Interview with Emerging Apple Valley 2022 QB Jayden Denegal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Some underclassmen are just physically gifted ready to push past the point of waiting until their junior or senior years in high school to make a mark. Class of 2022 quarterback Jayden Max Denegal tore apart his peers at the freshman level in 2018 passing for 2,214 yards off 94 of 134 pass attempts with 36 touchdowns and showcased growing dual-threat capabilities rushing for 155 yards with four trips into the end zone helping his squad post a 10-0 record. The 6-3, 196-pound, athlete also showed out at middle linebacker putting an end to 41 plays. His big production on the field as a rising talent in 2018 got him a late season call up to the varsity squad has him position to make some noise for Apple Valley High School in the 2019 season.
With Denegal getting extra offseason reps with 7v7 travel team Rharebreed in preparation for the upcoming season, I sat down with one of the emerging gunslingers in California’s 2022 class to learn more about his abilities on the field along with his offseason workout goals.
Interview
Jayden, how did the 2018 season go for you overall?
“It went well. We went 10-0. I had some good passes, overall it was a good season.”
Few players get to play quarterback and middle linebacker for their teams, how was that for you going back and forth on both sides of the ball?
“I enjoyed it. I do not get tired. I like it. It helps me on both sides of the ball. Playing QB helps me at linebacker and playing linebacker helps me at QB. I know what the offense is trying to do and I know what the defense is trying to do.”
After watching your game film, you do a very good job of selling your fakes and rolling out with a strong arm, what are some of the other things you feel you do well on the field?
“I feel like I do sell my fakes well. I am also good at reading coverages and seeing how defensive backs will cover my receivers.”
What type of offense did you run last year?
“We ran a Spread offense – a lot of two out and trips formations. We threw a lot.”
How does that style of offense fit your skillset?
“I like to do multiple reads – I like RPO (run-pass option). I like reading the linebacker and safety seeing what they are doing deciding if I should give it to the running back or pass it. I can give it to the running back, throw it, or run it myself.”
What have you been working on this offseason as a quarterback?
“I have mostly been working on my speed, footwork, and adding more velocity to my passes. I am not working on my throwing technique too much. I am also working on my look offs, my drop-backs, and adding depth to my drops.”
Have you also been preparing this offseason to play defense in 2019?
“I am not sure if I am playing defense next season or not. I might be focusing solely on offense this offseason. In practice, I will still play defense and work on that part of my game.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I am playing with Rharebreed.”
How is 7v7 with Rharebreed helping expand your game?
“I feel like it is helping a lot. I feel like I am getting my release faster. I am going against faster defensive backs which is helping me with my accuracy and anticipation on my throws. I am getting my velocity up to squeeze it in there.”
Have you started practicing with the Sun Devils varsity squad yet?
“Yes. I have.”
How are you adapting to varsity ball?
“I think I am adapting well. Rharebreed is helping me with that. It is the same speed in practice as with Rharebreed. I am getting used to the receivers and their speed; everything is a lot faster at the varsity level.”
Are you playing any other sports?
“Yes. I play basketball and I run track.”
Which events?
“I run the 400 and 200.”
Busy man. Jayden, it was great chatting with you today learning more about your abilities and offseason workout goals. Thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Denegal family; No. 16 Jayden Denegal on the sidelines