Interview: 2020 Oklahoma Talent Jacob Barrett is an Unheralded Two-Way Standout

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Unless one got to see Checotah High School in action during the 2018 season or watched game film on the Wildcats, the big breakout season produced by Class of 2020 athlete Jacob Barrett may have passed without notice. The unheralded talent proved his was a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball proving new heights he could reach even to himself.

After transferring to Checotah as a quarterback with defensive back skills, Barrett played primarily at corner on defense and was moved to receiver on offense. The results speak volumes without descriptors. The 6-1, 170-pound, rising star put an end to 54 plays with six tackles for a loss, 11 passes broken up and three interceptions. Playing receiver for the first time, he ended up with 940 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns scored without a fumble. Surprisingly, even those in Oklahoma bypassed his tremendous season being limited to All-District honors at receiver.

The word is spreading on Barrett along the recruiting trail with interest rising. Some of the programs hearing of his skills includes Iowa State, Miami-Ohio, Rice, and Washington State, among others. To learn more about his overall game and recruiting, I sat down with the Oklahoma product for an in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Jacob, you may have had the perfect pick-six last season. You jumped the route, may have brushed shoulders with the receiver by a hair and you were gone. When you saw that play develop what was going through your mind?

“Honestly, when the QB threw the ball I did not think it would be that easy. Once I had picked it off, I was thinking that would be my first touchdown as a Checotah Wildcat. It was easy.”

You have blazing speed, how fast are you?

“My fastest 40, last time I ran one was last June or July. I ran a 4.63 electronic timed. I am going to the Nike Combine in March to get a new official laser time.”

In addition to your speed, one can tell you have a headiness, an understanding of the game. What are some of the other strengths to your game on defense?

“One of my strengths is my instinct for the game, knowing where the ball is going. I can read offenses. People don’t like to throw to my side. In some games they may go to my side once or twice. I feel a strength of mine is being a threat on defense by just being on the field.”

You play some offense as well at receiver, what are some of the things you do well on that side of the ball?

“My ability to catch the ball and my route running are strengths. This was my first year playing receiver instead of playing quarterback. I learned how to get open and what works against defensive backs. Playing both sides, I know what to do going either way. I know what to do to as a defensive back and as a receiver. It was fun this year. I did get better at blocking too. I worked hard at being an asset overall on offense.”

Which position do you like playing the most?

“That’s hard. I don’t have a favorite. I am just happy being on the field.”

What are you working on with your game this offseason?

“I am working on my explosion, my acceleration, my vertical, and getting stronger. I am also working on my footwork. I feel my footwork is good but I want it to be better.”

Are you playing receiver again next season?

“I think I will be back at quarterback this year.”

What are you working on with that part of your game?

“I am working on reading coverages as a quarterback.”

Are you excited about going back to quarterback?

“Yes. I am really excited about playing quarterback. That was the only position on offense I played growing up.”

Are you going to still be starting both ways?

“Yes, sir. I will play corner and safety, and I will be on special teams too.”

You mentioned going to a Nike Combine earlier, which camps might you compete at this spring?

“I am signed up for the Nike Combine (Dallas). I want to see my times, how I have improved from last year, and where I can get better. I went to an Adidas camp last year, but I am not sure about this year. I will also go to some college camps this summer to show my abilities on the field.”

Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?

“Yes, sir. I made the Sooners 7v7. I am excited about that.”

Nice. Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“I am receiving recruiting interest from Rice, Washington State is interested in me as a defensive back, Eastern Michigan came to my school to talk to me, Miami-Ohio, Texas State, Army, Navy, and Iowa State’s coach, Coach Joel Gordon, talked to me at school as well.”

*Army offered after the interview

Wow. That is a lot of great interest building.

Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. Sir. I went to Arkansas Tech last year and earlier this year I went to UCO (Central Oklahoma). I was invited to Miami-Ohio but it was negative 14 degrees, my parents were not feeling that. I was invited to an Arkansas prospect, but I had 7v7 practice that day.”

Do you have any planned visits you may take?

“I may visit Kansas State coming up.”

Are you playing any other sports for your school?

“Yes. I am playing basketball.”

How is the basketball season going for you?

“For me, I have had a really good season. We beat an undefeated team last week. I played on a rolled ankle, even in overtime. We won on a buzzer beating three-pointer. My team has accepted me in, we are all brothers. We all get along and we play as a team. I think that is why we are successful this year.”

Last question. What is one thing you do or a unique skill you have that most people would be surprised to find out about you?

“One thing that separates me from others, I can adapt to different environments quickly. I can pick up where I left off with people. When I moved to Checotah, I was running all the plays in less than a week like I had been there for a year. I was getting comparisons to a former player at New Mexico State now; that was great.”

Jacob, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your 7v7 and basketball seasons and upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Twitter.com; No. 3 Jacob Barrett