More of the Q&A: QB J.W. Walsh, 2011 commit
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen knows he will need a trigger man for his pass happy offense to succeed in Stillwater. And Holgorsen believes Denton (Texas) Guyer quarterback J.W. Walsh has the ability to be that type of player.
Walsh, who committed to the Cowboys in early February, spoke with the Oklahoman about OSU’s new offense, his creativity on the field and his decision to be a Cowboy:
Your dad (Guyer coach John Walsh) said you were looking for a quarterback friendly offense. How much did that have to do with it?
It had a lot to do with it, you don’t want to make a wrong decision with the offense where you go. Looking at Oklahoma State’s offense, it would be perfect.
What do you feel like are your best assets?
One of my best assets is making plays with my feet. If a play breaks down I can make a play with my feet and make something happen.
Is that something you enjoy?
Yes, I like to have a lot of creativity when I play. It helps that I can make a play with my feet or make a throw on the run.
Who were the main coaches recruiting you?
Coach Holgorsen, when he got in he came down. And coach (Gunter) Brewer.
When Coach Holgorsen got the job it seemed like he made it a priority to come see you, do that make you feel good?
It made me feel like I was a guy he really wanted. That was another reason I made the decision. They pulled the trigger pretty quickly and he was really excited about me which made me really excited about him as well.
You got the chance to watch some film of OSU’s offense. What did you like about it?
The creativity. He does a lot of what we’ve been doing at Guyer. A lot of motion and lot of formations. It’s a fun offense you can throw for 300 yards one game, run for 100 yards the next. And you’re always winning.
One of the things about the offense is that you can earn the trust to call plays at the line. Did that intrique you?
Yes. At Guyer, I have a little bit of freedom to change the play when I see something. That always helps because it means you have the trust of your coach and when you have that trust it helps you play better.
How do you feel about your ability to read defenses?
In high school, I feel like I can read defenses real well. I get a lot of freedom at the line and when I see something I like I take advantage of it.
When OSU decided to change offenses did that make them more attractive? Or did it not change at all?
I don’t think it changed anything. Before, they ran a lot of zone read with Zac and threw the ball deep. There wasn’t much of a change. They were putting up big numbers with Zac and their offense before. Now with Coach Holgorsen he’s had a lot of different quarterbacks with a lot of big numbers.
Do you enjoy running the ball?
I do. As a quarterback you’re supposed to throw first but here and there I want to make a play with my feet. It keeps the defense on their toes and it adds creativity to the offense.
When did you realize you had the potential to be a pretty good player?
My freshman year. I pee wee and middle school I though I was good but it was hard to tell, I wasn’t really open to the thought I could be a Division I football player. When I got to my freshman year, I realized I had a shot at it, so let’s work towards it.
When you went to camps and threw against Connor Wood, Blake Bell, did that give you confidence that you could match up?
Last summer I went to a couple camps and when I was throwing next to them, it added to my confidence that I can throw with big name guys going to big name schools.
Are you solid with the Cowboys?
I’m 100 percent Cowboy. I’m very solid right now.
Tell me about your experience at Junior Day.
I had a great time, they did a great job running it and emphasized their facilities.
When Holgorsen came down, what did he say to sell you on the program?
He said I fit the offense perfectly and I remind him a lot of Case Keenum. When he told me that I was like, ‘Hey if I’m a great fit for this offense, it’s probably where I need to go.’”
Who were some of your favorite quarterbacks growing up?
Over the past couple of years I’ve really admired (Tim) Tebow. He’s been a great leader for Florida on and off the field. He’s one of those guys you want to model yourself after.
Do you feel like you’re pretty good at those things?
I feel like I have gotten to where I can come into a unknown place and be a leader even if I don’t know the people there. I can get out of my comfort zone and still be a leader.
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