Interview: Rising 2021 QB Ridge Jacobs Preparing to Shred 7A Florida Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College coaches are already falling in love with the talents of Class of 2021 quarterback Ridge Jacobs, and a lot more are about to be added to the list when the lights turn on for the 2019 season. Jacobs spent his sophomore year slinging the rock around for University Christian tallying 1,550 yards with 14 touchdowns in a nine-game season. The 6-2, 200-pound, field general is taking on a couple of new challenges during his junior campaign jumping up to Florida 7A ball with Atlantic Coast and is running a combination offense utilizing both Spread and pro-style sets. His talents have already netted offers from Central Michigan, Charlotte, Liberty, and Troy. Rest assured more scouts will be in the Jacksonville stands this season taking in one of Florida’s rising prospects.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Jacobs and I cover his summer college camp circuit, offseason workouts, and assimilation to the Stingrays offense.
Interview
Ridge, you made the move in the offseason from University Christian to Atlantic Coast. What type of offense will you run with the Stingrays in 2019?
“We are running a Spread but we are also doing some under center pro-style plays. We will manipulate defenses and pass from under center when needed. We can air it out in the Spread or from under center.”
What are the main differences for you between the different offenses?
There are not that many differences, but this offense is more disciplined. There are differences in the lines. We are running the same Spread but we will maybe run more; it is all in the same area of play.”
How have you been preparing yourself for the upcoming season with your new teammates?
“Over the summer we practiced from 6:30 to 8:30 every morning except on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We all hang out together. I try to build chemistry with as many of my teammates as I can. I knew a lot of the guys on the team before I transferred. It has been a good move for me.”
What have you been working on with your mechanics and technique?
“I just got done throwing with my QB coach, Coach Thompson. I have been working with him and my OC/QB coach to get my accuracy down and to get more zip on the ball. I am locating the ball more accurately so my playmakers can make plays.”
Where are you seeing the improvements in your game over last season?
“I have grown in being able to read defenses and knowing defensive fronts. I am understanding that more and more. I have improved on my speed and my agility. I am getting out of the pocket quicker with better mobility.”
Did you compete at any college camps this summer?
“I did. I went to Kennesaw State, UCF, UNC-Charlotte, Wake Forest, Mercer, and Appalachian State.”
Of all the camps, which was your best personal performance?
“In my opinion, I had a really good camp at Kennesaw. I got my three new offers there.”
That definitely qualifies as a great camp. What did you do well at that camp that led to three new offers?
“I think it was mainly me taking leadership of the guys at the camp. I was stepping up to the front of the line taking reps and I was putting the ball where it needed to be. I had a good relationship with the receivers at that camp even though I did not know them. We were clicking.”
Which schools offered you at that camp?
“Troy, UNC-Charlotte, and Central Michigan.”
You have four offers now, which schools are showing interest heading into the 2019 season?
“Middle Tennessee, UCF, Florida, UConn, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. Appalachian State pulled me out after the camp for a tour and had me take pictures in the jersey.”
You got to visit Appalachian State at the camp, did you visit any other schools this summer?
“Yes. After the UNC-Charlotte camp, I went on a tour. I tried on the uniform there as well.”
This fall might you take any unofficial visits?
“I am trying to get to all the schools that have offered me for a game day visit. I know I will go to a Liberty and Troy game.”
Last question. What goals have you set for your 2019 season?
“I want to lead my team to a winning season. The last few seasons have not been big seasons. We have a new coach. He has turned things around. I want to lead the team to the playoffs. I want to improve on my game in every aspect this season.”
Ridge, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Jacobs family; Ridge Jacobs