Interview: 3-Star 2021 Virginia LB Jayden Truesdale Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Virginia 5A high school running backs, if Class of 2021 linebacker Jayden Truesdale tells you he will meet you in the alley, don’t do it. The 6-0, 225-pound, thumper on Princess Anne’s squad comes to the party angry, and you are the reason. He has already racked up an estimated 40 tackles in the 3-1 start for the Cavaliers this season drawing college scouts along the east coast his way.
In the middle of a big junior season and with offers on the table from East Carolina, Florida, Liberty and UNC-Charlotte, I spent a few minutes with Truesdale in a catch-up interview receiving an update on all that is going on in Virginia Beach.
*Click link for April 29, 2019, RNG video interview with Jayden Truesdale
Interview
Jayden, I saw you last when you were in the middle of your spring workouts. How did the summer grind go for you?
“It went well, very well actually. I got faster, more explosive and I leaned out.”
Which areas of your game did you focus on for your junior year?
“I started picking up on things faster, I have been doing that really well this year. I worked on my coverage. My coverage right now is excellent. I improved a lot on that.”
Where are you seeing the payoff on the field?
“My overall strengths are knowing where the plays are going, coming downhill, and my coverage.”
Which game has been your best?
“My best game was the last game against Ocean Lakes.”
What did you do in that game to make it your best yet?
“I was reading my keys, coming downhill, being a playmaker, and doing my job.”
As mentioned, you guys fought hard for 29-28 double-overtime win against Ocean Lakes last Friday. How thrilling was the win for you and the team?
“Man, that left me speechless. We lost to them last time. We knew we were going to come out and beat them this time. We let them get away in the second half, but we came back.”
The team goes on the road to face Kellam (2-1) this Friday. What kind of showdown can the fans expect?
“We are going to come out 10-times harder. We have not gotten comfortable or complacent after beating Ocean Lakes.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Cincinnati, Louisville, ODU (Old Dominion), Marshall, Coastal Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Kentucky, and Clemson.”
Last time we spoke you had two offers, have you picked up more since then?
“Yes. I have four offers now. I picked up Liberty and UNC-Charlotte.”
Over the offseason, did you visit any programs?
“Yes. I went to Clemson and UNC-Charlotte.”
Tell me about the Clemson visit.
“It was great. I went with Tony Grimes. I talked to the coaches, Coach (Mike) Reed (CB) and Coach (Todd) Bates (DL). They showed us around; it was a great visit.”
And the UNC-Charlotte visit?
“That was great. That was an unexpected visit. I was surprised, Tony and I were both surprised in a positive way. They are going to do big things with their program.”
Are there any visits you may take coming up?
“I plan on visiting Liberty soon. I also plan on visiting Florida again and Alabama wants me to go to one of their games.”
Jayden, it was fun catching up with you today. I hope you and the rest of the Cavaliers squad takes care of business until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Truesdale family; Jayden Truesdale at UNC-Charlotte