Interview: 2022 Centennial CB Jaden Mickey Talks Football and Five-Pick Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When looking over a roster, coordinators on both sides of the ball look for a weak link to exploit and then attack. Entering the 2019 season, California defensive coordinators thought it might be a good idea to attack Jaden Mickey, because he is a first-year varsity starter for Centennial High School (8-2). But the standout sophomore was having none of that. The 5-11, 155-pound, rising star for the 27th ranked team in the nation put an end to 27 plays with 14 solo stops, a tackle for a loss, three passes broken up, and took five passes the other way.
The play on the field has helped the Huskies into the playoffs and brought his first college offer from Utah. For an update on all that he has going on, we sat down for a quick one-on-one.
*Click link for July 7, 2019, RNG interview with Jaden Mickey
Interview
Jaden, how did the 2019 regular season go for you with Centennial?
“It was good. I ended up with five interceptions and 30-plus tackles. I will keep working to improve my game through the playoffs.”
Five picks. Wow. What was working for you to get five picks this season?
“Our coverages and schemes. The ball was coming to me a lot this season giving me opportunities to make plays. I am good at disguising my coverage.”
Which coverages have you guys been running this season in the secondary?
“Cover 2 and Cover 4, a lot of man too.”
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game this season?
“My man cover skills and my overall technique have improved. I was able to shut down guys in press and off-man coverages, in zone coverage as well. My safeties and I have had good chemistry this season. We have worked well on the field together.”
Are you getting any extra work in during the season on the side?
“Yes. On Sunday morning, I am working on my technique and working towards the next game with the trainers at Rharebreed. We look at the last game to improve on the craft and get prepared for the next game.”
How is that extra work with Rharebreed helping you during the season?
“It is helping me become more aware on the field. I am more aware of what might come at me and I am prepared for the releases of the receivers I am going up against.”
As a sophomore going up against guys a couple of years older and guys that are four- and three-star recruits, what has been the toughest challenge for you taking all of that on in games?
“Guarding speedy receivers is tough, but I got a lot of practice guarding (four-star) Gary Bryant in practice, so I was able to do it in our games.”
How has work against the speedy receivers made you better?
“I always have to work on my technique, if not, I will get beat. The fast receivers have helped me back into my coverage using my technique. Everything is crisper and I have better footwork.”
The Huskies have taken on a lot of very talented teams this season. Of them all, which game has been your best?
“The Orange Lutheran game. I had a pick-six for 50-yards. I was on top a lot of their quick screen routes and came up quick in run support to make tackles for short gains.”
Nice. Jaden, congratulations on a successful regular season and good luck to you and the Huskies in the playoffs starting with JSerra Catholic (6-4) on Friday.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Centennial HS; No. 20 Jaden Mickey
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