Interview: 4-Star 2020 Norco DE Jaden Navarrette Having Breakout Season as a Receiver
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Entering the 2018 season, the recruiting world was well aware of defensive end Jaden Navarette, but not Jaden Navarrette the receiver. The 6-3, 215-pound, defender has earned the athlete label during his junior year adding his abilities to Norco High School’s offense in the form of 35 receptions for 654 yards with seven touchdowns in 11 games. The production on the field has the Cougars at a 9-2 mark entering the second round of the CIF Division II playoffs and scholarship offers piling up on the table.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the four-star recruit to see how his season has gone overall with an update on his recruiting process and a quick preview of Norco’s showdown against Upland.
*Click link for July 14, 2018, RNG video interview with Jaden Navarrette
Interview
Jaden, the Cougars jumped all over Redlands East Valley in the opening round of the playoffs winning 52-22. How did the game go overall for you guys?
“That game went well for us with our pass and run. Our defense came out to play. I played a little bit of defense this time. I didn’t get to against them last time. We are looking good. We have grown a lot throughout the season. I think we have a really good chance to win CIF and state.”
Since facing No. 6 nationally ranked Centennial, you guys have been laying it on the opposition. What is working so well for you guys on offense?
“What has been working well, we are working as one. We are on the same page with the coaches. We do not play as individuals, we play as a family. Everyone is doing their assignment.”
You are having a breakout season as a receiving target, what are you doing well allowing you to work-over the opposing defense the way that you are?
“I am able to go up for the ball, I am running good routes, and my QB and I have our timing down. I am good off the press and I use my body a lot to create space.”
How has your overall game improved?
“I have improved by being fast and stronger and working on my hands.”
What about as a defensive end?
“At defensive end, my speed around the edge has improved. I have improved some of my moves like the club and the rip.”
During the playoffs are you going to play more at defensive end?
“Yes. I’d like to play both on sides of the ball in college. But, I know not many people get to do so. With college, I think defensive end is the best spot for me.”
Which game this season has been your best?
“I think I have a couple of games that were really good. I come out every time to play. Servite was a good game for me. I had three touchdowns in that game. In our last game, I had three sacks and a touchdown. That was a pretty good game too. Roosevelt was a big game too. I had two touchdowns in that game and a lot of yards.”
How are college coaches responding to your season?
“The college coaches are very excited with my stats. UDUB (Washington) has called me about playing both sides. A lot of schools are now wanting me as a receiver and defensive end.”
Nice. Which colleges are showing interest right now but have not offered yet?
“Clemson, Arkansas, Cal, Texas A&M, and Texas are all showing interest.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I think I have 14 or 15 offers.”
Which were the last two or three schools to offer you?
“Nebraska, Utah, and Oregon State.”
Navarrette’s reported offer sheet: USC, Oregon, UCLA, Washington, Nebraska, Colorado, Michigan, Hawaii, Oregon State, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State
I know the focus is on the playoffs, but once the season is over might you take any unofficial visits?
“I have a couple I want to take, A&M and Colorado, but I don’t know about the others yet.”
Last question. You guys get a very tough Upland team on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from the Highlanders?
“I’m expecting a good game. They run the ball a lot. We can run and pass. I don’t know how they will stop our passing game. It is the playoffs, Upland always comes to play in the playoffs. We expect a tough game. It will not be easy.”
Jaden, I appreciate your time today and good luck on Friday against Upland.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Norco High School; Jaden Navarrette