Interview with Mark Jetton
Which schools were you looking at primarily?
Duke, Maryland and Virginia. I was also being recruited by Clemson, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, North Carolina, North Carolina State and Kentucky.
Which of those schools did you visit?
I went to Duke, Carolina, North Carolina State, Wake Forest and Virginia.
Talk about your visit to Virginia, what was it like?
I really enjoyed it. I came there back in the spring for an unofficial visit. It was on a Saturday. Virginia had an intra-squad scrimmage that day. I got to go to the new stadium. I got to watch the scrimmage, then Coach Wilmer took me around the campus.
Was Coach Wilmer your recruiting coach?
Yes.
What did you think of Coach Wilmer?
I thought he was a great guy. Coach Wilmer was my high school coach's head coach when he was in high school. He and my coach are a lot alike. They're both great guys - straightforward, tell it like it is.
Why the early decision?
I decided to get it off my shoulders. I decided to play out my senior year and not have to worry about the recruiting and everybody bothering me. Also, in case of injury or something… you don't want to think about that, but just in case, I still have a scholarship.
Is this a firm commitment from you?
This is a firm commitment. When I give my word, I back it up.
Is it important that you play near home?
It was to some importance, even though I went out of state. Virginia is only four to four and a half hours away. All of the other colleges in North Carolina are about three to three and a half, so there really isn't that much of a difference. Four hours really isn't that much.
Did you look at North Carolina seriously?
Yes, I did. They were probably my first option, because I grew up as a North Carolina fan. I don't know - their staff and their coaches really weren't what I was looking for. It didn't feel right.
Did education play an important part in your decision?
Definitely. I felt that Virginia was a great academic school along with a great football program. Virginia is one of the best packages in the nation, where you can get can great academics and football.
How are your grades?
I keep my grades up. I was around a 3.0. I was on the honor roll three of the four quarters this year.
Have you taken the SAT's?
Yes, I had a 960.
What do you enjoy most about playing football?
I just love the game. A football team is like a family.
Did you grow up around football, or were there other hobbies?
As a little kid, I was an athlete. I played baseball, football and basketball. At first, I thought I'd be a baseball player, but as I grew, football was sort of my blood. My uncle was an All-American in high school and went on to play at South Carolina. My dad played at Elon. And, I have a second cousin who played in the pros, Deno Hackett. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the late 80's.
What is your biggest asset on the field?
I think I'm a really smart player. I've got great football sense; I've been around it all my life. I know the game really well.
Are there any areas where you think you need to improve?
As a tight end, I'd like to improve my blocking. I've got great hands and good speed. I have no problem catching the ball and running, I'm like a receiver as a tight end. You can always improve on your blocking, and Coach Wilmer is a great blocking instructor.
Is tight end your primary position, above defensive end?
Yes sir.
Do you think that tight end is where you'll play at Virginia?
Yes. [Besides tight end,] I actually played linebacker at my school. I've never played defensive end, but they're moving me there this year because of my body type.
One of the other Virginia commitments is tight end Patrick Estes. Why did that not scare you off?
I can't look at the people coming in my class, because they have to start from scratch just like I have to. I just look at people who are already there. When you come in as a freshman, everybody's at the same level. I really can't worry about who's coming in. Virginia also uses two tight ends a lot. I played against Estes this year, and he plays defense as well. You never know what will shake out. He's a tall guy. He's a pretty good player.
When you're not playing football, what do you like to do (hobbies)?
I'm a big weight lifter. I hit the gym real hard. I'm a real workaholic. This summer, I've been working out with the Steelers' Levon Kirkland. He stays in Charlotte in the off-season. We've been working hard together. We go at 8 o'clock in the morning on Saturdays, and on Wednesdays, going to parks, running hills and stairs.
Is the NFL something you've got your eye on?
Definitely. That's been my main goal. Every football player grows up wanting to go into the NFL. I'm trying to stay focuses and keep my head on straight. A lot of people have great talent, and could probably make the NFL, but they don't keep their heads on straight.
If a pro football career weren't an option, what would you want to do after college?
I'm looking into majoring in Engineering or Sports Medicine. That's the great thing about a place like Virginia. If you have a degree from Virginia, that says something.
Do you want to play right away?
I'm the kind of guy that always wants to play right away. I want to set my goals high. I think I'm physically ready to play. I think that if I come there, and get into summer school so that I can get a jump-start on the system, and learn it… I think that my body's is mature enough so that I'll be physically ready. Right now, I'm about 230 pounds. If I can get up to about 250 when I report next year, I'll be the ideal size for a tight end.
What do you hope to accomplish at Virginia?
I'd like to come in there and make a name for myself, and help the team as much as possible - win more games, bring Virginia what they want to see - going to big bowl games, bringing them back to the top of the ACC, above Florida State.
Michael Ingalls, The Sabre, August 4th, 2000
Mark Jetton, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina committed to the University of Virginia on July 27th. Jetton averaged 24 yards per catch last season as a tight end. He also played linebacker, where he led the team with 93 tackles last season.
Mark Jetton