Interview: 2017 Michigan 4-Star SS Jaylen Kelly Powell Updates Season and Recruiting

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Sometimes less is more and when it comes to Class of 2017 safety Jaylen Kelly-Powell there is not a lot to say about him that two pieces of shared information will do on its own. Kelly is one of the top players in the 2017 class supported by at least 42 college scholarship offers.

Kelly has been a star player for Detroit’s Cass Tech busting onto the scene during his sophomore season. Through the 2014-15 campaigns, the 6-0, 180 pound, stalwart has been the second leading tackler on the team. The 2015 schedule ended with a 12-3 record making a run to the championship game against Romeo but the Technicians appear to be hitting on all cylinders in 2016 jumping out to a 6-0 record.

When evaluating Kelly, there is so much to like. He plays instinctively, is hard hitting, and takes each snap with a sense of urgency. He is the true all-around safety able to cover deep and come up to snuff out the rung game. Even though he is already playing at a high level of ability at the high school level, he still has a lot of upside making him a potential impact player for one lucky college.

The hopeful colleges extending offers run the gambit of the top programs in the nation which includes Michigan State, Ohio State, Auburn, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Carolina, Cal, Duke, Indiana, Iowa State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, Pitt, and South Carolina to name a few. The list of many has been narrowed down to five with official visits taken to or set with Nebraska (Sept. 2), Oregon (Sept. 9), Wisconsin (Oct. 14), Alabama (Oct. 22), and Michigan (Dec. 10).

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Kelly going over his senior season to date and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Jaylen, how is the 2016 season going for you?

“It’s going great. I’m getting better each game. I’m working on technique and going against the best players on every team. It’s going great. There is still room for improvement.”

What did you work on in the off-season to prepare for the 2016 season?

“My cover skills and off the line technique.”

What are some of the biggest gains you have made with your game from last year?

“My cover skills have gotten better and my open field tackling. Just about everything really.”

How does Cass Tech look going into the back half of the schedule? Do you guys have the team to make another run to the state title game?

“Yes, I believe we will. We have to stay disciplined and do what is asked of us, and have fun doing it.”

Any games you are getting pumped for above the others?

“I’m pumped to play every game.”

You have five visits set with three left to go (Wisconsin Oct. 14, Alabama Oct. 22, and Michigan Dec. 10). Are your official visits your Top 5?

“Yes, they are my final five.”

When you take your official to Wisconsin what will you be looking for or hoping to learn about the Badgers program?

“I’ll mostly watch how the defensive backs play. I’m looking forward to seeing the campus and the facilities – everything.”

What are the most important factors for you when you breakdown a school?

“Education is the first thing. How they treat their players and the environment.”

Do you have an idea when you might commit?

“No, not yet.”

Are you going to take all five visits and then announce a Top 3 or 2?

“I don’t know yet.”

This past weekend there were a lot of great college football games. Did you get to watch any and if so which games caught your eye?

“I enjoy watching all of them. I watch teams to see how the players’ techniques.”

Jaylen, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your senior season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: touchthebanner.com; Jaylen Kelly-Powell at Michigan.

Photo credit: SooDetroit Magazine; No. 20 Jaylen Kelly-Powell.

Photo credit: mlive.com; No. 20 Jaylen Kelly-Powell gets a big hit on a receiver.