Interview: 4-Star 2022 California TE Jack Pedersen has Eye on Pac-12 and SEC Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
California defenses were not prepared for the onslaught coming from the tight end position when going against Vista Murrieta last season. The Broncos lined up No. 98 in tight, released him off the line, and put him out in space allowing him to do his thing which greatly impacted the run and passing game against Division 1/2 California competition. Once the season was over, No. 98, Jack Pedersen, had worked his tail off earning four-star recruiting status and admiration from college scouts. Nine college programs that have checked out the 6-4, 240-pound, versatile All-Southwestern League and All-CIF talent have dropped offers with interest rising for the Class of 2022 prospect.
Pedersen sat down for an RNG first-look one-on-one covering his breakout sophomore season with an update on his recruiting process which includes all the programs he intends to visit in the coming months.
Interview
Before we get into the details of your sophomore season and workouts this spring, how long have you been playing the tight end position? You have that seasoned look to your game.
“Not that long, actually. My freshman year was my first year. I transferred over from the offensive line because I was heavier and played receiver after growing.”
What offensive set were you guys running last season?
“A pro-style set. We’d bring in an extra offensive tackle or an extra offensive lineman and take a receiver out. We did do the Spread with some trips stuff.”
Within the set, what was the offensive mentality?
“We had success was in the run game. We were able to ground and pound running 12- and 13 personnel; we ran the ball hard.”
You were a versatile weapon for Vista Murrieta in three major capacities on offense as a blocking tight end, receiving tight end, and lining up out standing up. If you will, breakdown all that you were doing last season within the scheme.
“Last year I helped a lot in the run game, I was split out as well in the pass game. I was getting downfield in the pass game, and I did well at that.”
One of the areas of your game I really like, Jack, are your releases off the line as a tight end. If you are sliding off a block or holding up an end for a quick second to slow his rush and then releasing, you are getting open. How did you work to develop that part of your game last season?
“Since this was my second year playing tight end, I was still trying to learn a lot about the position. Playing as an offensive lineman, you learn angles and positioning. With releasing, you realize you can set a guy up, hold him off and then get into the flat. That came with a lot of repetition in practice.”
How do you feel your overall game improved last season?
“Overall, it improved a lot. I made strides at being more of an offensive threat in the pass game, and I will still work to become better. I improved a lot in the pass game last season.”
Once the new season kicks off, are you taking on any new roles with the team in 2020? Will we see you on defense?
“Defense is an option. We’ve talked about it a little bit. I have not thought about it too much. I am getting ready during this dead period trying to get on the field as much as I can to keep working on the game to be ready.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“Definitely working in the weight room a bunch. I am getting stronger getting ready for those big defensive linemen. I am also going to the local field to get that work in improving my footwork and increasing my speed.”
If the college camp circuit happens, are there any camps you have on the schedule?
“No camps yet, but I do have some visits set to Oregon State, Utah, Stanford, and one out to Arkansas.”
Let’s roll with that. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Stanford and UCLA.”
How many offers have been dropped?
“Nine.”
Pedersen’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Cal, Colorado, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, Utah, and Washington
Going back to last season, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“During the season we went to Seattle for a Washington game and to Oregon’s Junior Day. We also went to a USC football game and a UCLA football game.”
How did the Washington visit go?
“It was really fun. It was quick. We flew in Saturday morning, about 1.5 to 2 hours before the game and we flew out Sunday evening. We really enjoyed it.”
And the Oregon trip?
“It was great too. We spent the weekend there. Oregon showed a lot of hospitality, we really enjoyed ourselves. It was a great time.”
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned some of the possible visits you may take coming up, are there any other planned visits you may take?
“Yes, to UCLA and USC, and to any schools I get a chance to talk to. I want to figure out if I’d like to visit or not. Right now, they can’t reach out to me so I have not planned out any other visits.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun during the quarantine?
“I have started to cook; I have been making meals for the family. At least twice a week I am cooking so when I have to do that in college I am not just putting things in the microwave.”
That’s fantastic. What have you cooked so far?
“I have cooked up some Baja fish tacos, chicken with rice, Hawaiian style macaroni, and grilled chicken with broccoli.”
Jack, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you continued success with your workouts and cooking this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Pedersen family; Jack Pedersen