Interview: Big 2024 WR Jaylen’Dai Sumlin Ready for Opportunities with Bishop Alemany
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When looking at Jaylen’Dai Sumlin, one would not instantly know he is part of the 2024 recruiting class. At 6-3, 185-pounds, he is adult sized already. Beyond the size, Sumlin has wheels and skills, and those talents are going to be on display this spring when Bishop Alemany takes the field for the 2020 California high school football season.
Giving fans and college coaches a sneak peek at what he can do, the sure-handed receiver has been ripping apart high school secondaries playing 7v7 ball with Premium this winter. His talents and upside have brought an offer from Arizona with seemingly ever other Pac-12 school showing interest.
In an RNG first-look interview, Sumlin breaks down his offseason workouts with a preview of what he will be doing with the Warriors once the 2020 season kicks off.
Interview
Jaylen’Dai, you’ve had a busy winter playing 7v7. Which team have you been playing for this offseason?
Yes, I have been playing with Premium on Premium Sports and Team Gas.
Which age classifications have you been playing against?
Ninth grade team.
Have you been playing against any high school guys at 7v7 tournaments?
Yes. The tournaments are against all types of varsity guys.
Which areas of your game have you worked on this fall and winter as a receiver?
I have been working on breaking down, being more physical, and my hand placement. I have been working on my routes a lot.
Getting this extra work in against other top players in 7v7 tournaments, where are you showing the biggest improvements?
On my jump balls, my short route running, snapping back to the ball, and breaking down.
Will you be suiting up for Bishop Alemany this spring competing with the Warriors during the 2020 season?
Yes, at receiver, outside receiver and some slot.
How have you prepared for this opportunity?
Since my eighth-grade summer, I have been working with a lot of older friends of mine, my brother (3-Star ATH JD Sumlin), and his friends. They have been helping me and pushing me.
Which routes will you be running this season?
I will be running a lot of out routes, quick passes, some go routes, some jump balls, and screens.
What has been the Warriors’ practice schedule getting ready for the 2020 season?
We’ve been practicing since September. We were going three days a week, then we’ve been waiting for the restrictions to lift. Then we were going two days a week. Now we are going every day working on our timing and playing with the pads on again.
When is your first game?
Our first game is in two weeks against Notre Dame. That’s a home game.
What will that moment be like for you taking the field with the Warriors at the varsity level?
It will be very exciting. I love the excitement of the game. Since I was a kid, I have been watching my brother play. I just love that feeling of playing football.
Will you be playing JV as well?
No, just varsity.
How many varsity games are you guys getting?
I think we are playing five.
Let’s turn to recruiting. Which programs are showing interest ahead of the season?
Colorado is showing interest. I have Twitter follows from Oregon State, USC, Washington, and a lot of Pac-12 schools.
It was big news when you received your offer from Arizona. How did you find out the Wildcats wanted you on their roster?
I was going through a normal day when my dad called me into his room. He called Coach (Kevin) Cummings, their receivers’ coach. It was a good talk. I was very excited, that was my first time talking to a college coach. I was so excited when they offered. It was a good experience.
How has this news helped motivate you?
It makes me push harder but I still have to prove myself on the field.
Last question. What has you excited about the upcoming season?
I am very excited to play alongside my brother. Him being a senior and me being a freshman, I am so happy we have the season. I have always wanted to play with him.
Jaylen’Dai, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you and the Warriors a successful 2020 season this fall.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Sumlin family; Jaylen’Dai Sumlin