Interview: 3-Star 2020 California TE Jake Overman Talks Official Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The role of a tight end has becoming a pivotal position in college football’s modern era. A tight end has always had to block and maybe was sent out on routes here and there, but today’s position player has to be flexible in blocking off the line in a three-point stance and blocking in space off a two-point stance. They also have to be fast enough to create mismatches in space going against a linebacker or defensive back with hands that never fail moving the chains on clutch plays. To date 15 schools saw that kind of potential in Servite High School’s three-star class of 2020 talent Jake Overman. The 6-4.5, 235-pound, Anaheim product has narrowed his list of schools down to eight with an official taken to Oregon State, one set to Washington, and one to be taken to Cal with a time to be set later.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Overman caught me up on his season and recruiting process going in-depth on all, even with his new position on defense.

*Click link for June 4, 2019, RNG interview with Jake Overman

Interview

Jake, you went to a lot of camps and did a lot of extra training over the offseason. How is all that hard work translating onto the field this season?

“Going to all these camps, I received different coaching points from different coaches. I was blessed to be in front of a lot of coaches. I worked on my routes, my stance, my three-point stance, where my eyes need to be, and my pre-snap reads. I picked up a lot from the camps, and that is carrying over into the season.”

You can get after it as a blocker, where are you showing the biggest gains with that part of your game as a tight end?

“That part has improved dramatically, really due to another year in the weight room. We are in there a lot. With blocking, I picked up tips and pointers at the camps and I am a much stronger person. I changed my body dramatically. My strength is showing with my blocks, how I am finishing them and how I am handling defensive linemen.”

During our last interview you talked about playing some defensive end this season. How is that coming along?

“This year, we moved our defensive line around. I am playing inside, but still at end. It would look like I am playing defensive tackle to most. It has been different because I am small in that sense going up against the big guys. There is not as much space to work with inside. It is a new position but I have great coaches; I am learning. It is a lot different from being an end off the edge. I am still learning. I think I am heading in the right direction.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“The Villa Park game has been my best. I caught some balls in space, got up field, got to run people over, and did some stiff-arms. I showed that I can catch and make plays in space in that game.”

Your squad has started out 3-1 with some nice wins. How is the team looking overall?

“I think we are rolling. We are practicing great. We are in the weight room every day, we are studying film, and sending in notes learning about our opponents. It is coming together. It has been cool for me, and the other seniors and coaches, to see it all click. We are coming together and it is paying off on Friday nights.”

The Friars go on the road Friday to take on Notre Dame (4-0). What kind of matchup are you expecting in Sherman Oaks?

“We think it will be physical. They are well-coached; it will be a great game. We both have athletes. Each week is the biggest game of the year, that is how we look at. Every Friday is the biggest game. If we play our game, we should be good.”

With recruiting, how many offers do you have?

“I have 15 offers.”

Which schools are showing interest?

“Boise State is the main one. The schools showing the most are the ones in my Top 8. Those schools are coming hard.”

Overman’s Top 8: Arizona, Cal, Kansas, Oregon State, UNLV, Utah, Vanderbilt, and Washington

Over the summer, did you take any official or unofficial visits?

“Yes. I took an official to Oregon State.”

How did the official to Oregon State go?

“It went really well. I got all and more from them during the visit. Oregon State has a great staff and great people. They have a great program. They are headed in the right direction. I am excited to continue with them in the recruiting process.”

Are there planned visits ahead?

“Yes. I have an official to Washington on Nov. 2 for the Utah game. I also plan on visiting Cal, but that is not officially set, but I am sure I will be taking one with them I am just not sure when. I was supposed to go to Washington this weekend, but we moved it because of the game time.”

Have you narrowed down on a commitment date?

“That is still open. I was planning on making it soon. I was going to give it a month or a few weeks after my last visit and go from there. Pushing back the Washington visit to November, that pushes back my announcement. I want to wait around a month after my last official, if that is three, four or all five of my visits.”

Jake, always great talking football with you. I appreciate your time and wish you guys success until we talk again.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Overman family; Jake Overman