Interview: High Expectations Placed on 2019 California CB Jaylen Martin after Big Off Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In-article Photo Credits: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

There is a saying in life that crosses over into sports, it is not where you start, it is where one ends up. During the 2016 season, Jaylen Martin was the starting cornerback for Elanor Roosevelt High School’s (Corona) junior varsity team taking each rep as a stepping stone forward. The time put in against his peer group helped focus and refine his cover skills. During the second season, Martin took big strides forward quickly escalating up recruiting boards in Pac-12 territories showcasing what he can do against top California varsity talent.

The Mustangs varsity squad had a fantastic season in 2016 posting a 10-3 mark making a deep run into the playoffs. Martin got some snaps at the varsity level getting an idea of what is needed to compete at the highest level in California. With the help of spring practices and one-on-one guidance from his E.A.T. 7v7 coaches, Martin enters his junior season as a target college coaches want to see take on other top players with the pads on.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Martin covering his growth on the field during his sophomore season along with his off-season workouts ahead of a big junior campaign.

Interview

Jaylen, how did your game come along at cornerback last year?

“It got better. I got better at the fundamentals and with my footwork over the course of the year.”

You got some snaps at the varsity level last season, how did that game experience help you grow as a player?

“It helped me grow by getting comfortable with playing at the varsity level. I got comfortable with the size of the crowd and the speed of the game.”

Did you play any 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes, sir. I played with E.A.T.”

How did that experience help improve your game?

“Playing 7v7 helped me by seeing different things, seeing different routes. I am reading offenses better now. I know where I need to be on the field at all times. My footwork and all around fundamentals improved.”

What areas of your game have you been working on with off-season practices?

“I have mainly focused on not opening up the gates on the inside or outside. I’m working on shuffling my feet and running the route with the receiver. I’m also working on slowing down the receiver at the line.”

Where all will you line up on the field during your junior season?

“I’m playing corner, free safety, nickel, and some strong safety. It depends on where they need me during the game. I might be on punt and kick return.”

Have you attended any camp this spring or summer?

“I went up to Cal-Berkeley last Saturday. I went to a USC camp last week and on Sunday I went to an Oregon camp at Redlands.”

How did the Cal camp go?

“It went well. I talked to the coaches there. They said I did a good job on not opening up the gates so fast.”

How did the USC camp go?

“I feel like I did well. I did not talk to that many coaches up there.”

The Oregon camp is the most recent, how did that go?

“It went great. I talked to the coaches there. They really liked me. They asked me to go visit them sometime.”

What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve ran this spring?

“A 4.6.”

Do you have any more camps coming up?

“Not this year.”

Are you receiving any recruiting interest?

“Cal, Oregon, and Nevada are the only ones I know of right now.”

Are you playing any other sports for your school?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The 100 and 200.”

Last question. What goals have you set for yourself for your junior season?

“My goals are to play as much as I can and do whatever I can so my team will win. Hopefully I will get some offers so I can get a degree and further my career in football.”

Jaylen, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: E.A.T.; Jaylen Martin playing 7v7 ball (2017).