Interview: 12-Offer 4-Star 2023 Washington ATH/DE Jayden Wayne Increasing Workload

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Each high school football season gives rise to new talents that set a scorching path towards the collegiate ranks. One of those players optimizing his opportunities while capturing the imagination of all who saw him was Class of 2023 defensive end/tight end/receiver Jayden Wayne.

In more ways than one, Wayne is not your typical freshman. Tipping the scales and stretching the tape at 6-5, 235-pounds, he’s an adult in a young man’s body. Still, that body had the strength to collide against 3A Washington offensive linemen working for 27 tackles, five quarterback hurries, two sacks, a pass deflection, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. As Lincoln High School worked to a 10-3 finish, they started incorporating Wayne into their offensive set laying the groundwork for the future. When the 2020 season kicks off, Wayne will get increased time at tight end and receiver.

As the four-star Tacoma area recruit prepares for a big sophomore season, he took a break from his activities to update us on his workouts and his recruiting process that includes 12 scholarship offers.

*Click link for Aug. 10 RNG interview with Jayden Wayne

Interview

Jayden, your reel from the 2019 season tells a different and much better story than your stat line. You were getting after it at the varsity level, but were you also playing JV ball?

I played one game at the JV level, mostly at receiver.

At the JV level, was that focus more for you as a receiver?

Getting better with the plays.

As an end on the Abes varsity, you were playing beyond your grade classification shedding blocks and using your speed to create chaos in the opposition’s backfield. When the year ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on that side of the ball?

My speed, my hand movement, my length, my strength and making tackles.

Which positions are you playing during the 2020 season?

I will be on both offense and defense at outside linebacker and end and on offense at tight end and receiver.

What kind of workouts and lifts have you been doing this offseason to prepare for that workload?

I have been working on agility, strength, and FSP: bench, power clean, front squats, hips, mobility, footwork, speed, and power movements.

With your speed work, what are you doing to improve upon that?

Resistance training and running hills.

Focusing on your defensive technique, what drills have you been doing?

Hand movements, getting around the end, bending, and my strength.

Trying out any new moves?

Yes, I have been working on the chop more and the chop-rip.

And what about on offense? How are you pushing your technique to another level there?

I have been working on better routes, footwork, cutting corners, and how to use my body.

What is the Abes’ practice schedule right now?

We are not practicing.

When does the 2020 season begin in Washington?

Not until March.

Have they announced when you can go back for football practices?

We don’t know yet.

Let’s talk about something fun, let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

Notre Dame, LSU, Florida, and Oklahoma.

The offers have been rolling in for you, how many do you have?

I have 12 offers.

Which programs were the last couple to offer you?

Wazzu (Washington State) and Arkansas.

Wayne’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Florida Atlantic, Nebraska, Oregon, Tennessee, UNLV, USC, Washington, and Washington State

When visits are allowed again in 2021, are there any programs you’d like to go see?

Yes, I would like to visit Tennessee, USC, LSU, Florida, and Oklahoma.

With the offseason extended until March, what goals have you set for the rest of the winter?

Getting bigger every day and increasing my confidence.

Jayden, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success with your continued offseason workouts.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Wayne family; Jayden Wayne