Interview: 2020 WR Jaden Nash has Another Championship Goal Set but Now with Benton High School
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One can never underestimate the lessons learned from being part of a championship winning team. The hard work and dedication to the game becomes instilled and that work ethic continues forward be it on the field or in day to day life. During the 2017 season, Class of 2020 receiver Jaden Nash got a very good taste of what it takes to be a champion snagging passes as an underclassman on a senior laden Pulaski Academy squad. The Bruins won the 5A Arkansas state title a year ago and now Nash has his sights set on helping Benton High School achieve the same dream.
Nash was one of many talented receivers hauling in passes from then- senior quarterback Layne Hatcher (Alabama). Behind the big three of Trajen Johnson, Brett Lynch, and Hudson Henry, Nash worked his way into Hatcher’s circle of trust among the receiving corps hauling in 11 passes for 155 yards with two scores going up on the board. The 5-11, 170-pound, speedster transferred in the offseason to Benton ready to help one of the saltiest teams in the Natural State’s 6A classification. The Panthers enter the season loaded with talent and high expectations ranked No. 4 in the state in the 6A classification by MaxPreps.
With Benton’s season kicking off on Saturday, Aug. 25, against bitter rival Bryant (7A) in the Salt Bowl, I sat down for an exclusive interview with Nash covering his growing skills as a receiver, the Panthers’ fall camp, and got an inside glimpse of the Panthers’ mindset ahead of the showdown against Bryant.
Interview
Jaden, what have the team practices been like for Benton leading into the rivalry game to open the season against Bryant in the Salt Bowl?
“We are getting a lot of repetition on what they do. On offense, we are making sure we are seeing everything they might throw at us, same for the defense. Really, nothing different is going on than what any other team would do to prepare for a game.”
What is the mindset of the team this week, and what has it been like throughout fall camp?
“Our mindset has been to prove a point. We have not beaten Bryant in about 14 years, we feel that it is up to us to do it. We feel we are a great team. We feel we have a chance to win a state championship this year.”
Leading up to this big moment, which parts of your game did you work on this offseason?
“I tried to perfect my route running. I have great feet, and I am trying to perfect the fundamentals. This summer was all about the fundamentals. I focused a lot on route running.”
During the 2017 season you played with Pulaski Academy capturing a 5A Arkansas state title, looking back, what was that run like for you?
“That was a great experience. Being a young guy, I had never experienced something like that. To experience that first-hand was big and awe inspiring.”
You just mentioned working on your route running this offseason, entering your junior season, what are the strengths of your game as a receiver?
“I create a lot of initial separation and I create separation on the break of my routes. I can catch anything within a five-yard radius, I worked on bad ball drills a lot this summer.”
What goals have you set for your junior year?
“The ultimate goal is a state championship. I want to put my name out there this year. I believe I am better than my stats last season. I am going out to prove to the world that I do have the talent to do big things. That is the goal of my junior season.”
Did you get a chance to camp at any colleges this summer?
“Yes, sir. I camped at Murray State and Tennessee-Martin.”
I know things are just starting to get going for you on the recruiting trail, but are you attracting any early recruiting interest?
“Yes, sir. I am receiving interest from UT-Martin, Murray State, and Missouri Western State.
Did you get a chance to visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I visited the three schools showing interest in me.”
Switching to the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
“My cumulative GPA is a 3.6.”
Nice. Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?
“Yes, sir. I scored a 21 on the ACT but I am going to retake it. I know I can achieve a better score.”
Do you play any other varsity sports?
“Yes, sir. I played basketball at PA and I will do the same at Benton.”
Jaden, thanks for your time today. Good luck in the Salt Bowl and with the entirety of your 2018 season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Nash family; Jaden Nash at Murray State (April 2018)