Interview: 2020 ATH JT Dozier Talks Football and Saturday Visit to UCLA
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every high school team needs a guy like JT Dozier on the squad; that guy who is such a fantastic athlete he can go out on the field and do just about anything asked of him. When it comes to San Marcos High School’s defense, anything in the back seven is his domain from corner to free and/or strong safety and down in the box at outside or inside linebacker. Dozier doesn’t just do it, he does it really well.
The 2018 season was a proving one for Dozier making an impact in all three phases of the game for the Knights. In an 8-2 season, he was all over the field coming up with 65 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, three interceptions, and forced four fumbles. Showing that his athleticism is not limited to pile driving receivers and running backs, Dozier chipped in 50 rush yards and pulled in eight passes for 87 yards with a touchdown. He even took back kicks and punts. His skills have on the field and in the classroom, where he holds a 3.43 GPA, has earned an offer from Yale with Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference schools looking in to see how his senior season unfolds.
With all the Dozier does on the field for the Knights, it was time for a one-on-one conversation covering one of California’s overlooked senior talents.
Interview
JT, it is fun watching you on defense. You line up everywhere for San Marcos in this electric hybrid role of safety, outside linebacker, and nickel. I’m not doing you justice here. Where all do you line up and what are your responsibilities within the defensive scheme?
“It changes week to week. If we are going against a heavy run team going on double tight, I am playing middle linebacker. If they are a throwing team, I might be at nickel covering the slot. I can play safety because I am rangy and I can play outside linebacker coming off the edge. When I am at outside linebacker, I am mainly blitzing or containing. I played free safety my sophomore year and last year. I like being in the box and being closer to the ball but I can do it all. Against one team we played who had a top receiver, I played corner against him in man coverage the entire game.”
Given all that you do in the Knights scheme, what did you work on to prepare for your senior season?
“I worked on man coverage. Playing with ProWay (7v7), I worked on press man and my man coverage; I don’t think I have had a ball caught on me this season in man coverage. I got my speed and size up this offseason. I worked on a lot of technique. Coach AG got me right at ProWay. I ran a lot of hills, put a lot of time in the weight room. This was the first year I jumped on the 7v7 scene.”
Which areas of your skillset are showing the most improvement given all that you did in the offseason?
“My biggest improvements are my angles and my sure tackling. Before, I was looking for the big hit and I would over pursue. This year I have not missed a tackle. I am taking the right angle getting the tackle and my man coverage has been great.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“Most of the Pac-12 is showing interest and some of the Mountain West schools like San Diego State and UNLV.”
Have you received any offers?
“Yes. I have an offer from Yale.”
Nice. Did you take any unofficial visits this offseason?
“Yes. I went to USC to watch a practice.”
Are there any trips on the schedule?
“I might be visiting Oregon State soon. I am going to the UCLA game this week against Oklahoma. I want to visit UDUB (Washington) again. That’s all that is on the board now.”
What has you excited about the UCLA visit?
“They are close to home. They are rebuilding, it would be nice to be part of that. There are some players there I know too.”
You guys play a good Carlsbad (2-1) team on the road next week. I know they liked to throw the ball around the field; what kind of game are you preparing for on Friday, Sept. 20?
I am ready to play any position on the field. I am preparing over the bye week for outside linebacker and safety. We want to shut down their passing game. We know they have a versatile offense.”
Throughout the week how do prepare for games?
“On Saturday, after the game, we practice, go over film, and hit the weight room. On Sunday we are looking back on Friday learning from that game. On Monday, I hit the ground running on that week. By Tuesday night-Wednesday morning, I know all my assignments. I am tuned in. I hydrate throughout the week so I don’t cramp up. I just told my guys to prepare in practice like it is the game.”
JT, I appreciate your time today and hope the UCLA visit is a great one for you.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: San Marcos HS; No. 24 JT Dozier