Interview: 2017 Neville ATH Jaiden Cole Breaks Down Louisiana Tech Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Just four days before Christmas, the Louisiana Tech coaching staff got a nice early gift when do-everything athlete Jaiden Cole narrowed down his list of 18 offers to just the Bulldogs. What they are receiving in Cole is a true playmaker on both sides of the ball who is ready for next level action.
While the Bulldogs staff is putting together their final touches on the game plan for their Dec. 23 showdown against Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl, the future in Ruston looks a lot brighter with Cole in tow. Cole has spent the last three seasons making Neville High School one of the best football programs in the state of Louisiana. The Tigers went 13-1 in 2014 winning the 4A state title and followed that season up with a perfect 14-0 run adding another trophy to the school’s collection. The Tigers were once again one of the top teams in the Sportsman’s Paradise finishing as the state title runner-up in 2016 falling 34-21 to Edna Karr in a hard fought game.
Cole cemented his status as one of the state’s top overall athletes passing for 1,538 yards with 19 touchdowns against just three picks while completing 63 percent of his passes. He also led his squad in rushing covering 1,444 yards off 157 totes with 20 trips to the end zone. The 6-1, 198 pound, talent also logged some time in on defense at safety, the spot where he will more than likely play at the next level.
Even though Cole was playing out of his potential college position with Neville, college coaches did not shy away from seeing all that he could bring to the field as a defensive back and/or a wide receiver. Cole’s offer sheet was impressive with Notre Dame, Arkansas, Washington, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Houston, Arizona State, Colorado State, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, and Tennessee, among others, all hoping to secure his signature on National Signing Day.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Cole the day after his commitment to get the inside scoop on how Louisiana Tech won him over while getting a quick update on his senior season.
Interview
Jaiden, congratulations on your commitment to Louisiana Tech.
“Thank you.”
You have a great list of offers, how many scholarship offers did you receive before you committed?
“I had 18 offers.”
What was your recruiting process like?
“It was good sometimes and sometimes it was stressful. It was hard finding a good fit that was not too far from home, and where I could get early playing time. There was a lot to decide on.”
Where all did you take official visits during your process?
“I took an official visit to Notre Dame (Sept. 17) but I have not taken any other visits yet. I was supposed to go to Oklahoma State but I doubt I will take that now.”
Of all the schools that offered you, which teams made your Louisiana Tech commitment tough?
“Arkansas, OK State (Oklahoma State), and Houston until their coach left (Tom Herman to Texas).”
What influenced you to commit to Louisiana Tech?
“The coaching staff that recruited me said I can play early. I love their program, it is close to home, and I know some of the guys up there.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I talked to two of their coaches. I did not want to bug them too much. They have a big game coming up (vs. Navy).”
Which coaches did you speak with for your commitment?
“Coach (Kevin) Curtis (cornerbacks) and Coach (Blake) Baker (defensive coordinator/safeties).”
How did they respond to your commitment?
“They were fired up about it. They said Christmas came early this year.”
That was a big moment for you. How did you feel when you were committing?
“Excited and nervous.”
Is there a sense of relief that to some extent your recruiting process is over?
“Oh yeah, I’m very excited. I feel like a weight is off my shoulders now.”
Which position or positions are they recruiting you to play?
“Safety. They may use me on the offensive side of the ball too.”
Which position on offense?
“I’m not sure which position.”
Of all the positions you have played at the high school level, is safety your favorite?
“I don’t have a favorite, but I do enjoy safety the most.
When do you take your official visit to Louisiana Tech?
“On Jan. 13.”
Have you taken an unofficial there yet?
“No, sir.”
When you get to Ruston, what are you excited to learn about or see with the school and the program?
“I’m ready to talk to the coaches one-on-one to see what they have to say about the situation.”
Are you going to start recruiting others?
“My teammate just joined me, JaCorion Andrew (CB – 6-0, 191). I’m excited about that.”
Did you have a hand in him committing?
“I talked to him a little bit about it. It has always been in his head.”
Let’s cover a little bit of your senior season. The Tigers had another fantastic season going 13-1. How did the year go for you?
“I think it went pretty good. We did not finish how I wanted us to finish but it was a great season.”
How did the playoffs go for you?
“During the playoffs I stepped my game up. We had some tough teams, I needed to ball more to help my team out the best that I can.”
*Playoff Schedule: Woodlawn Baton Rouge 44-7, Assumption 24-0, Carencro 42-15, Easton 26-13, and Edna Karr 34-21.
Which game was your best this season and why do you consider that your best game?
“I’d say the Carencro game. I threw the ball well that game. The whole team was firing on all cylinders that game.”
How did your game improve this year?
“I improved throwing the ball and seeing things. I worked a lot with our new receivers.”
Jaiden, congratulations again on your commitment to Louisiana Tech and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: thenewsstar.com; No. 7 Jaiden Cole