Interview: Exploring His Options 4-Star 2022 California QB Jayden Denegal Readies for College Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The abbreviated California high school football season might not have fully showcased it, but the talents of Class of 2022 quarterback Jayden Denegal are peaking. Guiding Apple Valley High School to a 5-0 season, the dual-threat is putting all the pieces of the puzzle together from a physical, mental, and technique standpoint tearing apart Mojave League defenses in the process.
The climb to the summit of his talents at the high school level has been ongoing since his freshman season when Denegal threw for 2,214 yards connecting on 36 touchdown passes while rushing for 155 yards with four trips into the end zone. Apple Valley’s Air Raid offense was opened up again during the 2019 campaign to the four-star prospect watching him complete 66 percent of his passes covering 2,260 yards with 34 scores posted with one rushing TD. Four-game stats posted during Denegal’s junior season, 803 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and 80 yards on the ground off 16 totes with five more touchdowns going up on the board.
With 10 offers in his back pocket, Denegal is still exploring all his recruiting options with college camps and visits set for this summer. Much like every recruit out there, the feel for Denegal is if he gets that “home” feeling during one of these planned trips, he will be ready to make that commitment.
Interview
Jayden, you have that knack for making the game look so easy. Watching your game film, the confidence you have in your receivers and the offense shows. How did you build to that point so you could be so successful on the field?
By working with my teammates a lot in the offseason. Getting together and creating that bond helped me with the receiver, offensive linemen – the whole team. Us working together, we connected and that gave me the confidence to go out there and play.
From your sophomore to junior year, what do see as the biggest differences in your abilities as a passing quarterback?
I feel like my release speed is a lot faster from sophomore to junior year. This year I wanted to work on running, I did that a lot more. For my senior year, I am working on extending the play. I need to do that and increase on my twitch and my pocket movement.
Running Apple Valley’s Air Raid, what coverages were you working against this spring?
This spring we ran against a lot of Cover 3, Cover 4, Cover 2-man, and Cover 0 straight blitz man. I am understanding all the high school coverages. I am good at ID-ing them and knowing where my matchups are and the weaknesses of the defense.
This offseason, what have you been doing to learn more about defenses in preparation for your senior season?
I have been getting together with my QB coach, hoping on Zoom going over defenses. I am also working with my offensive coordinator talking ball. That is having a big impact. I am learning more and more about the game.
Which physical parts of your game are you keying on this spring and summer?
I am keying on my footwork. That is a big point this offseason. My footwork and my release time are probably the two biggest.
This offseason, have you been to any national camps or have any coming up?
I have been to one, an Under Armour camp. I am planning on going to Rivals, the Elite 11, and some college camps over the summer.
Fill me in on the Under Armour camp. How did that go?
It went well. I enjoyed it. I had a good showing out there.
Circling back to the college camps, which ones might you go compete at this summer?
I plan on going to UCLA, Utah, Northwestern, Michigan State, some Ivy Leagues including Dartmouth, Colorado, and Colorado State.
Through the recruiting process, what have college coaches told you they like about your talents as a dual-threat?
They like how big I am and that I can move. I feel like that is a big point for me. I don’t want to be just a pocket passer, but I also want to be able to get out of situations keeping the play alive. This is a point I am working to improve on.
Ahead of the college camps, which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
UCLA, Dartmouth, Northwestern, and Oregon those are the main four right now showing interest but have not offered.
How many offers have been given to you?
Ten.
Denegal’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado, Colorado State, Georgia, Michigan State, Oregon State, and Utah
Are there any visits you may take this summer, official or unofficial?
Yes, I want to get out to UCLA, Utah, Northwestern, Dartmouth, and Michigan State; all unofficial. I want to get out to all the colleges and explore my options.
As you take the visits and go to the camps, are you thinking about when you might put out a top schools list if you decide to do so?
I am not sure if I will put out a top schools list. My plan is to commit before the season. That is my plan, but it could go into my senior season.
Jayden, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you success with the camps and visits until we talk again.
Thank you, Ryan.
Photo credit: Denegal family; Jayden Denegal