Interview: 2023 Arkansas RB/ATH Jabrae Shaw is That Unstoppable Player for Watson Chapel
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Identifying the heart of a high school football team, or even a given team’s MVP is not always the easiest thing to do. But when looking at Watson Chapel’s 2020 squad, it would be tough to leave Jabrae Shaw out of the conversation for everything including Most Important. The scary thing is, the Class of 2023 recruit is just getting it going.
The 5-10, 190-pound, do all wizard on the gridiron threw for 1,242 yards with 16 scores and rushed for 1,114 yards with 14 touchdowns playing his natural position at running back all in 10 games. When needed, he went in on defense for the Wildcats as a cover corner impressing with a pick in limited opportunities. With the ball in Shaw’s hands, his burst, cuts, and breakaway speed are next level. Equally as impressive is his field vision finding the hole or setting up the defender with a foot in the ground or a shoulder shake for even more yards.
In an exclusive RNG interview, Shaw stopped by the Lab for a one-on-one conversation.
Interview
Jabrae, you were doing a little bit of everything for the Wildcats throughout the 2020 season. Given all the different opportunities to showcase your athleticism and playmaking abilities how do you view your personal performance?
I was happy, but I know I could have done better.
The offense was giving 5A Central defenses a lot to think about running some I-formation and wishbone. What all schemes did you guys execute during the season?
We also did read-option – RPOs, some fullback dive, and we ran some empty sets too.
You were at halfback, tailback, Wildcat, and straight up at quarterback. From game to game, how were you preparing for all that you were taking on during the schedule?
My coaches threw me in when they needed me played my hardest. I was watching game film, seeing what they were doing best.
The field vision you have might be on the level of your breakaway speed and burst. As a running threat, what do you feel are some of the other key traits to your talents?
I can find the hole really well, catch the ball well, I have quick feet, and I can make a defender miss.
In which game did you turn in your best personal performance?
I’ll say the Jacksonville game.
Why did you pick that one? What did you do well against Jacksonville to make it your best?
I have five touchdowns and 200-plus rushing yards.
That qualifies. You got some snaps in on defense as well. How did that side of your game grow and improve during the 2020 season?
I was working at in practice throughout the season. They’d throw me in to cover on third and long. I was not in on every down.
It is early, but do you know which roles you will be taking on during the 2021 season?
I really don’t know. I will probably be doing a little bit of everything, and be on defense more often.
What have you been doing this offseason already to prepare for your junior run on the offensive side of the ball?
Playing 7v7, workout every day, doing one on ones, and covering people in practice. I go to the gym after school workouts. I get up in the morning going to school early to run on the track and lift weights.
What have you been doing with your speed and agility workouts to push that part of your athleticism forward?
I do the ladders almost every day and jump rope. I jump rope going up to the school and run on my free time.
Jabrae, it was great getting some time in with you today. Wishing you and the team luck with the rest of your 7v7 season this winter and spring.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Watson Chapel HS/Shaw family; Jabrae Shaw