One to Watch Interview with Talented Golden Valley 2022 QB Jaxson Miner
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The game film on Jaxson Miner, not the stats, tells one what they need to know about the rising California quarterback. Working out of a run-heavy offense while splitting snaps with a senior, Miner threw for 927 yards with six touchdowns with 49 yards on the ground for Golden Valley High School during the 2019 season. The 6-0, 190-pound, field general showcased the arm talent in limited opportunities with accuracy, a fluid/smooth release, and zip making him a next level target for scouts. With a big junior season ahead, Miner is already receiving recruiting interest from Washington and Colorado with more to follow as the Grizzlies offense will rely more heavily on Miner’s abilities once the 2020 season gets going.
After competing at the QB Throw Down Camp in Las Vegas over the weekend, I caught up with Miner covering ground on his sophomore season, summer workouts, and camp performance.
Interview
Jaxson, looks like the Grizzlies were giving a lot of different formations for defenses to worry about last season. What offensive sets were you guys running?
We had a Spread offense for passing with a run game and a power option to force it down the middle. Last season we had great running back threats. We were under center a quarter of the game last season.
What were some of the routes you were throwing to within the concepts?
We had a smash concept, a curl and corner as a go-to, a double slant – a 1- and 3-yard, fade out, five-yard out; we loved that one. Our routes were simple but effective.
You have a very fluid release and you can get it out at different arm angles depending on what is going on around you. How did the skills in the pocket develop last season allowing you to become a better QB?
My line was very good; they are my boys and they protected me. I did not run as much because our line did so well protecting. In our offense, you have to get it out fast. You have one to two seconds in the pocket. If you go over three seconds, you roll out and get away. Our line was really good, they made sure I was a pocket passer.
When you dropped back, what were some of the defenses and coverages you were seeing attempting to slow your ability to move the ball downfield?
Valencia, they were a Cover 0 team with a blitz package; against them we did a lot of quick passes. Saugus, they were a Cover 2 and 4 defense. They tried to contain me and protect the deep ball against us. West Ranch, they ran a Cover 3 sometimes but were mainly in a Cover 2. They sent a lot of blitzes, their linebackers were good, but my line protected me.
How did your football IQ improve over the course of your sophomore season?
It improved because the varsity level was so fast over JV and youth ball. I had to adapt. Last season was high-paced, everyone moving faster, and the coaches expected more. As the season went on, I was able to read the defenses easier, my coaches helped me with that. I watched a lot of film, eight to 10 hours a week. After watching so much film, I was ready for what they had to offer.
Will the 2020 offense with the Grizzlies be the same as last year?
In last year’s offense, we were a big running team. We had the offensive linemen and running backs to pound it down the middle. This year, I feel that we have the best receivers in the league. I think we will be using them to get the ball down the field more. This year we will be more of an Air Raid team.
That sounds exciting for you as the quarterback.
It is. I am excited.
Have you been working with a quarterback coach this offseason? If so, who are you working with and what are you working on with that coach?
Yes, I have been working with Coach Sam Fisher. He has pushed me this offseason working with my mechanics, becoming faster, and more effective. With Coach Fisher, I am going over reading defenses, man zone, and who is blitzing. He is helping me to make the right play at the right time.
What have you been working on this spring and summer to prepare for the mental grind of the 2020 season?
As you know, the pandemic is affecting football. Still, I have been throwing and working out as often as possible and trying to work with my receivers. I have been focusing on myself. The Foothill League is very competitive. The pandemic will not stop me from being the best that I can be.
I have talked to my coaches, asked if they can reopen Hudl so I could view the games from last year. My receivers and I have a Google meet to see what we need to improve on to see how we can kill different defenses; we do that once a week. I watch film three to four times a week.
On August 1, you competed at the QB Throw Down Camp. How did the competition portion of the camp go for you?
I say that I did really well. There was a lot of talent there, a lot of competition. All the coaches told me I did really well, but I did not get where I wanted to in my opinion. It was good for me as a quarterback to see the competition to know where I need to improve.
Part of the camp was the QBIQ classroom work; what were some of the things you learned during the instructional portion of the camp?
It taught me that NFL quarterbacks do not think like high school and college football quarterbacks; they are more textbook. I need to be like that. When they are walking up to the line, they know where they are going and what they will do with the ball. If I can do that, it will help me out and accel my game play this year.
Until the season begins, what is your approach to the rest of this extended offseason?
Working with my receivers as much as possible. Our school is starting on Tuesday, keeping my grades up, keeping on that, getting ready for the season, getting stronger, studying offenses and defenses, and watching NFL film making sure I am the best I can be for the season.
Jaxson, it was great covering ground with you today. Wishing you and the team success this offseason preparing for the new season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hudl.com; No. 15 Jaxson Miner