Interview: The Future is Extremely Bright for 2019 Louisiana OLB Ja’Braylon Spencer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Year after year, there never seems to be a shortage of amazing athletes coming off the gridiron in Louisiana. Some are especially skilled at their given position, while some also excel at multiple spots giving college scouts a lot to mull over. One Class of 2019 talent locked in at outside linebacker/defensive end, but is capable of playing just about anywhere on the field is Ja’Braylon Spencer.

During the 2017 season, New Iberia High School posted a 5-6 record against 5A competition, but don’t let the record mislead you. The Yellowjackets were one of those scrappy teams few wanted to face, losing three games by a total of just 10 points. On either side of the ball, Spencer was that guy for the Yellowjackets coming up with a big play or a key block pushing for the victory until the clocked rolled triple-zeroes.

Whether he was playing tight end or slot, or outside linebacker or middle linebacker, the eye draws to Spencer’s play, especially on defense. When his junior campaign had wrapped up, the 6-4, 210-pound, ball magnet compiled a defensive stat line of 71 tackles, nine sacks, 25 tackles for a loss, 13 QB hurries, one interception, two forced fumbles, and one blocked punt.

Easy to say that every other college football program in the region is well-aware of Spencer and his talents. Offers have been placed in front of him from Arkansas State, Southeast Missouri State, and Nicholls State with top programs like LSU, Arkansas, Memphis, and Louisiana Tech, just to name a few, watching his progress going forward.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Louisiana’s fastest rising 2019 talents gaining perspective on his skillset while learning more about his recruitment thus far.

Interview

Ja’Braylon, you are a presence and a force to be reckoned with coming off the end. How did your overall game improve during your junior season?

“It improved by working hard. I worked on my technique, coming off the edge, using my hands, being even more physical at the point of contact, and on my speed. What improved the most was my speed and physicality. We worked on my hands a lot. The mental part of the game improved for me. I became more focused and a better leader on the field.”

Do you have a go-to move on passing downs?

“Oh yeah. Yes, sir. Rushing from the outside, when I get them leaning, I have an inside move I use. I dip my shoulder to get past them. I love that move.”

You were everywhere on the field last year, where all did you line up on the field last season?

“I lined up at outside linebacker, middle linebacker, tight end, and at slot receiver.”

Where all might we see you on the field during your senior year?

“Most of the time I will be at outside linebacker, but I will also play some at middle linebacker and as a down lineman in some packages. On offense, I am still at tight end and slot receiver. I am playing some at wideout this year as well.”

Of all the positions, which is your favorite?

(Laughs) “Outside linebacker.”

I had a feeling you were going to say that. What are you working on this offseason?

“I’ve been working on my speed and footwork, and my route running. I need to work on breaking down at the top of my routes. I’ve been working on that a lot.”

Are you working on any new moves as an outside rusher?

“Yes, sir. I’ve been working on my spin move and my push-pull.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“My best 40-yard dash is a 4.61.”

Nice. Have you attended any camps this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I went to the Polynesian Bowl Combine in Las Vegas.”

How did that go for you?

“It was fun. I met a lot of new people. I saw some very good talent there. The four-stars I went up against, I won most of my one-on-ones. I did well there.”

Do you have any upcoming camps scheduled?

“A scout from the Nike Opening has reached out and I was invited to the Team U.S.A. tryouts.”

Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?

“I have three offers: Arkansas State, Southeast Missouri State, and Nicholls State.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“LSU, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Oregon State, Arkansas, Northwestern State, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, and Colorado State.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have visited Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana Tech, and LSU.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“I am going to Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday. Southern invited me for a visit, but I can’t make it. I have visits planned for LSU, Arkansas State, Nicholls, and I am probably going to Memphis soon.”

Are you going to ULL’s spring game this weekend?

“Yes, sir.”

What has you excited about visiting for their spring game?

“My sophomore year, I saw their spring game. I am looking forward to seeing the game this time around and talking to the coaches.”

Are there any college camps you may attend this summer?

“I may camp at Tulane, LSU, and Texas A&M this summer.”

When you’ve talked to various college coaches, what are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“A lot of the coaches are telling me they like my speed, my ability to come off the edge, and how I can run down plays, and wide receivers.”

What kind of player are you on the field, are you a talker?

“Yes, sir. I love talking.”

What are you saying to the opposition?

“I am talking to the offensive linemen and to the tight end. I am yapping back to them. My favorite line is, you can’t hold me.”

I like that. What goals have you set for this offseason?

“I didn’t take the weight room as serious in the past. I am working hard on that this offseason. I have been told that going into my senior year I need to be at 215 to 220 pounds. I am putting on weight and muscle mass this offseason. That is a big goal.”

If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they recruiting?

“They are recruiting a hard worker on and off the field. They are recruiting someone they can trust. I work on having a good relationship with my coaches. It is important that I can communicate with them well on and off the field.”

Ja’Braylon, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit to ULL this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Daily Newspaper; No. 42 Ja’Braylon Spencer with the strip

Photo credit: Spencer family; Ja’Braylon Spencer at LSU and ULL