Missouri Football: Interview with 2022 Oak Park All-Conference DB Jett Sutton
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Jett Sutton does it all on the defensive side of the ball for the Oak Park Northmen. The All-Conference defensive back had 64 total tackles including one sack and one interception. The 5’11”, 185-pound, tackle machine has the ability to line up as both a linebacker and safety and make tackles all over the field. Sutton shows tremendous leadership on the field and has great field vision, athleticism, and a high football IQ.
The Class of 2022 recruit is already drawing interest from some colleges and is looking forward to showcasing his skills at camps and throughout his recruiting process.
Not only does Sutton feature on the football team but also on the track team and has a 3.9 GPA in the classroom.
Interview
Jett, how would you grade your individual performance during your junior season?
That is really difficult. I believe that I gained a lot of confidence on the field this season and was able to contribute to the defense more than in the past couple of years. Seeing the improvements in my fundamentals that I have been working on all offseason allowed me to perform with greater clarity and focus on the field which has really shown me what I’m capable of. With that, I’m already working harder than ever to improve my game and couldn’t be more excited for my senior season.
What are your strengths on the football field?
I’ve always believed that one of my greatest strengths is being a leader on and off the field, as well as having good vision, finishing through tackles, getting to the ball quickly, and being able to execute my job wherever the team needs me.
What would you say was your best game and why?
I believe that our best game was against North Kansas City High School. My teammates executed their jobs well and opened up an opportunity for me to finish the game with my career-best 17 total tackles. That game I was able to have huge contributions in limiting the offenses passing and rushing game, as well as performing well on all forms of special teams.
What kind of defensive scheme does Oak Park run?
We run a multiple front defense scheme that allows all of the athletes on the defensive side to contribute and make plays as needed.
How do your skills fit into this scheme?
Since we play with three safeties, I’m able to line up as a linebacker and fill gaps just as well as I’m able to play man or zone coverage on a receiver and shut them down.
How would you describe what kind of teammate you are?
I would describe myself as an all-around leader. I always make a point to talk to the offense and defensive players before games and try to help them with any questions they’re having, as well as cheering on the team as a whole as the game progresses.
How would you describe what kind of player you are?
I would describe myself as being passionate and physical. I’ve always been one to hype the team up before the game and that energy carries over to all of the different aspects of my performance. Whether it’s coming downfield to make a big hit or shutting down the offense’s pass game, my energy and physicality is easy to see and is a big reason as to why I love the game.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Not particularly, but I’ve always been a fan of Jamal Adams. I see a resemblance in our style of play due to his level of physicality and how diverse he is on the field. I have followed him by wearing No. 33.
Who is your favorite football team?
Growing up in Kansas City, it is easy to say my favorite team is the Chiefs. I’ve been a fan since I started playing football and have enjoyed watching them more and more each game.
What do you like most about playing at Oak Park?
Throughout my three years of football at Oak Park, I’ve been able to grow great relationships with my coaches and teammates. Being constantly surrounded by people who genuinely care about me and go out of their way to help me is a big reason why I’m proud to be a Northmen.
Who has had the biggest impact on your high school football career?
My family as a whole. The amount of support I receive from them daily shows me how much they care for me and is a constant reminder as to why I try as hard as I do.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I run varsity track during the spring, as well as compete in our school’s powerlifting meets which unfortunately have been canceled this year due to COVID.
What is your favorite subject and why?
History. I enjoy learning about new things and gaining knowledge on stuff I hadn’t known about.
What is your GPA?
3.9 unweighted.
Are you receiving interest from any colleges?
There’s been a few FCS programs that have shown interest and I’m looking forward to furthering our connection and building new ones throughout this whole process.
What are your goals for the offseason?
This offseason I’m looking to improve my speed and agility as well as getting stronger in the weight room. I was able to compete for Epic 7 last spring and am looking forward to doing so this year so I can improve my coverage skills and learn as much as possible from my coaches. I was really able to see how all the work I’d put in had transferred onto the field and am excited to see how these off-seasons improvements better my game this upcoming season.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
My favorite bible quote is probably the most popular of them all, “Philippians 4:13 “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.”
Thank you for your time.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Oak Park High School Athletics; No. 33 Oak Park DB Jett Sutton
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Oak Park DB Jett Sutton Patrols the field