Interview: 2019 California Newcomer JT Penick Putting Up Impressive Stats at Outside Linebacker

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Calling Class of 2019 outside linebacker JT Penick a “natural” or just an old fashion football player fits, and fits really well. Watching his reel, one would not know he skipped football last season focusing on baseball. But, a return to the gridiron, along with a growth spurt, now has the 6-3, 210-pound, backer as one of the best in the San Diego area. The St. Augustine (9-3) standout has taken the Division-I ranks by storm compiling 103 tackles, 72 solo, 17 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, five QB hurries, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, six passed broken up, and two picks in stats posted through 12 games. Even though this is his first season playing varsity football, college coaches are responding.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the best unknown talents in California’s 2019 recruiting class getting an update on his senior season and a CIF San Diego Section Football Championship Game preview against Helix, a rematch from a Sept. 14 showdown won (35-14) by the Highlanders (8-4).

Interview

JT, the Saints have played well on both sides of the ball this season. What has been the mindset of the team this year?

“We try to go out there to do our job and play hard. We read the guards and we swarm. We have swarming drills in practice to master the skill. We do not give up a lot of yards after first touch. We swarm and wrap them up.”

Looking at the team overall, you guys have been stingy with the points only allowing 13 per game. What are the strengths of the defense?

“I think our run defense is really good. Our front seven is good. We have a flex defense. Our linebackers at Buck and Will are agile and active. Our Mike and Rover, we read the guards and fly downhill.”

How has the 2018 season gone for you personally overall?

“It has gone really well. I did not expect to do this well. This is my first year of varsity football. I am getting used to the defense. I have done really well this season.”

How are the coaches utilizing your skills within the defensive scheme?

“I am pretty fast, I play outside linebacker. I fly around and I can cover. I can man up on receiver, tight end, and running backs; that’s another strength of mine. They like to blitz me a lot, about 30 percent of the time.”

Your pick-six was great, but not as cool as the hit you unloaded on a kick returner after you kicked the ball. Walk me through that one if you will?

(Laughs) “Yeah… That was the first game of the year and the first play of the year. I was ready to get after it. As the kicker, I am supposed to contain after I kickoff. I am running down the middle of the field thinking going to go hit this guy. He was not looking at me, no one is blocking me because I am the kicker. I hit the guy from the side.”

I like that. Setting the tone for the season. With this being your first year playing varsity football, have college coaches responded to how well you are playing?

“I am receiving interest from Army, Wyoming, University of Chicago, Pomona Pitzer, and UCLA.”

Have you picked up an offer yet?

“Yes. USD, University of San Diego, has offered me.”

That is fantastic. Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?

“No. I was going to USD for a visit but I had a practice that day. UCLA told my coach to have me come to a game, the USC game, but I could not go.”

How is everything going in the classroom for you?

“Great. My GPA is a 4.03.”

Impressive. Back to football. The team has been on an incredible run winning four-consecutive including two in the playoffs against Steele Canyon and Mission Hills. How have you been preparing for the playoffs?

“We try to immolate it like another game, but playoff football is a beast. You have to be on your game 247. I watch a lot of film and we practice even harder. I have been going at it harder out there and focusing more. I’ve just been working harder and watching a lot more film.”

What challenges are you expecting from Helix’s offense on Saturday?

“They have a really good running back, Elelyon Noa. He is hard to tackle. In the last game we played against him, we clipped him and flipped him, but he got a hand down to keep himself up and he kept running. Their offensive line is big and disciplined. Their QB is a dual-threat. We have to play within ourselves and not do too much. We have to shut down their run game.”

Is there an in-game match-up that will be challenging for you or fun for the fans to watch come Saturday?

“Our defensive line verses their offensive line. We had one game this year where we held the other team to -30 rush yards. Most games we only allow around 40 rushing yards. We gave up 200-yards plus to them last time. We have to get back to the game we play, and we have to shutdown their run game.”

JT, great learning more about your game today, I appreciate your time. Good luck against Helix.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: San Diego Union-Tribune; No. 12 JT Penick in action