Interview: 1,400-Yard Arkansas All-State RB Jayvean Dyer-Jones Flying Under the Radar
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Speed kills on the gridiron, and Class of 2022 running back Jayvean Dyer-Jones is slaying the competition. Little Rock Christian’s (9-3) standout tailback dominated 5A defenses during the 2020 season rushing for 1,404 yards off 195 totes with 13 touchdowns nine times topping the 100-yard mark in the stats posted through 11 games. When given the opportunity to showcase it, Dyer-Jones is that all-purpose back capable of blocking for his quarterback and is a chain mover when targeted in the passing attack taking two passes 45 yards. The skills displayed earned Dyer-Jones All-State and All-Conference honors at the end of his breakout season.
Given all the talent and production, college programs regionally and nationally have not caught on to this dynamic talent, but the time is coming. Ready to compete against anyone anytime and anywhere, Dyer-Jones is preparing to catch the attention of college scouts this summer at various camps.
In an RNG first-look interview, Dyer-Jones stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed conversation.
Interview
Jayvean, on some of these running play… I watched them a couple of times over, still not sure how you did it. The mix of power and determination allows you to go through arm tackles like hot butter. When the lights turn on come Friday, what sparks those competitive juices to perform at such an elite level?
Our coaches, they prep us for the week and fire us up in practice, after that we are ready for game day. When the lights come on, after not hitting anyone for two days during the week, I am ready to go to work and show people what I can do.
What offensive scheme were the Warriors running during the 2020 season?
We run a lot of Spread, but we can do anything. We don’t want to run one offense. It all depends on the team we are playing.
How was the offensive coordinator feeding you the rock?
A lot of handoffs, power, inside zone, and some counters. Any kind of run scheme, we did it – toss plays, screen plays, typical running back plays.
In which game did you turn in your top performance of the season?
My top game was definitely the Clarksville game. I had 189 yards rushing with two touchdowns.
How did your skillset grow during your junior campaign?
It really grew when I put on some weight. Coming into my junior season, during the offseason I was about 175 pounds. I hit the weights over the summer and got up to 185 pounds. Adding that weight, that improved my game. Last season I was running through arm tackles and added power to those inside plays.
Is there a trait to your game that might get overlooked?
My balance and my ability to run through first contact. I never get tackled by one person; my coach emphasizes that. Coach Anderson always tells me that, that I should never let one person tackle me. I am good at blocking too. We emphasize that here too. Our coach makes sure we can do that if needed. I didn’t catch a lot last season, but I can. Why change it up when the run game is working.
What are the attributes to your game that make you so dangerous out of the backfield?
I am a downhill runner but at the same time on an outside zone I can do that as well because of my speed. I am a good blocking back too. My elusiveness and my balance, that plays a big role. Getting to the first level and breaking the tackles in the second level are strengths to my game.
When the 2021 season gets going are you adding any new roles?
I will be on special teams on kick return and kickoff. Kickoff is something I like to do. I like to get the butterflies out and tackle someone on the first play of the game. After running down field and hitting someone, the butterflies are gone and I am ready to play.
What are you working on with your skills this spring?
I am working on my hips, my flexibility, and I am working on my hands. I want to catch the ball more this season. My coaches and I have talked about that. When that happens, I will be ready for it. I want to not only be a true running back but also a true all-purpose back.
How are you further developing your speed?
We do a lot of auxiliary lifts, single leg lifts, and explosive workouts. Our offensive coordinator is also our strength and conditioning coach. He makes sure we are working on speed not just lifting weights. We do gassers, shuttles, and work on our 40. Working in the weight room is helping our running. We are improving our leg drive and getting stronger. That will play a big role with my speed.
Have you posted a 40-yard time this offseason?
Yes, sir. I got a 4.53 at school when we tested.
Are there any camps coming up you may attend?
Yes, I am attending a UCA (Central Arkansas) camp on June 6 and an Abilene Christian too.
Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Abilene Christian is showing interest and my head coach is talking to some coaches as well.
Are there any visits you may take this summer?
I will definitely go visit the schools that are showing interest in me. If a coach reaches out, I will try to make the visit happen.
Jayvean, it was a lot of fun putting the game film with the player today. Wishing you great success this offseason preparing for your senior year until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Dyer-Jones family; Jayvean Dyer-Jones