Interview: 3-Star 2021 QB Jaylen Henderson Updates Season with Chaminade

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2021 quarterback Jaylen Henderson knows a thing or two about playing with and against top national recruited talent. Henderson spent his sophomore season on the field with Narbonne competing with, and against in practice and in games, five-, four-, and three-star players. After a 1,381 yards season with 11 touchdowns and 256 yards rushing with six more scores, the 6-3, 197-pound, quarterback has taken his talents to Chaminade where his game is flourishing. The Eagles are 3-4 playing against Mission League foes with Henderson hitting 102-of-167 passes for 1,337 yards with eight scores and has already rushed for 396 yards with four more scores going up on the board.

College programs are liking what they are seeing with offers extended from Howard, Southern Miss, and William and Mary and a list of top schools showing interest. In an RNG catch-up interview, Henderson gave me the inside scoop on his move to Chaminade and his growing recruiting process.

Interview

Jaylen, in the offseason you transferred from Narbonne to Chaminade, how has the move gone for you so far?

“I really enjoy Chaminade. It’s a fun environment, yet challenging academically. They definitely prepare you for college and beyond. I currently have a 3.7 GPA and continue to challenge myself.”

Gelling with a new squad as a quarterback is never easy, but you are making it look simple. How have you connected so well with the receiving corps leading to a 61 percent completion rate?

“When I first got there, we stayed after practice to throw and to work on our timing. I am left-handed, it spins differently. We wanted to adjust to each other. I have also adjusted very well on the football team. We run a spread offence with a balance attack. My teammates and I have special bonds, and push each other to do our best on and off of the field. They look up to me as a leader and I’m proud of that.”

Which routes are you throwing to within the scheme?

“Slants, outs, digs, corners – we make adjustments for the team we are playing.”

How is your passing game coming along and showing improvement?

“My game has gotten much better from over the offseason. With the work put in, my accuracy is up, I am throwing on the run and I have more touch. I’m bigger, faster, and stronger. I have better pocket awareness, I am reading defenses better, and I am making better decisions.”

I knew you were athletic but you are showing off the wheels this season in the Eagles’ offense. How has that part of your game coming along this year?

“It is coming along very well; that was one of my goals. I am a passer first, but I am getting my running up to help the team.”

Of the seven games played, which has been your best so far?

“The game against Notre Dame was my best. That was a complete game. The offensive line did a great job protecting me. I was hitting my passes and making the right reads. I executed the coaches’ game plan spot on. Since it was our homecoming game, the energy from the crowd was definitely a plus.”

A turn to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“Teams that are reaching out and showing an interest are UCLA, Louisville, Colorado, Kansas, Utah, Penn State, Boise State, Rice, Fresno State, and San Diego State.”

Which schools have sent you game invites?

“Teams that have invited me to games this fall have been Louisville, UCLA, Kansas, Utah, and Colorado. I will try to make a few of the other ones listed.”

Have you taken any visits from the summer through this fall?

“Yes. I have taken visits to UNLV, San Diego State, Fresno State, and Arizona, all over the summer. I also visited UCLA this fall for a game.”

How did the UCLA game visit go?

“It went really well. I was there for the Oklahoma game. I got to see how they do things. I like their offense. They are one of the schools I can see myself going to.”

You guys host a very talented Alemany (5-1) team on Friday. What kind of game are you looking at against the Warriors defense?

“They have a good defense and they are very fast. We will execute the plan our coaches have in place.”

Jaylen, thanks for your time today and good luck the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Henderson family; Jaylen Henderson