Interview: 4-Star 2023 Kansas TE/DE Jaden Hamm Covers SEC and Big 12 Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Jaden Hamm put on a show with Eudora High School during the 2020 season and now college football programs are putting on a show of their own trying to woo the four-star talent. Hamm shinned at defensive end putting an end to 70 plays with 15 tackles for a loss, 12sacks, adding a batted pass and a blocked PAT. When the Cardinals flipped the field, their 6-6, 225-pound, athlete got after it as a tight end. The mix of talent and upside has prompted 12 D-I programs to put an offer in Hamm’s lap.
In an RNG update interview, Hamm returned to the Lab giving us insight on his offseason workouts and recent unofficial visits.
*Click the link for the March 2021 RNG interview with Jaden Hamm
Interview
Jaden, we last spoke back in March when you were just getting going with your offseason workouts. One of your main goals for the spring and summer was getting after it in the weight room, how is that going for you?
Going really well. I have a gym membership in town and I am working out at school. Everything is getting back to normal down here.
Have you maxed out on any of your lifts this spring or summer?
Yes, I got 265 on hang clean and my squat is 315.
With your workouts at tight end and receiver, what are some of the drills and exercises you’ve been doing?
A lot of lower body core stuff to be more explosive with a powerful base, speed training, running 100s with a parachute, and ladder drills. I am working to be the best athlete I can be right now.
Transitioning into the end on the line role on defense, what have you been doing there?
A lot of not reacting but playing. Playing outside linebacker last year then going down to defensive end is a change. At outside linebacker, I was reacting and finding the ball. This year, I will do less reacting and more playing. I’ve been working on shooting my hands, staying lengthy – using my wingspan to not get blocked.
A couple other things have changed since we last spoke, you are a four-star recruit now. Congratulations.
Thank you.
When you found out that you had earned that ranking, how did you feel?
It was a very surprising but exciting feeling. After talking to people about how the rankings work, they told not to expect but a three-star ranking. When I saw they ranked me as a four-stat, it was insane.
You’ve added a few other offers as well getting up to 12. Which programs have been the most recent to offer you?
Oklahoma State, TCU, Missouri, and Michigan.
Hamm’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Miami-Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Penn State, and TCU
Which programs are showing interest?
No one really. Schools have sent graphics in the mail and camp invites. Ohio State with graphics has been keeping in touch. A couple of coaches from Oklahoma started following me after Oklahoma State offered.
Have you taken any recruiting visits this summer?
Yes. I went to Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas State, and Kansas.
During the Arkansas visit, what all did you see and do?
We hit the photo shoot, I saw the meeting room, locker room, and stadium. The coaches talked about the history of the school and the benefit of playing at Arkansas. I talked to some of the players too. I got a good feel for the coaches, the academics, and the majors offered. They talked about how their coaches take grades into consideration and how important academics are at Arkansas.
What have been your lasting impression from your visit in Fayetteville?
They have piqued my interest a lot. I was pleased with the visit. They are in my Top 3 schools right now.
Very cool. How did the K-State visit go?
It was good. We got the whole nine yards treatment. They gave us the nutrition and weight room talk, and we met everyone on the staff. They taught me a lot about what to pay attention to with other visits.
And the KU visit?
I was very pleased with KU and surprised. The new staff is still getting settled in, but they were organized and had everything laid out. They are shifting the program in the right direction; they are confident in their new direction.
Are there any more visits you may take coming up?
I’d like to hit Iowa State and Nebraska; they are within the four-hour drive time for me. Hopefully, I am going to an Oklahoma State game this fall.
Jaden, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Hamm family; Jaden Hamm