Interview with Calvary Baptist Louisiana New Starting QB Jake Bartley

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana won back to back Division-III Louisiana State Championships in 2013 and 2014 and was in the midst of preparing to defend their state championships when a program shifting announcement was made. A run at a third straight title is insight however the task will happen without starting quarterback Shea Patterson (Ole Miss commit).

On July 13, Patterson, a 5-star ranked recruit, announced that he was transferring to IMG Academy in Florida for his senior season. Head Coach John Bachman of Calvary was given the immediate task of finding a new quarterback and looked no further than senior Jake Bartley.

Bartley was Patterson’s backup in 2014 but playing quarterback is not his only position. The 6’0″, 190 pound, athlete excelled at playing both wide receiver and linebacker during his junior season. He was named first-team All-District and All-State at wide receiver in both 2013 and 2014. Bartley was also named first-team All-District at linebacker in 2014.

Bartley had 337 total receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2014. While at linebacker, he accumulated 35 total tackles including five tackles for a loss and three sacks. These stats don’t tell the whole story though as Calvary’s starters were pulled at halftime in all district games.

The Class of 2016 recruit has received interest from Louisiana-Lafayette, Southern, Northwestern State and Central Arkansas.

Bartley started games for Calvary last year at running back, wide receiver, linebacker, punter, holder, and on special teams. The new starting quarterback is now prepared to help the Cavaliers win their third straight state title.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I sat down with Jake to talk about his career at Calvary Baptist, his recruiting process, and what it was like to be named starting quarterback in the wake of Patterson’s transfer.

Interview

First off, Jake, congratulations on winning a second straight state title. What are your thoughts on the 2014 season?

“When you are going back for your second straight, the hype is bigger and there is more pressure. We met our goals.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I thought I played wide receiver and linebacker well. I was a key guy on both sides of the ball for the team. I made great plays on both sides of the ball. It can always get better though.”

What is your most memorable moment from last year besides winning the state championship?

“Beating West Monroe 27-20. We were the first team in like 15 years from Shreveport to beat them in their house.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I’m an athlete. I can do whole lot including play quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, punt, and hold for the kicker. I can do whatever the team needs me to do.”

What is your fastest 40 yard dash time?

“4.66 with my trainer.”

Have you been to any camps this summer?

“I went to Louisiana-Lafayette, Central Arkansas, Northwestern State, and a few more.”

Have you received any interest from any schools?

“Some Division I-AA schools and Northwestern State, Southern, Louisiana-Lafayette and Central Arkansas.”

What kind of feedback have you received from college coaches that you have talked to this summer?

“I’m a versatile athlete.”

What your first reaction when you heard Shea Patterson was transferring?

“I found out Monday. I had heard rumors for a while. First reaction was a punch in the gut. Nothing against Shea, I understand why he is leaving. I wish it could have happened earlier so I would have had more time.”

In a recent interview with NBC 6 in Shreveport, your head coach, Coach Bachman, said, “If you asked everyone on the team to stand up if they think Jake Bartley could lead this team, you’d have a whole room full of kids standing up.” What is your reaction to that statement?

“It’s very humbling. It’s obvious my team and coaches believe in me. I did what I needed to do to help the team. It’s gets a lot of stress off my back to go out and play football with my boys.”

Looking ahead to 2015, are there any games on the schedule that you are most looking forward to playing?

“My first game against Teurlings Catholic and the Byrd game.”

How does Calvary look heading into the season?

“We are looking solid. Our whole defense is looking good. The goals haven’t changed. We still want to win a state championship. It’s just a little bump in the road with Shea leaving.”

What are your personal goals heading into 2015?

“Winning a state Championship, I want to win one in my senior season. Do whatever it takes to win. I will do whatever it takes to win for my team. I’ll do whatever it takes I just want to win this season.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad, Jamie Bartley, he’s done a lot for me. He introduced me to the game of football. He keeps me level headed in times like this especially during this quarterback change.”

What motivates you to give 100 percent effort out there on the football field?

“Definitely my teammates and the Lord. I play for the Lord and my teammates. These guys mean everything to me so I’m going to give 100 percent this year.”

Photo credit: jakebartley30.com; No. 30 Jake Bartley
Photo credit: nola.com; No. 30 Jake Bartley