Interview: 4-Star 2022 California CB Jaden Mickey is Ready to Take Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The natural abilities as a corner has always been there for Jaden Mickey, but all the right big next steps forward are being taken to become truly elite. The Class of 2022 talent got the late season call up to powerhouse Centennial High School’s varsity squad as a freshman and then he parlayed that experience into a second team MaxPreps All-American season as a sophomore. Mickey went up against top Division I California skill talent putting an end to 31 plays, 17 solo, with a tackle for a loss, a QB hurry, 11 passes broken up, and six picks. As one can imagine, the offers have started rolling in for the four-star recruit with 12 on the table.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Mickey takes time away from his fastidious workouts to update us on the growth of his game and recruiting process.
*Click link for April 10 RNG interview with Jaden Mickey
Interview
Jaden, whenever we talk, I am always interested to find out what you’ve been working on in your cornerback lab. Which technical areas of your game have you been focused on this summer?
(Laughs) I have been really working on my hands and getting my hands on receivers. That is a big thing with pressing. I have also been working on my footwork on the line; I can run with them but when I can touch them that will boost my game and confidence even more.
We’ve never been to a grocery or department store together, but I can visualize you going down the isles backpedaling and then getting that turn working on your hips. How much of your workouts do you devote to feeling comfortable staying low and square while rotating left or right mirroring a receiver?
(Laughs) Every time I work out, especially with Coach Rob (Rharebreed). I do the same drills with him to work on that muscle memory. I am keeping my hips loose and working on breaking anywhere on any route.
What have you been doing to expand your knowledge of the game this offseason?
A lot of film work, practicing recognizing routes, seeing the 3-step drop, and reading the receiver.
When we spoke last in April, you were doing double-duty on the conditioning, speed, and agility work. How far are you running, how often, and what are some of the drills you’ve been doing to increase your footwork?
I am always working on my footwork doing cone drills with Coach Rob every day. I am running on the hills, in the sand, and some on the track. He has me running 200s and 300s on the track.
Strength is an overlooked aspect for most corners, what have you been doing to add the muscle mass to your frame to help jam up receivers?
I have been in the weight room like crazy this offseason. My max on bench is 260, my power clean is 235, and I got 345 on squat.
Nice. What is the workout schedule for the Huskies going forward?
We are waiting to hear; we do not know yet.
When does school officially begin for Centennial?
We start virtual online on Tuesday.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest ahead of your junior season?
Clemson is showing interest. I talk to one of their coaches weekly, Mike Reed (CB). TCU and Virginia Tech are showing interest. I am looking to be in touch with Virginia Tech, a lot more. Washington is also showing interest.
How high is the offer tally now?
I have 12 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
I just got Cal and before them I got Oregon, Michigan State, and Nebraska
Mickey’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Fresno State, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, and Utah
Once the campuses open back up, are there any visits you may take?
I really want to get to Oregon, Utah, Oregon State, Arizona State and travel across the country to some of the bigger schools showing interest.
Back in April, I also asked you what you’ve been doing to entertain yourself. Let’s get an update, what movies and/or TV shows are you watching that we should be binge watching as well?
I haven’t been watching TV, I’ve been lifting and chilling at the house.
Jaden, always great catching up with you. Keep up the hard work this offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Mickey family; Jaden Mickey offseason workouts (2020)