Video Interview with Mater Dei California 2017 CB Jalen Cole

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Watching some defensive backs play, it almost looks like they are playing a different game than everyone else on the field. Through good coaching, what appears to be a lot of film study, and/or perhaps just amazing natural instincts, Mater Dei 2017 cornerback Jalen Cole has emerged as a standout talent. Watching him play, it is almost like watching a smooth centerfielder like Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., or Jim Edmonds track down fly balls or in this case passes from opposing California offenses.

Cole jumped onto the scene loudly as a sophomore producing a state line filled with 30 tackles, eight passes defended, and two fumble recoveries. As the trend with most players to keep an eye on, Cole was tested repeatedly, seemingly because of his age classification by opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks but repeatedly made teams learn the hard way not to come his way picking off five passes in 2014.

The 5’9”, 160 pound, athlete was then tested in other ways during his junior season with teams running at him. He stepped up to the challenge coming up with 60 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and picked off two more passes.

Cole’s varsity highlights include a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown, 52-yard punt return for a touchdown, a near pick-six by about a yard, a 90-something yard pick-six, a 49-yard pick-six. Get him the ball or leave it in the air long enough – he’s going to do something with it.

The Monarchs went 10-3 in 2015 which helped bring college coaches into the stands. The early offers have come in from Colorado State, Idaho, and Columbia but more are sure to follow during the offseason summer camp circuit with teams like Arizona State, Cal, Washington, Washington State, and Boston College showing interest.

I caught up with Cole at the Nike Los Angeles regional open in Los Angeles on Sunday covering his offseason schedule and received a recruiting update.

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Jalen Cole at Nike Opening regional in Los Angeles.