40 Facts About Jake Retzlaff

Early Life and High School Career

Jake Retzlaff's journey to becoming BYU's starting quarterback began in Corona, California. His early years were filled with sports and family support.

1. Jake Retzlaff was born in Corona, California, where he grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged his athletic pursuits.
2. He attended Centennial High School in Corona, where he excelled in both football and baseball, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted his high school career, canceling his senior year and limiting his opportunities to gain recognition from top college programs.

Community College Years

After high school, Retzlaff took his talents to community college, where he began to make a name for himself.

4. Jake attended Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, where he threw for 3,302 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2021.
5. In 2022, he transferred to Riverside City College, where he threw for 4,596 yards and 44 touchdowns, leading RCC to the California Community College championship game against San Mateo.
6. His performance at Riverside City College earned him the top spot in ESPN’s JUCO rankings for the 2023 recruiting cycle, highlighting his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.

BYU Recruitment and Early Challenges

Despite his success in junior college, Retzlaff's recruitment journey to BYU was not straightforward.

7. Retzlaff’s recruitment was initially under the radar due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but his performance at RCC eventually caught the attention of BYU coaches.
8. He signed with BYU in January 2023, marking a significant step in his football career.
9. Initially, he planned to learn the BYU offense and appear in a few games while preserving his redshirt season, but his role evolved quickly.
10. Jake Retzlaff is the first Jewish athlete to start at quarterback for BYU, a milestone given the university's affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
11. During spring practice, he faced challenges due to tonsillitis that required surgery, yet he immersed himself in the playbook and quickly became the No. 2 quarterback.

First Starts and Early Struggles

Retzlaff's initial games as BYU's starting quarterback were a learning experience filled with ups and downs.

12. His first start at BYU was against West Virginia, where he faced a tough opponent and navigated the challenges of playing at a higher level.
13. Early starts were marred by turnovers and mistakes, including an interception on the first play of the game against Iowa State, contributing to a 45-13 loss.
14. In his first four games, he committed six turnovers, including a costly pick-six against Oklahoma that changed the game's trajectory.

Improvement and Leadership in 2024

Despite early struggles, Retzlaff showed significant improvement in the 2024 season, leading BYU to several victories.

15. He led the Cougars to four straight wins to open the season, earning a No. 22 spot in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
16. In the season opener against Kansas State, he threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns, leading BYU to a dominant 38-9 victory.
17. BYU’s defense and special teams played crucial roles in their victories, with the defense forcing three turnovers against Kansas State and the special teams contributing a punt return touchdown.
18. Retzlaff’s leadership on the field has been a key factor in the Cougars’ success, showing the ability to stay calm under pressure and make crucial plays.
19. The BYU offense, under offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, has shown significant improvement, with Retzlaff’s ability to run and improvise making the offense more dynamic.
20. His mobility has helped turn around the BYU run game, with the team running for 217 yards against a stout Oklahoma defense.

Key Performances and Stats

Retzlaff's performances in critical moments have been instrumental in BYU's success.

21. He has been instrumental in converting critical fourth downs, including three out of three fourth downs against Oklahoma, one of which was a touchdown pass to Chase Roberts.
22. In a game against Oklahoma State, he led a two-minute drive that kept BYU in the game, making crucial throws and runs under pressure.
23. Against Oklahoma, his adjusted completion percentage was 70.8%, despite being pressured on 30% of his drop-backs and being sacked just once.

Challenges and Competition

Retzlaff faced competition and challenges but managed to secure his position as the starting quarterback.

24. The Cougars face a challenging schedule in 2024, with five opponents ranked in the Top 25, requiring Retzlaff to continue his improvement.
25. He faced competition from incoming transfer Gerry Bohanon Jr. during the offseason, but retained the starting job after a strong performance in fall camp and the first game of the season.
26. Gerry Bohanon, a former Baylor starter and Sugar Bowl champion, transferred to BYU in 2023, becoming the backup quarterback.
27. BYU’s depth chart includes Retzlaff, Bohanon, Treyson Bourguet, and McCae Hillstead, ensuring capable backups are ready to step in if needed.

Coaching and Team Dynamics

The coaching staff and team dynamics have played a significant role in Retzlaff's development and success.

28. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick emphasizes taking care of the football, with the team’s success in previous years largely due to quarterbacks who did not turn the ball over.
29. Roderick meticulously tracked Retzlaff’s turnover ability through spring practices, helping him improve his ball-handling skills and reduce turnovers.
30. Continuity in the offense, including four of five returning offensive linemen and a bevy of receivers, contributed to Retzlaff’s growth as a quarterback.
31. Gerry Bohanon brought veteran presence and leadership to the team, but Retzlaff’s command of the offense ultimately won out.

Personal Journey and Community Support

Retzlaff's personal journey and the support from the BYU community have been crucial in his development.

32. His journey to becoming a starting quarterback is a testament to his perseverance and hard work, from being an under-recruited high school player to the first Jewish athlete to start at quarterback for BYU.
33. BYU has a history of supporting and celebrating diversity among its athletes, fostering a supportive environment for all students.
34. The BYU community has rallied around Retzlaff, supporting him through his challenges and celebrating his successes.
35. He has received significant media attention, both locally and nationally, making him a subject of interest for sports analysts and fans.
36. Retzlaff is active on social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing insights into his life as a college athlete.
37. The BYU fan base has been enthusiastic about Retzlaff, attending games in large numbers to support him.

Future Prospects

As Retzlaff continues to lead BYU, his future in football looks promising.

38. The college football landscape is highly competitive, with many talented quarterbacks vying for recognition, making Retzlaff’s success a testament to his skill and dedication.
39. In 2023, BYU joined the Big 12 Conference, marking a significant change in the team’s schedule and competition level, with Retzlaff’s performance crucial in helping the team adapt.
40. His ability to improve and adapt under pressure positions him well for potential opportunities in professional football or other athletic endeavors.

Jake Retzlaff: A Rising Star at BYU

Jake Retzlaff's journey from an under-recruited high school athlete to BYU's starting quarterback is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Corona, California, and overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made a name for himself at Golden West and Riverside City Colleges. His impressive stats and leadership skills caught BYU's eye, leading to his recruitment. As the first Jewish quarterback at BYU, Retzlaff has faced unique challenges but has shown resilience and determination. His ability to improvise, run, and lead the team has been pivotal in BYU's recent successes. With a tough schedule ahead, Retzlaff's continued growth will be crucial. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and breaking barriers. As he leads BYU, his future in football looks bright, and fans eagerly await his next moves.