RNG-Rise and Fire Camp Series Interview: 2021 Narbonne QB Jaylen Henderson Updates Season with Birmingham Preview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Since Week 5 of the 2018 season for Narbonne High School, the Gauchos have been an unstoppable force with an up-tempo offense racking up the points and a suffocating defense that has posted three shutouts over the past five games. One of the straws stirring the high-potent Gaucho offense is Class of 2021 quarterback Jaylen Henderson. Henderson has helped his squad average 44 points per game over the last seven games using his talents as a passer and as a runner.

Henderson and fellow sophomore standout Jake Garcia have a time-share going in the Gauchos’ pocket. Henderson has appeared in all 11 games for his Harbor City squad completing 82 passes for 1,193 yards with 10 scores and has rushed 34 times for 202 yards with six trips over the goal line. The play on the field for the 6-3, 190-pound, rising star has brought an early offer from Howard and has drawn attention from UCLA, Boise State, and Arizona, among others.

With the Gauchos preparing for their second-round playoff game against Birmingham (9-2), Henderson and I sat down for a quick interview covering his season and growing recruiting prospects.

*Jaylen Henderson has been spotlighted as one of California’s top 2021 quarterback talents as part of the RNG-Rise and Fire Camp Interview Series! 

Interview

Jaylen, how has the 2018 season gone for you so far?

“It has gone well this season, and not just for me but the team has gotten better too. We are clicking. I feel that I have improved on my leadership and long ball this season. I also feel like I can make any throw with accuracy and velocity.”

You’ve picked up a lot of big game experience this year, what are some of the things that you’ve learned that have helped you grow as a quarterback?

“I have learned to relax. Even though everything is faster, you have to relax and trust your teammates and coaches knowing everything will work.”

This season you’ve dropped back to pass 148 times, how have your skills grown reading defenses, anticipating passes, and fitting the ball into the windows?

“I just try to make plays and get the ball to my play-makers. I have gotten faster reading defenses, that has improved a lot. I watch a lot of film with coaches, my dad, and by myself so I will know what the defenses are trying to do against us.”

You have been able to show your dual-threat abilities as well this year, how has that part of your game improved?

“It has improved a lot. I worked on my speed in the offseason. The varsity guys are faster, but I have been able to use my speed to get first downs and score for my team this season.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“My best game was probably the Serra (Gardena) game. I had a good game and we won in overtime (27-26). I had a rushing and passing touchdown against a good Serra team in a hostile environment.”

You and Jake Garcia have a nice rotation going, how have the Narbonne coaches set up the two of you alternating in games?

“The coaches do not have a set rotation for us. The amount of time I get in a game, I take advantage of it and produce to help my team win.”

In the opening round of the playoffs the Gauchos were unkind to Venice winning 67-0. I know you accounted for three total touchdowns, two passing and one running. In your own words, how did the game go?

“I think it was a good game. The first two possessions we moved the ball and our defense held them. Then we really got it going and started all the scoring.”

The next team up is Birmingham (9-2). They just put an end to the season for a talented San Fernando squad winning 20-14. What are you expecting from the Patriots’ defense on Friday?

“I am expecting them to show up to win. They are a good team. We need to be on our game. If we are playing well, we will move on.”

With recruiting, which schools have responded to your season with interest?

“I am receiving interest from Boise State, Arizona, Dartmouth, Colorado State, New Mexico State, Ohio, and Kansas State.”

Nice. I know the season is still a full-go for you, but are you working with a quarterback coach?

“Yes. When I get the chance, I go work with Sam Fisher.”

Are you planning on going to any camps and/or combines once the season is over?

“With college camps, I am planning on attending USC and UCLA camps. I also plan on attending the Rise and Fire camp in January (19-20^th).”

What has you excited about competing at the Rise and Fire camp?

“There is always a lot of good talent there, that gives me the opportunity to show I am among the best of the best.”

Jaylen, I appreciate your time today. Good luck against Birmingham.

“Thank you.”

**Click link for July 26, 2018, RNG video interview with Jaylen Henderson

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jaylen Henderson