Interview: Texas 6A Defenses to Learn All About 3-Star 2023 RB Ezell Jolly
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2021 Texas high school football season gets going this fall, 6A defenses are about to learn the hard way about Class of 2023 running back Ezell Jolly. Jolly worked behind senior three-star tailback Keith Jackson (North Texas) during the 2020 season getting into the rotation for 39 carries covering 304 yards with three trips into the end zone. The 6-0, 185-pound, speed back is that all-purpose talent with great hands out of the backfield. The diversity he brings to the field for Ridge Point High School will be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
The foundation season laid has already impressed Baylor with teams like Arkansas and Utah showing interest ahead of what will be a breakout season for the three-star recruit.
Interview
Ezell, based on the sophomore season you produced, on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most, how excited are you to get back on the field for the 2021 season?
A 10. A 10 all day long, I cannot wait.
With the Panthers running a Spread attack, what were some of the play calls that got the ball into your hands?
It was balanced with some inside and outside zone plays, and they’d pass to me. Catching is one of my strong suits. We did some tosses towards the end of the season. We did that in the Atascocita game.
You showed that burst through the crease and the field vision to find the holes for extra yards, what were some of the other strengths to your game at the end of the 2020 season?
Some of my other strengths were my cutback lanes and my blocking. My ability to pick up the blitz was a strength.
When you take the field for your junior year, how will your role(s) change?
My role will change, it will be what I did last year but more. More catching too. I am taking over as the featured back.
You had two really sweet catches, especially on that flea flicker, last season. What are you doing to take your receiving skills to that next level this spring?
Playing 7v7. After practice, we just had practice today, I keep working on my hands and running routes.
From a strength standpoint, what are you doing this offseason to prepare for the 2021 grind?
This offseason my goal is to get bigger and faster, and get my abs right.
What are some of the drills and exercises you are doing to increase your overall speed?
I will have a speed trainer this summer. Ab workouts, it starts with your core. If I get my core right, I can increase everything.
Are you competing in any other varsity sports for Ridge Point?
Track.
Which events?
I ran the 100 and the 200.
Coming up, are there any camps you may attend?
I went to the Rivals and ESPN Underclassmen Camp. This summer I am going to the SMU camp in Dallas on the 5th and I might go to the Notre Dame camp on the 6th There is an Alabama camp on the 14th I am definitely going to.
How did the ESPN camp go?
It went well. I could have done better; I was a little nervous at first.
What did you get to showcase of your game at that camp?
My catching.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
A lot of schools send me camp invites, Arkansas and Utah have sent questionnaires.
Which program has offered you?
Baylor
When did get that offer?
I got the Baylor offer in February.
That’s a big deal and from a big-time program. What was that moment like for you knowing all this hard work had paid off with an offer?
It was very exciting. That was my first offer. It made me want to work harder.
Are you visiting any schools this summer?
Yes, I am visiting Baylor this summer on June 19th.
Silly question, but are you excited for that visit?
Yes, sir.
Ezell, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you success with your possible camps and your visit to Baylor.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Jolly family; Ezell Jolly