Louisiana Football: Interview with Green Oaks Class of 2019 QB JC McIlwain

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Twitter: @charlie_cds3

Green Oaks High School, located in Shreveport, had a rough season in 2016 as the Giants finished 1-9. The disappointing finish resulted in some drastic changes for the program as the school fired their head coach and brought in Coach Terrence Isaac Sr., formerly head coach at A Plus Academy in Dallas, to lead this program going forward. Coach Isaac led a very explosive offense at his former school which averaged over 40 points and 612.3 yards per game in 2015 while winning the state championship.

In December 2016, Coach Isaac was named head coach and offensive coordinator at Green Oaks and has already started to mold his new players into his system by working with his new starting quarterback JC McIlwain and the rest of his offensive playmakers.

McIlwain started his high school career at Northwood, also in Shreveport, where he played sparingly on the freshman team. After the year, he transferred to Green Oaks but unfortunately had to sit out the 2016 season due to his transfer. Despite not playing, the quarterback was working hard behind the scenes both on the practice field and in the weight room to get stronger and faster while sharpening his skills.

In his first meeting with his new head coach, McIlwain learned Coach Isaac’s vision and plan for the 2017 season and found out he would finally get his chance to shine on the football field.

The 5’11”, 200 pound, pro-style quarterback knows it is his time to be one of the leaders of the Giants’ offense. The starting nod in the pocket for the 2017 season is already drawing interest from several colleges. McIlwain has attended a Junior Day at Baylor and is planning to attend college camps this summer.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with JC to talk about his high school career, his relationship with his new head coach, and how excited he is to get the season started.

Interview

JC, are you more of a dual-threat or pro-style quarterback?

“I’m more of a passer; I stay in the pocket and get it out quick. However, I can be mobile when necessary.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“Leadership, determination, reading defenses, and I’m a really good motivator.”

How did it feel watching a 1-9 team knowing you couldn’t get on the field and help them?

“It was really hard to watch. I really wanted to get in there and help out people who were making mistakes.”

What was your first thought when you heard you were getting a new head coach?

“I was nervous at first because I didn’t know how he would be and if he would let me play. I was anxious to meet him.”

What was his message to you when you first met him?

“He really impressed him. After our first meeting I was really excited to start working with him. His first message to me was that we’re going to throw the ball all over the field he hoped I was ready. We talk on a daily basis and have a great relationship.”

How excited are you to get started to prepare for next season with your new head coach?

“I’m ready and excited. I’ve sat out for two years so I’m ready to get out there and show what I can do.”

How does Green Oaks look going into next season?

“I think we are very good and will be a force to reckon with. We have a great defense and offense so I don’t know how we will be stopped.”

Have you received any interest from any colleges?

“Louisiana Tech, LSU, and Ohio State.”

Have you visited any colleges or have plans to attend any camps?

“I’m going to college camps and taking some visits this summer. I went to Baylor’s Junior Day on February 18th.”

What was your favorite part of the Junior Day at Baylor?

“The campus was nice.”

Who is your favorite football player?

“Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers).”

What is your favorite football team?

“The Dallas Cowboys.”

What is your GPA?

“3.8.”

Have you thought about what you want to study in college?

“I really want to become an orthodontist.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My old coach, Curtis Evans, pushed me a lot to concrete and work towards what I want. My family and girlfriend also support me.”

Is there a game on the schedule that you are most looking forward to playing?

“I’m really looking forward to playing Northwood. We are definitely going to have some rivalry there.”

Thank you for your time and good luck this season.

“Thank you, sir.”

Photo credit: Terrence Isaac Sr.; Green Oaks QB JC McIlwain throwing a pass in practice

Photo credit: JC McIlwain; Green Oaks QB JC McIlwain working out on a practice field