Interview: 4-Star 2023 Washington RB Jayden Limar to Make Some Pac-12 Rounds This Summer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Anytime Lake Stevens High School needs a first down or a score, all they have to do is add a play call for instant offense, that is Mr. Jayden Limar. The 5-11, 190-pound, tailback scorched 4A Washington defenses during the 2020 season this spring averaging 12.9 yards per carry off 44 totes covering 569 yards with seven trips into the end zone. Showing that he is an all-purpose back, he also pulled in eight passes for 147 more yards with two more scores. Putting his athletic skills to the test, the Class of 2023 four-star recruit ended with 838 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns while getting time on defense at outside linebacker putting an end to 10 plays with two passes broken up and two forced fumbles.
After earning first team All-Wesco offense and defense and honorable mention All-State honors, offers from Arizona, Oregon, Utah, and Washington have been dropped.
Making his first appearance at the RNG Clubhouse, Limar updates us on his workouts this spring and possible summer visits.
Interview
Jayden, when you flip that switch and the jets come on, there is no one coming within 15 yards of you. When you get that crease and the wind is whipping through your helmet and the crowd is going crazy, what’s going through your mind?
(Laughs) Honestly, I am thinking about who will be the first one to me in the end zone. Sometimes it is a receiver and sometimes it is an offensive lineman. I am always interested to see who is right behind me. When I get into the end zone and turn around, I am ready to start celebrating with my guys.
We all want to know, how fast are you?
So far, my best 40 was a 4.53 laser; that was five months ago. Since then, I have done a lot of training. Next time I am hoping for 4.4 next time.
Have you always been one of the fastest guys in your class or is everything clicking physically where you’ve developed into this speed demon on the turf?
I’ve always been the fastest on my team and one of the most overall athletic guys in my class; I’m not being cocky. In high school, I thought it would be different going against guys three or four years older. I thought it would be different with more competition. It is different, but not a lot more. I’ve maintained as one of the best and fastest around here.
That you have. The offense the Vikings run is unique with misdirection and pulls. If you will, breakdown the style of offense you guys execute.
We do that better than anyone around. Our coaches have meaning for everything, it is all planned perfectly. They have everything planned from the first to the last snap of the game. With me, they know I can catch and run. We did running back routes out of the backfield to get defenses on their heels. That was one thing that really helped, getting the ball to be in the open field off a swing pass. We had so many other threats at receiver, we could hit teams with a lot of other plays.
How were the coaches are getting the ball to you?
The main play was a counter trap with a pulling guard. That was our main go-to play. One of guards, Nick, he’d get in the hold and knock out the linebacker out of the hole so I only had one guy to beat. That play got us good yards and touchdowns.
When the 2020 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a tailback?
Noticing when I needed to bounce it out, even if it was made for the inside. My vision developed a lot. As a freshman, I struggled with that. It all came natural to me this year.
What are you focusing on with your fundamentals ahead of the 2021 season?
I am working on my open field moves. That is what all running backs work on, making guys miss in open field. I am also working on my vision.
How are you adding more strength and power to your game this spring?
I lift, I try to lift every day. I do speed and agility every two days. Lifting is key with me. It is a good problem to have. I stay in there and keep working.
During the 2020 season you were returning kicks and breaking teams with your talents out of the backfield, will there be any tweaks in how you take on 4A Washington teams this fall?
Not at all. If I can do what I did the last game of the season in every game, we will have no problems at all.
What did you do in that last game of the season?
It wasn’t a breakout game, I had good games throughout the season, but on the first play of the game I scored on a kick return. In that game, I scored around five touchdowns. It was an all around good game. That game put people on notice. We were supposed to lose that game, but we won I think by 30.
You got some snaps on defense as well. How did playing outside linebacker go for you during the 2020 season?
It was good. Last year (2019) I had a chance to start on defense. I knew defense would be a big part of my high school career, even with offers on offense. I don’t plan to stop playing on defense until I get to college.
What are you working on with your skills on defense?
That part, I am working on reading and understanding coverages. That is more mental for me. I know I can handle the physical part, but my brain work on defense, that does not come as natural. I am learning the nooks and crannies of the defense.
Do you compete in any other varsity sports for Lake Stevens?
Yes, I ran track this year and played basketball my freshman year. I took basketball off this spring to rehab my body. I hope to get back out there next year.
Which events did you compete in with track?
The 100, 200, and 4×1.
Did you PR in any events this season?
I did. We didn’t run last year; I ran an 11.4 in eighth grade. This year I ran in four meets. My best time was an 11.19 in the 100.
Nice. Back to football. Are there any camps you’ve been to or any coming up you may attend?
I went to the Opening combine in Portland a couple of months ago and a National Preps Collegiate Showcase. The Northwest Showcase at Lewis and Clark is coming up; a lot of guys here go to that. On June 12, I am going to a UDUB (Washington) camp. Those are the only ones on the books. I am still trying to decide on other camps.
Are there any college camps you may attend besides the Lewis and Clark and UDUB camps?
I want to get to one of the Oregon camps. I’d also like to go to a UCLA camp. Arizona and Arizona State camps are a possibility. I go to Arizona a lot.
Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Virginia Tech, they’ve all followed me, Penn State, Cal and Arizona State are showing some love. USC is showing some love too. Those are the main ones. A couple of Michigan coaches are following me.
How many offers do you have?
Four. (Arizona, Oregon, Utah, and Washington)
Which program was the first to offer you?
Utah.
Are there any visits you may take this summer?
Yes, I am visiting UDUB, they are right by my home, and I am hoping to visit Arizona and Arizona State. Those are the main ones right now. I do want to add, my recruitment is 100 percent open. I am looking forward to meeting new coaches and learning about programs.
Jayden, it was great getting to learn more about you and your game today. Thank you for your time. Wishing you great success with the upcoming camps and visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Lake Stevens HS/Limar family; Jayden Limar