2024 Interview with quarterback A.J. Skoog from Landmark Christian

 

 

Name:

A.J. Skoog

School: 

I go to Charis Classical Academy (CCA), but I play football for Landmark Christian. 

Positions Played: 

I’ve played only QB since 8th grade.

Graduating Year:

C/O 2026

Height and weight:

6’0” 185lbs

What are you looking forward to the most this season?

Overall, I’m just excited to show off the work I’ve put in over the last few years. It’s always hard to work toward a goal without knowing if it’s paying off, so I just can’t wait to display that and let God do the rest.

What is the best part of being a member of the Landmark Christian football team?

I would say the culture. We don’t carry 100+ athletes on the team, which places a focus on individual development and work ethic. We’re always preparing the younger guys, and everyone is treated as an equal. 

What is it like to play for Coach Goodpaster?

Coach Mike has developed me a lot since I joined the program. He got me out of my comfort zone very early and did a great job adjusting me from the junior high to the varsity level. He’s always going to be incredibly honest with you, and I appreciate that as a QB. I think everyone needs a coach who isn’t going to sugarcoat things, because that’s the type of coach who will bring the best out of you.

What are your personal goals for the 2024 season?

I definitely want to make the All-Conference. I don’t have a specific number or record I’m shooting to break. I just want my full potential to be on display and to be looked at as a difference-maker in the offense.

What goals will you set for the team?

I think this is going to be a special team, and I just want to see them believe in themselves. I think a lot of kids sell themselves short, so I want to imbibe a different mentality in this team. If you’ve been around Landmark, the goal is always to bring home a Division 1 trophy from the nationals. It’ll be no different this year. 

What do you feel is your strongest part of your game?

I believe my arm separates me the most. I’m working a lot with my mechanics right now to optimize that, but I think my ability to get the ball out quick and away from defenders is what will give me an edge. I love throwing the deep ball, and with the speed I’ll have at receiver this year, that should be on full display.

What part of your game must you improve the most?

I think I can work a lot on my progress and reading. I’m a student of the game, but that type of thing comes with experience, which is what I’m starting to gain. Coach Mike is great at teaching that, and I’m confident that with all the films we watch, I’ll be good.

What are you doing during the off-season to improve your game?

I’ve developed an obsession for the weight room. I don’t think an athlete, especially in high school, can ever be too strong. I’ve brought my weight up by about 60 pounds in the last couple years and added significant strength to all my lifts. I’ve worked with Coach Mike a lot on the basics of throwing and gotten my consistency down. Jordan Kitna's “Quarterback Qorral” has also transformed me as a passer in a short amount of time, so I’m excited to see how that all translates. 

What is your favorite part of practice?

I love getting to work “indies” (individuals) with my receivers. It’s constant action, and I love getting to build chemistry with my guys.

As a quarterback, what is the worst type of weather to play in?

If you had asked me this two years ago, I would’ve said rain. Luckily, my hands have grown, and it’s not as much of an issue now, so I would say just the cold in general.

What game are you looking forward to the most this season?

I’m personally very excited to play Bexley. We play at their place, which looks like a decent venue, and there’s something about playing an away game in front of a crowd that I love.

Landmark Christian gets to play in some amazing college and pro stadiums. Could you share with the readers which pro and college stadiums the team has played in, along with the one that has been your favorite?

Yeah, so we’ve played at AT&T Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Wesleyan Stadium, and the Mount St. Joseph Stadium. By far, my favorite was AT&T.

What is your go-to snack?

I’d go with Reese's, but it’s got to be “Take 5.”

What is your favorite subject or class?

I’d have to pick language arts because I really enjoy writing essays, and I feel that comes more naturally than anything else.

What was the last book you read, along with the author?

The last book I read was “Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway.