Interview: 3-Star 2021 QB Tyler Jensen Updates Workouts and Talks North Colorado Commitment
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Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The extended California offseason for Class of 2021 quarterback Tyler Jensen has been fast and furious. While working with various local quarterback coaches, the 6-6, 225-pound, gunslinger has also made the rounds to camps throughout the region and has picked up extra reps playing in 7 on 7 tournaments across the country. The three-star Lincoln High School standout is preparing, in more ways than one, for the 2020 season when he will be executing the Air Raid offense for the Hornets. Jensen warmed up the wing during the 2019 season leading his squad to a 10-3 record throwing for 1,617 yards with 12 touchdowns while running in for two scores.
On Aug. 27, Jensen ended any off the field recruiting distractions verbally committing to Northern Colorado. For an update on his workouts and how the Bears wooed his pledge, Jensen stepped inside the RNG Lab for another one-on-one talk.
*Click link for July 19, 2020, RNG interview with Tyler Jensen
Interview
Tyler, we caught up last at one of Coach Danny Hernandez’s workouts north of San Diego. Watching you throw then, it looked like the arm strength was in midseason form. What have you been doing throughout the spring, summer, and now fall months to build the zip on your passes?
Yes, I’ve been working with Danny Hernandez and several other quarterback coaches to continue to build my accuracy and velocity on the ball. I appreciate your comment about me looking like I’m in midseason form although with the virus Interrupting everything, I’m not even sure what midseason means anymore.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to participate this Summer and Fall on a very successful 7 on 7 passing league team, which has kept me busy almost every weekend. We have participated and won several tournaments in Texas, Arizona Utah, and California.
When you’ve worked on your footwork, what drills are you doing and what is the focus for you there?
When you’re a 6-foot 6-inch QB college coaches recruiting you are always going to be scrutinizing your quickness and movement in and out of the pocket. The jump rope has become one of my new best friends along with building strength in my legs in the weight room. We have a great trainer at Lincoln who has shown me some drills and tips to just overall improve my foot movements and quickness.
Understanding the game, both the offense you are executing and the defenses you may see, is utmost important. How have you expanded your football IQ this offseason?
Several of the QB camps I’ve attended have had workshops on building QB IQ. These courses have focused on really developing pre-snap reads of diagnosing different tendencies of defenses. Watching several videos from some of the top QBs in the nation on both the college and professional level, it has really impressed upon me now more than ever the importance of film study. And not just casually watching film but immersing oneself In the all the subtle details that will give you an advantage on game day.
With both the NFL and college football in action, are there any next level guys you are watching to see how they work their offense? If so, who are you watching and what are you seeking to learn from them?
Since my hair has this strange resemblance to Trevor Laurence, the great Clemson QB who is also 6-foot 6-inches and mobile, he is one of my favorites to watch on the college level. On the professional front, I always admire Aaron Rodgers’ ability to throw such actuate passes even while under pressure and often time being off platform.
So much goes into playing quarterback at a high level. What do you feel separates you from some of the other Class of 2021 quarterbacks out there?
I do feel I can compete with any QB in my class of 2021. Missing my sophomore season due to wrist fracture from a car accident, this really hurt my recruiting and national exposure especially this year since most college offers to 2021 QBs from large programs came early this spring due to the virus; meaning those offers were based only on sophomore and junior film.
I’m optimistic I will get the chance to gain some additional exposure with my senior year highlights. I’m excited to prove my myself now on the college level.
What style of offense will you be running with the Hornets when the 2020 season gets going?
At Lincoln, we run an Air Raid offense spreading the ball all over the field. With the combination of high-tempo and great athletes, the offense this year is going to be explosive.
Which routes are your receivers running for you?
Some of my favorite routes are a deep post, 18-yard comeback, and a bang-post. Once the defense backs up, I love picking apart the defense with short throws such as outs and hitches.
How have you built chemistry with your guys with the extra time provided?
Fortunately, most of my Lincoln receivers are on my 7 on 7 club team so it has been great being able to work with them this summer getting our timing and route precision down together. We have played in tournaments against some other highly rated 7 on 7 teams and top defensive secondaries in the country. Playing against teams with highly recruited corners and safeties has forced us to play and improve quickly and develop that essential chemistry.
On Aug. 27, you announced your commitment to Norther Colorado. How did that relationship grow from recruiting interest to an offer and then a commitment?
My commit to Northern Colorado has its basis in believing what new head coach Ed McCaffery has planned for this program and his strong connections to the NFL. This new coaching staff seems first-rate and Coach (Dave) Baldwin, their new offensive coordinator, I know is committed to success. I’ve just had a good Feeling from my first conversation with Coach McCaffery and his confidence in me.
Tyler, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success with your offseason workouts.
Thank you.
Photo credit: RNG; Tyler Jensen at the QB Throw Down Camp
Photo credit: Jensen family; Tyler Jensen at a Pro Way 7v7 tournament