RNG-Rise & Fire Series: 2020 QB Jackson Pavitt is Having a Breakout Year with Cardinal Newman

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

From his freshman season to his junior year, the strides made in the pocket by Class of 2020 dual-threat Jackson Pavitt have been remarkable. His first season playing quarterback was in 2016 learning on the fly, spent 2017 as a backup, and has now passed for 1,991 yards with 24 touchdowns against just three interceptions hitting 121 of 163 pass attempts. He has also taken on defenses like a running back covering 378 yards on 72 totes with nine trips into the end zone. The hard work has his Cardinal Newman squad sitting at 9-1 with a playoff game on Saturday against Encinal.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s rising quarterbacks in the 2020 class to see how his game on the field has improved throughout the season.

*Jackson Pavitt’s play on the field in 2018 is being spotlighted as part of the RNG-Rise and Fire Camp Interview Series

Interview

Jackson, the Cardinals have been impressive on offense this season scoring 39 points per game. What are you guys doing so well leading to the big production?

“We have two great play makers on the outside in Chauncey Leberthon and Jake Woods. We have been working since last January on our timing and chemistry. We have a great play calling system, we will move the chains within the offense. In a rough situation, I know I can go to my two outside play-makers to move the chains. We also have a sophomore running back, Shane Moran, who is doing well this season, and my running game. We are full of weapons which is really nice.”

What type of offense do you execute within the offense?

“We run a west coast-spread offense. We mix it up. Sometimes we have back and sometimes we go without a back. We do just about everything out of the shotgun with the basics of getting four receivers out there. In some packages, we have our running back as a passing option. We do a lot of air game, but we can also go on the ground out of our spread sets.”

How does the offense fit your abilities as a quarterback?

“I feel like it fits me really well. I love running the ball. Growing up I played running back. During my freshman year I became a quarterback. My sophomore year I was a backup. My freshman year I mainly ran the ball. I learned a lot my sophomore year. I am happy with how things are progressing this season.”

Which areas of your game have improved the most this season?

“My passing. This is my first season to showcase what I can do with the ball in the air. I have taken huge strides. My ball is looking great, my arm strength is good, and I am accurate. I am also making great decisions. The key to my game is making good decisions and making accurate throws.”

What are some of the things you work on every day in practice?

“We add new plays every week. We review film at least five days a week. Every team has a weakness. We study them and see the plays we can run to expose that weakness and then we work on that play. We work on fundamentals every day, things like handoffs with the running backs making sure the ball does not end up on the ground. We are full-speed in practice. I look at coverages to find the holes in the defense which helps in games.”

The Cardinals offense is a big play offense taking shots downfield, on third downs deep in your own territory, what are some of the intermediate routes you like to throw to within the offense?

“My favorite route on third down is a comeback route. I have two outstanding outside receivers. They work hard in all that they do. Not one time this season has that not been open this season. I have that in the back of my mind that is an option.”

The team opens the playoffs against Encinal (8-3) on Saturday, what are you expecting from the Jets defense as a quarterback?

“We’ve been looking at film on them this week. They have four coverages they primarily run, a Cover 0 and 1. They have great athletes to run their defense, but my twos are great too. With all those man routes, I will find a guy. In cover 3 and 4, 4 is a weakness. I can expose their defense. The seams in cover 3 will be open. Still, they can throw something at me. I’ve seen their cover 2 with some weird rolls. I have to be ready for anything.”

Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you after the big season you’ve had?

“I have talked to Ole Miss and Penn State. I am receiving some Ivy League interest. I am receiving emails from them each week. I have been offered game invites from Princeton, Harvard, and Columbia, and Yale is in communication with me as well. I have some D-II schools talking to me, but they are waiting for this year’s class to firm up before making moves.”

It is getting to the time of year looking ahead to camps and combines. Do you have an idea of some the camps and/or combines you may attend?

“I went to the Adidas showcase last year, and I am going again this year. I am definitely expecting to go to the Nike Opening, I want to compete in the Elite 11. I may work with Steve Clarkson and maybe Will Hewitt, two coaches that have helped me with my throwing. I went to the Rise and Fire Camp last year and I will be attending that camp again this year.”

Jackson, it was great learning more about your game today, I appreciate your time. Good luck on Saturday against Encinal.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Press Democrat; Jackson Pavitt finds a receiver (2018)