Rising 2020 California QB Jakob Doolittle Helped Turn the Fortunes of Western Christian
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Any competitive sport is filled with stories about overcoming the odds, but some obstacles to overcome in sports are far more challenging than others. Take Class of 2020 quarterback Jakob Doolittle, during the 2018 season, under the guidance of new head coach Thomas Fleming, he helped turn around a Western Christian (Upland, CA) program that had not won a game in three years. And, the best is yet to come for the team and Doolittle.
Stats without context are just numbers. Given the fact that the Fighting Lancers were penciled in as a win for the opposition over the past three years, helping his squad finish with a winning record in 2018, 5-4-1, is substantial statistical information. Beyond his leadership and motivating tactics, the 6-1, 170-pound, quarterback threw for 1,543 yards with 22 touchdowns while rushing for 274 yards with four scores on the ground to help his team reach new heights.
With a big offseason grind already underway, I sat down with Doolittle to learn more about his game, 7v7 work, and offseason goals in an RNG stylized one-on-one interview.
Interview
Jakob, how did the 2018 season go for you on the field?
“It was a great season. My school has a history of losing games. The season was good for me and my school. We won our first game and then went on to win five games. We established something with our program last season with our new head coach. I picked up on a lot this year. I was playing quarterback this year, legit playing, not just handing it off or running the ball. I made a lot of progress. It was a great season. I feel that it was a revival of the program.”
How do you feel you improved your overall game as a quarterback last season?
“As a quarterback, I had a lot of new concepts to learn especially with reading defenses. I did not know that was a thing until this year. Now I feel that I am picking defenses apart. I know which throws to make and where to go with the ball. I was in a spring passing league with my team making all the throws and plays outside the pocket. I surprised myself this year stepping up making plays and throwing on run. My arm strength improved a lot, I was making big throws downfield.”
Which game was your best in 2018?
“My first game, to me, had the most value (46-22 win vs. Nuview Bridge). My school had not won a game in three years. Under our new head coach Thomas Fleming, I had three running touchdowns and four passing touchdowns in that game. We were overcoming losing games. For me, it was finding a spot after moving from receiver to outside linebacker and then to quarterback. I spent a lot of time learning the position in the offseason. That win was an emotional and powerful moment, I am very proud of my team for getting that win.”
Biggest challenge for you to overcome in-season?
“I think the biggest challenge was getting people to be inspired to win. I am a very competitive person. I feel I played a big part getting us to win games. As we started to win, then we started relying on each other. As a quarterback, reading defenses was a challenge and knowing the different types of throws to make in a game. All that goes back to practice. Practicing hard turned into big gains this season.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game this offseason?
“I have a great arm and I am quick on my feet. I can slide up and out of the pocket, and I can make moves around big players to make plays. I can fit it into tight windows with power in my throws. They get there quick.”
What all are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on keeping my feet active and becoming a better runner. I am working with my 7v7 program to get better and working on reading defenses with more complex concepts. I am working on not getting tunnel vision with where I want to go with the ball and being more accurate.”
You mentioned 7v7, which 7v7 team are you playing for this spring?
“E.A.T. (Explosive Athletic Training).”
You kind of touched on this, but how is E.A.T. helping take your game to another level?
“The competition. I believe 7v7 competition is important to a quarterback’s development. You are going against stacked defenses, there are a lot of good athletes out there. It is good to bring that speed of the game up because then in-season it slows down. It also shows what college ball might be like. My team is really talented, we have done some great things and we are not finished yet. I am very grateful to be playing with E.A.T.”
After the season that you had, are you receiving any recruiting interest yet?
“Yes. The main school showing interest is Sacramento State. They have reached out to me. They love my film and want to develop a relationship with me. They want me at their camp. Hopefully I can showcase my talents at their camp.”
Are you playing any other sports for Western Christian?
“Yes. I play basketball and volleyball.”
Nice. It is always good to compete in other sports. Back to football. Is there an area of your game you feel gets overlooked?
“I think the area of my game that gets overlooked is my energy and playmaking abilities. I feel there are a lot of areas in my game that are strengths. But in the games played last year, there were some plays that did not workout or someone was in my face, but I still made a play. Watching my reel this offseason, I was making plays with a dude in my face or on me. The ability that I have to be clutch and make plays may get overlooked.”
This offseason will be successful if you accomplish what?
“If I get bigger, stronger, and gain weight. I want to be up to 190 by end of offseason. That is something that will help during the season. I want to become a better runner and faster. My goal is to drop my 40 to a 4.6. I have a good build and I am fast, but I want to show that I am faster.”
Any last thoughts to share?
“I am a winner. I am always ready and willing to take control to make plays to help my team win.”
Jakob, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with the rest of your 7v7 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Western Christian HS and E.A.T.; Jakob Doolittle in action