Interview: 4-Star 2023 Oklahoma DE/TE Bai Jobe is a Natural
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Given time, more instruction, and work in the weight room, it is scary for Oklahoma competition over the next two years projecting just how dominating Bai Jobe could become. The 6-5, 215-pound, athlete transferred to Community Christian in Norman from Senegal halfway through the 2020 season jumping onto the gridiron playing defensive end and tight end. Having never played football before, Jobe looked like a natural on the field. The end result of his five-game efforts was four-star recruiting status and eight offers extended.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Jobe breaks down his baptism by football fire during his sophomore season with a look at his offseason workouts and growing recruiting process.
Interview
Bai, your sophomore season was an explosive one as a two-way player for Community Christian. Looking ahead to the 2021 season, what goals have you set for your junior campaign?
To be the best player on the field and the best player I can be off it. I want to help my team win. Everything I can do to help my team win, I will do. I want to get better every day.
How will your skills be utilized on defense during the 2021 season?
On defense, I will play wherever my coach needs me. This year, my coach told me I will play end and outside linebacker.
As that end/outside linebacker, what have you been working on with your technique this spring?
I can do a lot of the moves because I play basketball. On defense, I am learning a lot. I am quick enough, but sometimes I don’t go low enough. When you don’t go low, I don’t get my balance.
Are you working on any new moves?
I have been working on spin moves. My 7v7 coach is helping me with my moves. I am doing some catching too. Some schools have offered me as a tight end.
Let’s get into that. What are you doing this spring as a tight end preparing for this fall?
As a tight end I am working on my footwork, my steps, and my blocking.
Where all will you lineup on the offensive side of the ball this fall?
I will play receiver; I’ve been playing receiver with my 7v7 team. They have me at the “C” receiver. I am doing a lot better catching balls, and I am catching some touchdowns.
Being new to the game, is catching a touchdown a lot like getting a dunk with the excitement from your teammates, coaches, and the fans?
Yes. They throw it up I will jump up and go get the touchdown. It feels great when you score a touchdown. That makes me feel great, and when I tackle the quarterback and hit him hard, that makes me feel great too. Doing that makes me want more.
I love it. That get-off and burst is the difference maker for you off the edge. What are you doing in the weight room and on the practice field to increase your speed?
Whatever my coaches tell me to do – squats and bench, whatever. When had spring ball, I was working with them on speed drills and tackle drills. That’s what we’ve been doing. Being new in the game, I will always do what my coaches tell me to do, they want what is best for me.
Have you been to any football camps this offseason?
None yet, but I am going to some in June.
Which college camps are you looking at this summer?
I think I am going to a Texas A&M camp, I am definitely going to an OU (Oklahoma) camp, but I am not sure where else. I may go on some visits too.
Following on that thread, which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, North Texas, and Washington.
How many offers do you have?
Eight.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Oklahoma State, Minnesota, and Iowa State.
Jobe’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Iowa State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt, and Washington State
Which visits might you take?
The OU visit is a workout, not a camp but a workout. Then I will get to see the campus. I will also visit OSU, Washington State, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas.
Bai, I truly enjoyed covering ground with you today. Keep up the hard work and good luck with the camps, workouts, and visits this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Jim & Lisa Photography/Jobe family; Bai Jobe