Interview: 3-Star 2021 Missouri WR Jaylin Noel Earning Offers with All-Purpose Talents

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Line Jaylin Noel up and watch him go; it was a little more technical than that, but that thought about sums up the talent, speed, versatility, and athleticism he brought to the gridiron during the 2019 season. The Park Hill High School staff was not shy about being creative with their 5-11, 170-pound, play-maker having him rush 45 times for 251 yards with three touchdowns and got him in space on passing downs with 41 receptions covering 769 yards with nine trips into the end zone. On special teams, Noel returned eight kicks for 141 yards and took back eight punts for 59 more yards amassing over 1,200 all-purpose yards last season. Teams in the Big Ten and Big 12 are on Noel with 10 offers dropped and interest now spilling into the SEC and ACC.

After posting All-Conference and All-District honors, I went in-depth with Noel to see how he is pushing his game to the next level this offseason for his senior season.

Interview

Jaylin, your speed jumps out right away, but there are little aspects to your game that may get overlooked like the way you run your routes. Other than your speed, what do you feel makes you such a dangerous receiver for Park Hill?

“I feel like I can create space from the start of the route by getting on their toes or if they are playing off or pressing, I can get past them with my speed. My route running in general as well. Being able to run my route based off the defense, those little things is a big part of my game helps me be a good receiver.”

As mentioned, your speed is blistering truly showcased on your 99-yard touchdown reception. How fast are you?

“My fastest 40 was a 4.45 last year. That was before my junior year over the summer. My fastest track time in 100, is 11-flat. I know I am faster than that. I had a nagging injury in track, but that is not excuse; I know I am faster than that.”

Lining up in the team’s Spread, they put you on the outside and inside. What were some of the routes you were running last season?

“It was the concepts which were basic; if on the outside single-side, they were trying to create space on a fade, post, or verts. In the trips, in the slot I would do a double move to get open from a linebacker or safety; the outside guy would run a rub. I was also getting the ball in the flats; get the ball quick in space and make a play. Most of the time I was in trips or with someone else getting a rub to get me or the other guy open or a short route.”

The coaches got the rock into your hands in the ground game, what were some of the designed play calls for you in the run game?

“We have a lot of jet sweeps. Usually our sweeps are to outrun the defense with more blockers on a side than they can account for. We also did a misdirection sweep and try to outrun the defense. Sometimes I’d line up at tailback on a pitch. Three or four times I ran an inside zone. I also did some Wildcat QB. I did an RPO, I had the option to read the end or linebacker and to run it or pass it.”

How did your overall game improve as an offensive player last season?

“My biggest improvement was my blocking. During the preseason, I really wanted to focus on that and become more physical. I was breaking down three-yards ahead, and getting stronger helped. I am continuing to work on it. In college you have to block before you get the ball. A lot of the small things improved. I dropped way less passes last year. I have gotten faster.”

Which areas of your game are most important for you to work on this offseason?

“Blocking, like I said, perfecting my technique, and getting off press coverage. I don’t have trouble getting off the press in high school but in college getting off a press may be more difficult. I am using my feet and hands to get off that press. I am working on how to run my route verse man coverage, press, or off the ball. I am learning how to create confusion with their hips to get more wide-open.”

Are you taking on any new roles in 2020? Will we see you on defense next season?

“Definitely on offense, I am not sure where else. I will play some quarterback, running back, and of course some receiver. Wherever I can help the team the most I will be. I may play more outside than slot or more slot than outside; we’ll see.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Missouri, Kentucky, Stanford, West Virginia, and Louisville.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 10 offers.”

Noel’s Offer Sheet (10): Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota State, Tulsa, and Wisconsin

Have you visited any schools over the last few months?

“Yes.  I have been to Nebraska, K-State, and Iowa State for Junior Days. I also went on game days to those three and I have been to Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, and Notre Dame.”

Busy man. How did the Nebraska visit go?

“It went very well. I feel like the thing that stood out was their nutrition and fitness program. It is very important to them to focus on health with players. That was big for me seeing how important it was to them.”

And Iowa State, how did that go?

“They were the first school after South Dakota State to offer me. They were my first Power Five offer. I have been there for game day and Junior Day. The atmosphere is great there. The fans love their players. I saw more of the campus on my last visit, and the coaches are great. They showed me how I can fit into the program. It was a really good visit.”

What about the K-State trip? How did that go?

“I have been there twice. This visit I liked a lot because it was one-on-one with the coaches. I saw their facilities and met with their academic advisor. It was an informative visit and it was good to know all that I learned. I learned a lot about them. When making a decision, I know what they have to offer. It was a really good visit.”

Are you planning any other trips coming up?

“In March, I am going to try to visit Iowa and Wisconsin. Those two are for sure, any other schools I may visit I am not sure of right now.”

Last question for you. Are you competing in any other sports for Park Hill?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 4×1, 4×2, and high jump.”

Jaylin, it was a lot of fun learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Noel family; Jaylin Noel at Nebraska and Iowa State