Interview: 4-Star 2023 ATH Jayden Wayne Updates Start of 2020 Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It has been a long time coming, but the moment has finally arrived… there is high school football in the state of Washington. As all fans are elated, those keyed in on the success of Class of 2023 athlete Jayden Wayne could not be happier. On Friday, Feb. 19, Lincoln High School opened their 3A 2020 schedule against Spanaway Lake getting their four-star defensive end and receiver on the gridiron. In addition to putting on the spikes with the Abes, Wayne (6-5.5, 245) is also lining up on the weekend playing 7v7 ball taking advantage of every opportunity possible to push his talents forward.
As Lincoln High School gets into the groove of the season, there are 15 college football programs intently watching his growth and development. For an update on his high school and 7v7 season along with recruiting, Wayne went through another round of a question-and-answer session with RNG.
*Click the link for the Nov. 2020 RNG interview with Jayden Wayne
Interview
Jayden, how did your offseason workouts come along overall?
I was working out four days a week, but the season just started three weeks ago.
What have you been focusing on with your technique on defense?
On defense, my off the ball speed and hand fighting and holding the block and reading the run.
And what about on offense?
On offense footwork, my route running and catching the ball at the peak.
What have you been doing to add more power and strength to your skills?
I lift weights almost every day in my garage. I do a lot of single leg band exercises too.
What are you doing to increase your speed and agility?
For speed I jump rope and I want to run track for school when that season gets here.
How is your 7v7 season going with Team FSP?
7on7 is going ok. We haven’t had the result as a team that we’d like, but playing is fun.
During the tournament in Nevada, how were teams playing against you?
They try to jam me and play physical.
What were you able to showcase with your skills?
My size. I dropped a few TDs and I’m hard on myself for those.
Are there any camps you may attend coming up?
No camps right now. I have a game next Friday. We only have six games.
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Penn State, and Virginia Tech.
How many offers do you have now?
I have 15.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Notre Dame and LSU.
Wayne’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, California, Florida Atlantic, LSU, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, UNLV, USC, Washington, and Washington State
The NCAA cleared a path for visits to start happening in June. When that happens, which programs might you go visit?
I’m visiting UW (Washington), Oregon, Notre Dame, LSU, Alabama, USC, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Arizona State.
Jayden, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the Abes a successful 2020 season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Wayne family; Jayden Wayne