Interview: Gridiron Play Pushes 4-Star 2021 TE Jermaine Terry to 18 Offers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
From one year to the next, growth on the field is the measuring stick of high school football players. For Class of 2021 tight end/defensive end Jermaine Terry, the bar chart of improving skills continues to rise. Terry closed out his sophomore season with Kennedy High School as one of the top ascending prospects in the nation and ended his junior year one of the best tight ends in the country. Now colleges all over the country are finding him.
All the physical measurements are there qualifying Terry as a collegiate target. Standing 6-foot 4-inches, weighing 235 pounds, and with a wingspan that can seemingly wrap around the front of a semi-truck, Terry is an easy target to throw to on the field. Used as more of a blocker in 2018, he pulled down three passes but made the most of those three catches stretching them for 77 yards with two big scores going up on the board. On defense, he was a play-maker racking up 61 stops, 21 solo, with 13 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 18 QB hurries, and jarred a ball loose.
With college programs watching, Terry ended the 11-2 run for the Eagles in 2019 with 16 receptions covering 243 yards with three touchdowns earning All-Bay area honors. Even with teams scheming against him on defense, he still put an end to 46 plays, 27 solo, with 14 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, had eight QB hurries, forced a mind-blowing six fumbles, and recovered two.
During the 2019 season, Terry was not only a glorified extra offensive tackle on running downs, he was also used as a hybrid tight end/slot receiver creating mismatches in the middle of the defense against linebackers and safeties. That action took his scholarship offer total from 11 in May ending the 2019 year with 18 options.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Terry covering his junior season on the field with an update on his recruiting process.
*Click for May 2019 RNG interview with Jermaine Terry
Interview
Jermaine, you had another standout season on the field and on both sides of the ball. Looking back, what are you most proud of with your play on the field?
“My blocking. I took that to another level this season. Each year I am learning more and more about the game and helping my team out in any way I can.”
On offense, you morphed into that hybrid tight end role this is an H-back/receiver type on passing downs. How did that part of your game improve over the 2019 season?
“Over the last offseason I took my game seriously. I worked hard to improve my catching and my route running. This year, I was more of an in-line guy. My game overall has gotten better each year.”
As mentioned, you got after it with your blocking as well getting some nasty knockdown blocks for the reel. Where did you show growth in the trenches?
“The trenches – it is all a mindset. My mindset is taking them down to the ground. I worked out with my cousin over the offseason, he played in the NFL. He helped me figure out how to get the job done.”
Going over to defense, you terrorized the Rock League with your play. What role did you play this season on the Eagles defense?
“I was the starting end; I was able to give a lot effort and provided leadership on the team.”
From your sophomore to junior year, how did that part of your game get better on defense?
“The weight room helped me out on defense. I took it more seriously over the offseason. My sophomore year I was all offense, but I laid everything on the field and reaped the benefits of it.”
Over the course of the season to now, did you get a chance to take any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I went to Cal about five or six times because the campus is so close.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“I want to visit a couple places coming up. When I do, I am more worried about finding the best place with the best coaches that can get me into the NFL.”
Understood. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Michigan, Texas A&M, Iowa, and Notre Dame are showing interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 18 offers.”
Terry’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Cal, Florida, LSU, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Jose State, Tennessee, UCLA, and West Virginia
Because you do so much on the field, at which position are most of the schools offering you?
“All are offering at tight end, but most are open to me playing defensive end. I see myself on offense in college.”
This offseason, what goals have you set for yourself?
“The goal is for me to get faster and more agile. I want to become the best version of me this offseason.”
We are knee-deep in postseason college football games. Which bowl games have you watched?
“I watched the Fiesta Bowl, LSU/OU, the Ohio State/Clemson game, and the Redbox Bowl with Cal and Illinois.”
With all the great games you’ve watched, what have you learn about the game?
“The thing I learned about LSU, they practice what they preach. LSU is a school I am looking at. They will get the ball to the tight end. They are doing that, and I love that. A lot of schools say that, but most of the times it is not true. LSU does use their tight ends in their offense.”
Are there any other games you will watch upcoming?
“The National Championship.”
Jermaine, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your winter workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Kennedy High School/Terry family; Jermaine Terry (2019)