B.C. Lions QB Jonathon Jennings is just 23 years old, yet he finds himself in a playoff race in his first year as a professional. His play has been very hard to criticize and there’s a bit of ‘that magic’ in his game. Quite the feat for the young pivot that puts him ahead of, or in a similar position to, the CFL’s most elite quarterbacks. I caught up with Jennings last night, for some Q & A, and he answered all of the questions I had like a seasoned pro.
Q and A With Jonathon Jennings
Q: How are you enjoying Vancouver, the CFL, and the Lions organization?
A: I’m having a good time. This city is great and the organization is great as well. We have a good team.
Q: Were there any nerves that first time you were asked to run the offence in a game?
A: Not really, surprisingly. I have been preparing myself for a while to be ready for my moment and it felt natural. I went out there just trying to have fun and make plays.
Q: You did just that. How’s your relationship with offensive coordinator Cortez?
A: It’s good. He’s a guy that likes to work hard, just as I do. He appreciates the game and is serious about what he does, just as I am, and anyone has to respect that.
Q: This group of Lions receivers really seems to play hard for you, maybe harder than for other Lions quarterbacks. Is that a misperception? If not, why do you suppose that is?
A: They’ve played hard all year. Sometimes things can be a misperception based on different results. I’m a different player than Travis and John. I look to throw the ball down field even when it might not be the best option. I’ve given my guys a chance on plays that maybe Travis and John wouldn’t have tried, but the receivers are just making plays.
Q: Are there any particular defenders you don’t like to play against or who have given you a hard time?
A: Honestly, I haven’t had any negative things from defenders. I’ve expected to hear a lot more trash talk, but haven’t heard much of anything. I love playing against competitors.
Q: Interesting – but the CFLPA are a closer knit group then some other leagues. Did you get lots of trash talk at Saginaw Valley State (University)? If so, can you dish it out too?
A: Didn’t get a lot other than my rival school Grand Valley. I only talk if the other team does.
Q: Were there any CFL quarterbacks that you watched, outside of Travis, to prepare yourself for the CFL? Anyone who you modelled your game after in any league?
A: I tuned into a couple of games. Didn’t really watch too many guys. I liked Bo Levi Mitchell and Zach Collaros. I would say I model my game off of guys like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. Both use their arms first, but can extend and make a play with their legs.
Q: I was going to say Rodgers for sure! Did you get to know Jordan at all?
A: Not too well, but he was awesome for the couple of days I knew him.
Q: There was a lot of change this off-season with coaches Tedford and Cortez coming in. How much do you think that had to do with the current place you find yourselves in the western standings?
A: I think they’ve done a good job as a coaching staff. We’ve been really unfortunate this year with the way games have ended. Ultimately, it’s up to us players to win the game.
Q: With the remaining schedules for the Lions, Bombers and Alouettes, nothing really changed last week and that leaves fans wondering — will you guys be able to scratch and claw yourselves into the playoffs this year?
A: We should. We’ve had multiple opportunities but we have a good team. Just have to find find a way to be one point ahead with the clock at the zeros.
Thank you Jonathon. I hope fans feel they know this young B.C. Lions quarterback a little better. Jennings is a smart guy with a degree in Finance, which is his ultimate back-up plan. He’s extremely accommodating and friendly and he’s a special player who I predict will be a household name soon if he isn’t already.
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