Interview: 3-Star 2021 California OLB Jaden Genova Talks Football and Oregon Offer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Consistently playing well on the gridiron against top competition always brings a next level spotlight. Jaden Genova (6-0, 200) had a breakout season with JSerra Catholic at outside linebacker in 2018 coming up with 78 tackles, 55 solo, 14 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, six QB hurries, one forced fumble, and one interception in 12 games played. With the help of Genova, the Lions emerged as one of California’s and the nation’s best teams ending the year with a No. 17 national MaxPreps ranking taking on Trinity League competition. For his efforts, the Class of 2021 defender has been extended an offer from Oregon with interest sure to grow over the coming months.
In an RNG stylized Q&A interview, I sat down with the three-star ranked recruit to learn more about his game and early recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jaden, the 2018 season had to be an amazing ride for you. The Lions finished the season ranked No. 17 nationally and you were a key contributor on both sides of the ball. How did the season go overall for you personally?
“It went really well. It felt rocky in the beginning, but as the year progressed, I progressed more and more.”
Before your sophomore season began, did you know you would have as big of a role on the team as you ended up having?
“No. I didn’t. I did think I would, honestly.”
Playing against all the top teams that you did, which game was the most challenging for you but helped make you better in the long run?
“I’d say the Mater Dei or Oaks Christian games.”
How did those games help make you a better player?
“In the Oaks Christian game, our defense was playing well, then we’d let up, and we kept having to battle back.”
Which game was your best in 2018?
“The St. John Bosco game was my best. In that game, I sacked DJ (Uiagalelei), blocked a punt, and had nine or 10 tackles.”
How did your game improve overall as a linebacker last season?
“My reads definitely got a lot better and my physicality got better. My blitzing improved along with the timing of my blitzes. My hitting – I feel everything got better.”
You played some on offense as well, will we see you take on a bigger role on that side of the ball in 2019?
“That’s up to our offensive coordinator.”
What have you been working on this offseason?
“I am working on my speed and trying to gain weight.”
Where do you want to enter your senior year with weight?
“I want to get up to 205 or 210.”
Are you playing 7v7 this spring?
“Yes. I am playing with Premium.”
You have an offer from Oregon, when and how did they offer you?
“They offered me in mid-December. They contacted one of my coaches and my coach told me.”
That’s great. What was that feeling like for you getting your first offer and getting it from a Power 5 program like Oregon?
“It was shocking. I had to take a step back to realize what just happened.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Arizona came to our school and talked to me, Oregon came in as well.”
Do you have any planned visits you might take in the coming months?
“I might visit Texas after the U.S. Army All-American combine.”
What’s the goal for the U.S. Army All-American Combine?
“I am always trying to get better and wanting to compete against the best.”
Jaden, I appreciate your time today. Good luck at the combine and with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”