Interview with Overlooked 3-Star 2021 Washington OL/DL Jayden Jones
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Make no question about it, Class of 2021 talent Jayden Jones gets after it in the trenches. The 6-5, 280-pound, standout earned second team All-State honors playing offensive tackle and defensive tackle/end for Todd Beamer High School during the 2019 season. Where he shines brightest is up to college scouts to determine, but his presences is certainly felt on offense as a road-grader playing all the way through the whistle for four quarters demoralizing 4A Washington defenses with his drive, growing skill, and intensity.
In an RNG first-look, I sat down with Jones to learn more about his skills on the gridiron with a look inside his growing recruiting process.
Interview
Jayden, you were manhandling defenders last season, and they did not like it. What gets you into that mind space to dominate the opposition on game days?
“What brings that mind set, I don’t know. I like to win, and I do my best on my part to help my team win. If I have to abuse a defensive end to make it happen, I am sorry but I have to do it.”
Given how you were wearing jokers out, did you get a lot of guys trash talking and/or taking dirty shots at you?
“Oh yeah. There was a lot of trash talking. They did not like me going to the whistle. There were a lot of cheap shots too.”
What offensive set were you running last season?
“We had to convert our offense last season. Our quarterback was playing receiver and corner in previous years; we ran a whole lot last season. We were running a pro-style set.”
How did your game improve as a pass blocker playing tackle within the set?
“My offensive line coach really likes to emphasis staying square and let the defender come to you. Before the play I visualize everything, my setting and all of that. My timing my punches was a big thing I was working on last season.”
And what about as a run blocker?
“It improved a lot. My sophomore year I was considered a better pass-pro blocker. My offensive line coach helped me with my drive, using my hips, and getting that last little thing to get the pancake. I improved on getting that viewpoint and working up to the second level and staying on the defender, not letting them shed the block and make the tackle.”
This offseason, what has been the focus of your position workouts?
“Mainly my technique. I have been working on getting comfortable in my stance, pulling, and staying square on kick steps, punching and knowing when to strike.”
What positions will you play during the 2020 season?
“I’m still playing offensive tackle, but I want to get more involved on defense this year.”
During the 2019 season, what was your role on defense?
“At defensive end and three-tech, I came in on short-yardage plays and on passing downs, like second and long or third and long.”
To stay in football shape and push your physical abilities forward, what has been your lifting routine this spring?
“I go on a daily run to keep my stamina up, I run hills and stairs, and I do push-ups, sit-ups, dumb bells, and free weights; I try to stay moving.”
Sounds like it. If the college camps happen this summer are there any you may attend?
“Yes, Montana, Boise State, U-DUB (Washington) – I have been to a camp there before, and Wazzu (Washington State); those are the ones I have been invited to and plan on going to if the camps happen.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Washington State, Oregon State, U-DUB – I have talked to a lot of other schools like Montana, I get emails from their head coach, and Eastern Washington; they send me letters and I talk to their offensive line coach. I have talked to USC multiple times and I am receiving interest from UCLA and Cal-Berkeley.”
Going back to September, have you had a chance to visit any programs?
“Yes. I went to Wazzu for their game against UCLA seeing the campus and weight room, and I talked them about the atmosphere in Pullman with their coaches. Last spring I went to a Washington practice and talked to their coaches and watched them practice.”
Once everything opens up, are there any planned visits ahead?
“I want to head down to the California, Oregon, and Arizona schools.”
When your senior season kicks off, what is at least one thing you want to show college scouts?
“Good question. That I am motivated, hardworking, and I am a good guy to be around. And I am someone who likes to win.”
Jayden, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; No. 72 Jayden Jones in the huddle (2019)