Interview: SEC Offers not enough to Sway 2017 TE Jimmy Jaggers away from UCLA
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
On Thursday, the last uncommitted Top 5 rated tight end in the nation (Rivals) for the 2017 class went off the recruiting board when Jimmy Jaggers verbally committed to UCLA leaving Josh Falo as the lone Top 10 rated player seeking a team. Jaggers’ commitment to the Bruins closes off doors to some 20 Division-I hopefuls leaving few tight ends left for college coaches to fight over.
UCLA landing Jaggers looms large for several reasons, but none more important than Jaggers’ abilities on the field and the character that he will bring with him to Westwood.
Jaggers ended his sophomore season as a 6’4”, 234 pound, talent end with three receptions covering 64 yards with one score for Roseville High School. Ever eager to prove his abilities in the passing attack, Jaggers and family committed to playing 7v7 football tournaments with Los Angeles based B2G. B2G is one of the more highly recognized 7v7 teams in the nation, and well over six hours away from Jaggers’ home. During the off-season, Jaggers would travel back and forth between Roseville and LA so he could show off his hands, route running, and playmaking abilities for college coaches – it worked.
During the 2015 season, Jaggers was able to pull down 12 passes for 123 yards with one score in the Tigers run heavy offense. College coaches were already hooked seeing Jaggers’ commitment to the game. The list of extended offers have come from Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Texas A&M, Washington, USC, Utah, Washington State, Vanderbilt, Colorado, Louisville, Northwestern, and Arizona State, among others.
UCLA offered Jaggers on June 27, 2015 when he visited the campus during a Bruins sponsored 7v7 tournament. Behind closed doors, the recruiting process ended on Wednesday night (Aug. 3). The general public found out about Jaggers’ commitment via Twitter with a post reading, “Beyond excited and grateful to have gone through this process and have these experiences. I’m committed to UCLA and will be enrolling in January!”
In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Jaggers to get the inside scoop on his commitment to the Bruins with a quick overview on his off-season workouts.
Interview
Jimmy, first off, congratulations on your commitment to UCLA.
“Thank you.”
You’ve been on a lot of visits and have fielded a lot of scholarship offers from top schools around the country. What led you to commit to the Bruins?
“There was a lot that went into this. A lot of thought throughout the process. I tried my best to wait it out to see what different teams were about. The best opportunity for me and the right timing was UCLA. After talking to my dad, UCLA seemed like where I needed to be.”
Your announcement went out on Thursday. When did you actually commit to the staff?
“I committed on Wednesday. My dad and I went out to dinner, we talked things over. We were trying to figure out the next steps. UCLA was the right place and time. I called Coach Rip (Scherer – tight ends coach) and committed to him later that night. I waited until the next day to talk to Coach (Jim) Mora (head coach). On Thursday, I called the other coaches that had been recruiting me to let them know about my decision and then I announced.”
When you committed to Coach Rip, what was his reaction?
“He was pretty excited, it happened to be his birthday on Wednesday. He had texted me earlier in the day joking asking if I knew what he would love for his birthday. He had friends over eating dinner for his birthday. Luckily he answered the phone.”
When you told him the good news, giving him his birthday gift, what did he say?
(Laughs) “He shouted ‘yes’ a couple of times. He asked me if I had told anyone else or talked to Coach Mora yet. I told him that I would call Coach Mora on Thursday. Right after we hung up my phone started blowing up with all of the coaches texting me about my commitment.”
Committing is a really big deal. Like you said, a lot goes into the decision. What were your thoughts as you were about to commit to UCLA?
“It felt awesome. Afterwards, knowing that I had made a decision and everything that goes into it and how long the process – to finally have the major part of the process done is incredible.”
Do you plan on taking any of your four other official visits during the season?
“I have not thought about that entirely. That’s not on my mind right now. I don’t think I will plan official visits to other schools. If a school asked me to come out I would think about it but I am not focused on that. I am committed to UCLA.”
Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?
“Yeah – absolutely. I want to let everyone know why UCLA is a special place. I’m getting to know all the commits already.”
What are you doing or what have you done to celebrate your commitment to UCLA?
“Sunday is my birthday, so I have been spending time with a lot of friends and family. I’ve also been enjoying the last bits of summer too.”
The day Jimmy Jaggers received his offer from UCLA.
Nice. Let’s switch over to the upcoming season. What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?
“I’ve been working on becoming more of a receiver and I’ve been working more on my athletic skills. I’ve focused a lot on working on the receiver qualities of being a tight end.”
How will UCLA utilize you within in their offense?
“Right now, with the tight ends on the roster, they let me know I have the opportunity to determine how I will be used. I can evolve into a certain role with the team as I am needed.”
How does Roseville look going into the season?
“We look good. I think we have a group of guys that want to work hard and really like football. I think we will have a good team this year.”
When do you guys start fall practices?
“We start with pads and shells on Wednesday. I don’t know if it is a district rule or not but we do not do two-a-day practices. We practice for about three hours each day, have an intra-squad scrimmage, and then scrimmage against another team before the season officially starts.”
Is there a game on the schedule that you are excited to play this year?
“Every game.”
Well played. Jimmy, thanks for your time today, and again, congrats on your commitment to UCLA.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jimmy Jaggers at UCLA.