Interview: 2022 California QB Jackson Stratton Talks Pylon National Championship Win
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: David Freker
Twitter: @DavidFreker
Big things are on the horizon for Class of 2022 quarterback Jackson Stratton. The Class of 2022 talent had a jumping off point during the 2019 season getting to mix it up against Division III San Diego area competition with La Jolla. The 6-4, 205-pound, strong-armed QB spread the pigskin around completing 127 passes for 1,456 yards with 14 touchdowns tossed while rushing in two for first team All-Eastern League honors. The production on the field helped the Vikings to the championship game while bringing in an offer from Columbia.
Fine-tuning his technique throughout the offseason in preparation for the 2020 season, Stratton took a break from the San Diego area to sling the ball around with his 7v7 team in Orlando – this time Stratton’s team took home the title.
Interview
Jackson, when you want to rip it you can. Because of your arm strength, how have you worked with your receivers so they can adjust to the heat you are bringing with your passes?
I have really good receivers. They have all been able to catch the ball and do good things with it. I have never had a problem.
Pushing this a step further, because I can see your arm strength; have any of your receivers suffered any broken fingers?
(Laughs) Actually, yeah, I have. My freshman year, I broke a receiver’s thumb on a pass. It was in practice.
Thought so. During the 2019 campaign it looks like the Vikings were running a Spread. Once the season ended what did you feel you were doing well as a gunslinger in that style of offense?
Moving the ball downfield, moving us down the field and putting points on the board. And trying not to turn the ball over.
Throughout the offseason, what have you been working on with a focus on your technique and mechanics?
I have been working on my arm. My QB coach is Tom House. I have been working with him and working on getting bigger, faster and stronger to get ready for the season.
How have you expanded your understanding of the game over the fall and winter months?
I have a ton of free time right now; I have been watching a ton of film going onto Hudl. You can watch anyone’s film at any time on Hudl. Playing 7v7 is helping me. With 7v7, I am making all the throws and reading defenses.
Are the Vikings running the same attack when the 2020 season gets going?
Yes. We have a lot of fast guys at La Jolla. We are running an empty a lot and spreading it out.
You mentioned 7v7; what all have you been doing on the side to help better prepare yourself for the upcoming season and stay sharp?
Playing with a neighborhood team and Coach Carter on Dream Chasers. We went to Florida and won the national championship at Pylon.
Wow. That’s great. Congratulations.
Thank you.
How did the Pylon Tournament go for you?
It went well. We played a lot of games. It was hot in Florida, but super fun.
What was the competition like there?
There were 64 teams in the tournament, some really good teams. We played nine games. A lot of them were close. We won two on the last play of the game. There were teams from Hawaii, Texas, New York – from all over. There was really good competition out there.
Comparing the competition from all over to California, how does it all stack up?
We won it.
Well said. But what were the differences in style of play?
There was difference in regions. Texas has big kids; they are thick and big. The Florida guys are all fast and all run 4.3. Hawaii and New York have better chemistry because they all grew up playing together.
With recruiting, I know you have an offer from Columbia. Which schools are showing interest ahead of the 2020 season?
Oregon State, Yale, some Ivies, and Pac-12 schools.
Are there any visits you’d like to take once the campuses open back up?
Yeah, a lot. I can’t go there now; I am not sure when you can. When they let us know we can take visits, I’d like to see Yale, Columba, and Oregon State
Jackson, congratulations on the big win in Orlando at Pylon. Keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Stratton family; Jackson Stratton