Washington’s 2016 QB rankings are days away from being released, and the top QB without an offer right now is Gresch Jensen of Auburn Mountainview High School.
Jensen received All-SPSL honors on both sides of the ball this past season, 2nd team DB and 1st team QB. He was also named first team QB after his sophomore season in which he threw for 2,306 and 24 TD’s.
“I was extremely honored to be given the title as a sophomore,” Jensen told NEI. “Repeating the honor as a junior was especially exciting and rewarding, with the additional teams/players added into the SPSL 3A League, making it very competitive. It is nice to have the community and coaches in the surrounding area, recognize me for my hard work and dedication I put into the game.
“Receiving the award goes to my teammates, coaches, and fans just as much as it does me. I could not have received the honor without the coaches preparing the team, my linemen blocking, receivers catching/getting open, and running backs blocking, pounding the rock, and providing decoys for the defenses.”
The term “Dual-Threat” can be viewed as a negative connotation, usually associating with Quarterbacks that do not throw well, but that is not the case with Jensen. He has good arm strength and accuracy, and is always working to get better.
“I study NFL quarterbacks, collegiate quarterbacks, and former/current high school quarterbacks to pick up on skills which make/made them successful,” Jensen said. “I utilize pieces from each guy I study and incorporate them into my own play.
“One of the players I study a lot is Max Browne, when playing at Skyline. He is definitely one of the best Washington high school quarterbacks to come out. It is extremely helpful to watch film and study Max because Skyline ran the Spread Offense, which is our offense at Mountainview, too.”
Through two seasons as the starting QB, Jensen has thrown for 4,141 yards and 43 TD’s, while rushing for 1,266 yards and 12 more TD’s. Defensively he has accounted for 54 tackles, 5 INT’s and 2 FR’s.
Eventually a day will come when Jensen will be forced to make a decision to play offense or defense, and it is one he has put some thought into.
“I prefer the quarterback position due to the challenge and overall aspects required to be successful in the position,” Jensen says. “Although, quarterback is my prime position, it is still exciting to fly around and tackle people, while making big plays on defense.”
Thus far recruiting has been all over the board. Jensen is seeing interest from every level of play, and just about every conference. He has received letters from the University of Nebraska in the Big Ten, University of Missouri of the SEC, University of Washington in the Pac-12, and even Harvard, Yale and Cornell of the Ivy Leagues.
Right now Jensen is focused on his senior season at Auburn Mountainview. The Lions are coming off a successful 9-2 season, the best in school history, and could be one of the top teams in the 3A classification next season.
“I can tell you there is definitely an expectation for us to get to the dome and make a statement our senior year,” Jensen noted. “Last year was unfortunate for us to drop out in the state playoff game, with me getting injured on a fluke play of my own teammate.
“Having the season end short, with a loss against Shadle Park has motivated the coaching staff, my teammates, and me to work diligently in the off-season to be the most prepared team. We are excited to get the 2015 season underway.”
Auburn Mountainview returns a plethora of talent at the skill positions. They bring back their top four receivers, including Gavin Robertson (’16) who was recently offered by the University of Wyoming. Jensen speaks highly of Ryan Lacey (’16), Ki’Jan Weisinger (’16) and Vaughn Daggs (’16), who combined for 1,300+ yards and 14 touchdowns through the air.
Jensen was the leading rusher last season, but they also return their second leading rusher, Bitner Wilson (’16), who will also anchor the Lion defense from his spot at linebacker.
Justin Hardaway (’17) is an athlete Jensen mentions along with the rest of the offensive skill players, saying, “Justin didn’t have a lot of varsity time last year; however, we will incorporate his talent and athletic ability into the game, this season.”
The Lions return four members of the offensive line that saw significant playing time a season ago. Andre Pellow, Justin Mills and Caleb Arciaga have all been working very hard this offseason, and Jensen is very excited about their progress. The fourth member is Antonio Correa, who is also a key member of the defense, and will be a three year starter at linebacker.
With plenty of talent and a great coaching staff, Jensen and company will be one to watch this coming season. You will surely hear more about the Lions as we get closer to the season, as they have the makings of something special in 2015.
