Interview: Hart 2018 QB JT Shrout Updates California Unofficial Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If a sense of humor is given to the college football off-season, the spring evaluation period is complete with numerous Junior Days and unofficial visits from rising underclassmen talent with college coaches on their best behavior. Emily Post would have a field day with the manners and etiquette of fiery and passionate coaches in the fall switched over to a social graces demeanor during the spring. All coaches extend a metaphorical Bachelor style red rose to all incoming visitors not knowing which prospect will rise to the top during their senior season showcasing their emerging talent.

One player getting the preferential treatment with a sharp eye on how he will perform starting out of the gate during his senior season is Hart High School quarterback JT Shrout.

Shrout has all of the physical tools coming in at 6-3, 190 pounds, with the arm and knowledge of the game already on his side. All that is needed is game reps to prove to next level coaches he has the magic to deliver strikes downfield against any defense putting points on the board and wins on the resume.

During Shrout’s junior year, he was behind senior Nick Moore. The stat line will not overwhelm but in the southern California football circles, Shrout has proven to be a next level contender at various top camps, including the invite only Under Armour All-American Camp, and in 7v7 tournaments while receiving instruction from some of the top quarterback coaches in the nation. All of the tools are in place putting a heavy emphasis on the first three games of the 2017 season.

Getting ahead of the recruiting game, Shrout took a three-campus tour over the weekend hitting up Fresno State, Stanford, and Cal giving his own off-season evaluation of the Division-I programs. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with one of the rising stars in the Golden State to get the inside scoop on his unofficial visits.

Interview

JT, you visited Fresno State, Stanford, and then Cal. Let’s start with your first stop at Fresno State. How did that visit go?

“It was really good. We got up there Friday morning after we left at about 7:00 a.m. Fresno State’s recruiting coordinator met us outside. They showed us the facilities. Everything was nice. The coaches were really nice too. We tried on theirs jerseys, did a photo shoot, and then saw the stadium.”

Which coaches did you meet with while you were there?

“I met with Scott Thompson. He is their tight ends coach but the recruiting coordinator for my area. I met with head coach Jeff Tedford for a little bit. He talked about some of the great quarterbacks he has helped develop over the years like Kyle Boller. It was cool meeting him.”

What did Coach Thompson talk about with you since he is the recruiting coordinator for your area?

“He said he will come down to Hart to see me throw this spring and watch me early in the season.”

Did you sit in on any meetings?

“No.”

After meeting with the coaches, do you see your skill set fitting in with the team’s offense?

“They run a spread. That is what we run at Hart. I think I would fit great in their offense.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“I loved it up there. Their facilities were nice and the people were great. They did a great job building a relationship with me after meeting me for the first time. I loved everything about it.”

How did the Stanford visit go?

“It was great. We got up there at 9:00 on Saturday morning after we stayed in San Jose. Their recruiting coordinator showed us around. They showed us the locker room and facilities. We met with Coach Shaw and listened to him talk about their program and what their school was all about.”

Same question but about Cal, how did that visit go?

“It was awesome. They have a new coaching staff. Their new offensive coordinator, Coach (Beau) Baldwin, is from Eastern Washington and they have Coach (Marques) Tuiasosopo from UCLA. They have a good offensive tandem with those two coaches. I liked everything Cal had to offer.”

What did the coaches talk about with you?

“I knew Coach Baldwin and Coach Tuiasosopo before the visit. I’ve thrown for Coach Baldwin before at an Eastern Washington camp last year and I threw for Coach Tuiasosopo at UCLA last year. They said they were very interested in me. They said they were coming down to see me throw this spring and that they were going to watch the first couple of games of my season. They said those first couple of games would be very crucial for me.”

How does your skill set fit with Cal’s new offense?

“Coach Baldwin is not a spread guy. He runs a bunch of sets under center and out of the shotgun. They like to use their tight end a lot too. I think I would fit into their offense really well.”

Do plan on visiting Cal again soon?

“I will go up there during the summer for a camp to throw for them and to help build a relationship with them.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest right now?

“Indiana is still talking to me. Texas Tech as well. I’m heading out there for a camp. Washington State wants me up there for a visit. Cal, Fresno State, and Weber State as well. Weber State was the first to offer me. That will be my summer.”

There is a big regional Adidas 7v7 tournament in Las Vegas this weekend. Are you going up there to compete in that tournament with Premium Legend?

“Yes, sir.”

What has you excited about that event?

“I love going out there and competing. They put together some of the best 7v7 teams in the nation for the tournament. That is what makes football fun – going against the top guys in the nation.”

JT, thanks for your time today and good luck with the tournament this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Shrout family; JT Shrout at Fresno State with Scott Thompson.

Photo credit: Shrout family; JT Shrout at Cal.