Arizona Football: JT Hand takes “It’s Personal” to a different level

After sitting down with us previously, incoming 2021 Arizona Football commit JT Hand sat down with us again in a two-part interview.

JT (John Thomas) Hand has a legacy at Arizona Football, his dad Bryan Hand is a former Wildcat. So playing for his dad’s Alma Mater is very special for Hand.

He seems to be a perfect fit for this coaching staff and what they are looking for, PROs! JT is currently 6-foot-3 and has gained 10 pounds from his 247Sports profile weighing in now at 295 pounds. JT plays the Center and Guard position on the offense, which can only be a huge plus for the Wildcats.

To get your excitement level up, along with Kevin Barney, I was also privileged to interview JT and also asked his dad Bryan to tell us a bit about his son. Here is what he had to say:

"I’m excited for him to play at Arizona because that’s been his dream since he was a little boy.Secondly, it didn’t hit me personally until he came out for a camp that he was on the same practice field that I was on and really enjoying the experience.Third, is smash-mouth football is something that JT will truly enjoy!Fourth would be having JT being part of the personnel to turn this program around back to the time when I played is very humbling."

Here is part-2 of Interviewing JT Hand:

ZZ: What position coach will you be playing for and what guidance has he given you thus far?

JH: I’ll be playing for Coach Carroll and he’s focused building a bond with the players and having the players build that bond with each other to really form a strong team.

ZZ: What’s it like being around so many former NFL players and coaches?  

JH: It is absolutely the best thing for this program. If there is a staff that can get us from last year’s record to a championship in one year, it’s this one. Not only are they good for the team, but also individual players themselves. My goal is to make it to the NFL and having coaches who knows what it takes and can get me there is exactly what I’m looking for.

ZZ: “It’s Personal!” What does that mean to you especially due to your legacy with following in your dad’s footsteps? You have been a Wildcat all of your life, right?

JH: I don’t think the staff could’ve chosen a better phrase. That truly is the mentality on the team. And yes I take this especially to heart because I’ve been a Wildcat my whole life and I know this team is doing everything to bring AZ back.

ZZ:  Did you know any of the coaches personally through your dad?  

JH: Never knew any of the coaches personally although I’ve heard endless stories about Cecil, Bruschi, Waldrop, and Dick Tomey.

ZZ: Tell me about playing for your high school and what you took away from your teammates and coaches there…any motto that sticks in your mind?

JH: I think playing big-time high school football at a program like Mission Viejo is the biggest factor that has made me the player I am. I am getting the highest level training and playing against other future Power Five players every game.

Seeing players from Mission such as Jarrett Patterson who started at Notre Dame or Cole Smith who played at USC gave me a goal of what I need to be.

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Two mottos that stuck with me, the first from our D-line coach, Coach Moline who played at UCLA. He would tell us every day, “The two things you can always control are your attitude and effort.” The second is from my dad, you would tell me “You can only cheat yourself.” I think of these every time I have to drink a protein shake, go to the gym, condition, anything that starts to get tough I can think of these.

ZZ: What’s it like being on campus earlier than the rest of the class? Do you think it helps you prepare more and gives you more of a leadership role? 

JH: It’s pretty awesome being on campus. Getting here earlier is definitely an advantage on learning plays, strength and conditioning, and building relationships with players and coaches. And yes it does prepare me for a leadership when I am dialed in and can perform.

ZZ: What are you going to focus on in the off-season?

JH: Aside from working on the obvious plays, speed, strength. I am focusing on gaining as much mass and strength as I possibly can. I know that gaining weight and being able to move like a DB will make me the most dominant athlete I can be.

ZZ: I saw a video of you lifting, do you enjoy it? I know the players compete, what are you lifting right now? Bench Press and Dead Lift (Power Clean?), squat? Do you track your progress?

JH: Lifting is definitely one of my favorite aspects of the game. Right now my numbers are:

• Bench: 365
• Squat: 550
• Clean: 345
• Deadlift: 500

Yes, I like to keep track of my progress, so I can gauge where I need to be in the future to set goals.

JT plays total smash-mouth football:

ZZ: Anything you want to tell Wildcats fans?  

JH: I would tell the fans to get excited for the future years of Arizona Football and be ready for the second Desert Swarm!