Interview: 2020 QB Jared Heywood has Eyes Set on Leading Cathedral to Title in 2018

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the Friday night lights are on, all 22 players on the field at any given time are tasked with proving themselves play after play. During his sophomore season, Class of 2020 quarterback Jared Heywood received key varsity snaps with Bishop Alemany High School completing 38 of 79 passes for 356 yards with two touchdowns tossed. Now he is taking the helm for Cathedral High School, one of the top high school football programs in California. The Phantoms have posted a 21-3 record over the past two seasons highlighted by a fierce passing attack that covered 3,492 yards with 41 touchdowns a year ago. With his transfer, Heywood has put himself into a great opportunity to prove he is among the best of the best among his peer group when the pigskin is teed up this fall.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Los Angeles area to gain insight on the abilities of the 6-0, 175-pound, budding gunslinger.

Interview

Jared, you got a lot of meaningful snaps in with the Warriors last season. What were some of the main things you learned about the game and being a varsity level quarterback last season?

“I learned the speed of the game, the varsity level is much faster. You have to get the ball out quicker than you do with JV. How important it is to make the right reads, watching a lot of film before a game, and the preparation throughout the week are some of the things I learned last season.”

How did your overall game develop during your sophomore season?

“I was more aware and really started to develop. I was more comfortable with the game and how it was moving.”

You transferred this offseason to Cathedral, what type of offense will the Phantoms run in 2018?

“They run a spread offense, and they do a lot of passing.”

How does the offense fit your skillset?

“It fits my skillset because I am more of a pass-first quarterback. Being at Cathedral is a great opportunity for me.”

How have workouts with your new teammates gone so far?

“Yes. They are a great group of guys. We’ve been working a lot together this offseason.”

What are you working on with your mechanics this spring?

“I’m working on speed and agility, doing a lot of chalk talk, and breaking down film.”

Are you working with a private quarterback coach, if so, what are you guys specifically working on before your junior year?

“I am working with Coach Sam Fisher. We are working on my footwork and getting the ball out faster.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball?

“Yes. I play with Dream Team, Cathedral’s team.”

How is that helping push your game forward?

“Playing 7v7 is helping with my reads and knowing where everyone is at on the field. The plays we run with 7v7 are the same we will do during the season.”

Have you been to any camps or combines this spring?

“I went to the Rise and Fire Camp (Encino, CA). I was also invited to the Rivals camp.”

How did the Rise and Fire camp go?

“That was a good camp. I learned a lot from the coaches there. I had a great time.”

Do you plan on attending any other national camps or college camps this summer?

“I am planning on attending the UMass QB camp, a Steve Clarkson Camp, and I might go to a UCLA camp this summer.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“Well. I have a 3.2 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

Let’s finish up with a couple of fun questions. What has you most excited about the 2018 season?

“Playing with my team, winning league, and hopefully winning CIF.”

Are you going to do anything differently during the season to prepare for each game or anything differently with how you go about being the quarterback for your team?

“For me, it is about becoming more of a verbal leader. I’m ready to lead my team and get everyone hyped and ready to go for each game.”

Have you started setting goals for your junior year, if so, what goals have you set?

“One personal goal is making my team better. I am working hard throughout the summer and the season to make sure that happens.”

Jared, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jared Heywood