helped you create chaos on the snap?

“One of my favorite moves is the push-pull, throwing them to the ground, and the spot rush. My speed is a strength. Offensive linemen have quickness but not speed. I use my speed a lot.”

Which areas of your game improved throughout the season as an end?

“I’d say my ability to do various moves instead of just trying to bull rush. I’m doing rips, spins, and getting the technique down instead of just being physical.”

Which game this season was your best?

“That’s a tough one. I’d say either Paramount and Rancho Bernardo were my best.”

What did you do well in those games?

“I was flying all over the place. I was making tackles on the opposite side of the field, getting sacks, and batting the ball down. I was really hyped up.”

The Grizzlies took care of business against Rancho Bernardo in the opening round of the playoffs winning 20-13. How did the team look overall in the win?

“Our team looked really good. The defense looked solid. We have to work out some small technical issues, they scored on our little mistakes that we are correcting. Our offense stepped up. Our JV quarterback stepped up and brought energy with him to the offense.”

You guys get a really tough La Costa Canyon (6-3) team on Friday, what are you expecting from the Mavericks’ offense?

“We played them for a quarter before the storm hit a few weeks ago. They have a lot of plays that are outside quick game stuff. They cannot keep the ball long with our defensive line, that I have been honored to play with this season. They are fond of running screens and power plays, we’ve been practicing to stop them.”

With the change in positions, are you attracting any college interest as an end?

“Yes. Azusa Pacific, Redlands, Dort, and Western Oregon University are showing interest.”

Have you received an offer?

“Yes. I have an offer from Whittier College.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“Yes. I have taken a couple unofficial visits to Azusa Pacific for games and tours. We know one of the coaches there, he’s an old coach of mine.”

How did the APU visits go?

“They went really well. I really like the school, the staff, and the campus. I think I have been to three of their football games. I really like the school and the program.”

Do you have any visits coming up?

“I want to visit Western Oregon over the winter break.”

Jonah, I appreciate your time today. Good luck against La Costa Canyon on Friday night.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; Jonah McGranahan in action