One to Watch Interview with Southwestern JUCO Qualifier QB Armani Jones-Sailor

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Watching Southwestern College quarterback Armani Jones-Sailor step back in the pocket and release the pigskin can be a thing of beauty. The 6-3.5, 215-pound, talent has a canon for an arm but does two things offensive coordinators and receivers love, throws with touch and accuracy. A knee injury slowed Jones on the field in 2018 after a breakthrough freshman season in 2017. Now, the December graduate has a tough decision ahead depending on how life on the recruiting trail plays out. As a NCAA qualifier, he will have four years to play three at the next level as a 2019 recruit or can return to the JUCO ranks for a sophomore season sure to thrill fans and coaches alike with another season of development coming out next season as a 2020 recruit to watch.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the former Silverado (NV) high school talent gaining insight on his journey as a quarterback at the junior college level.

Interview

Armani, you had a big freshman season showing off a strong arm and touch on the deep ball. How would you describe your play as a passer in the pocket?

“As a passer, I got a lot better over the summer going into and throughout the season. I did really well towards the middle of the season my freshman year. Gaining that experience helped me with reading coverages and deciphering defenses better.”

How has your understanding of reading defenses grown since you’ve been at the JUCO level?

“It has grown a lot. A lot of that growth is based on understanding what the secondary is doing, are they squatting or retreating corners? That gives you the defense. Are they lined up inside or outside the hash and is the corner alignment? That reveals what is going on. If the corner squats, the safety has to go over to cover the hash, that leaves the middle wide open. Through film study, going over notes, our plays verses different defenses, I am getting even better with that now. I have been doing a lot of studying to improve my understanding of defenses.”

How has your game come along as a passing quarterback over the last year?

“A lot of my improvement is understanding how and when to throw the ball, and throwing with touch. When I first came in, I was rocketing the ball. I learned quickly that I need to throw with touch. I learned how important footwork is, since then my passing has progressed tremendously. I lost 40 pounds as well. That made me more mobile.”

Which areas of your game are you constantly working on in practice?

“The big thing I work on is progressing as passer. My emphasis is to improve as a passer with a lot of that coming through film study. Through film study, my knowledgeable of defenses is growing and I am learning how to expose defenses. That gives me a big advantage.”

With your recruiting process, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I have some D-I schools and a lot of D-II schools showing interest.”

Last question. For the college coaches out there reading this who do not know you, what type of student-athlete is Armani Jones-Sailor?

“I’m a student of the game and a good student in the classroom. I am always trying to get better. Everyone will tell you that I am the first on the field and the last to leave. I am always putting work in work to get better. I have been blessed with physical talent, but I know I am still raw. The college that takes me, I will give them everything I have.”

Armani, thanks for your time today and good luck with your continued workouts.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Southwestern College; Armani Jones-Sailor in action