3-Star 2021 California OLB Jaden Genova Talks Commitment to Army Black Knights
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
High school football fans in Southern California knew some lucky team was going to get a steal in 2021 linebacker Jaden Genova (6-0, 205), they just didn’t know which team was going to make it happen. Turns out after a Saturday announcement via Twitter that the Army Black Knights won the recruiting battle for the three-star JSerra Catholic All-American.
In an RNG stylized Q&A, Genova gives detail on how the Army coaching staff turned interest to an offer and then to a commitment.
*Click link for RNG’s Sept. 2020 interview with Jaden Genova
Interview
Jaden, congratulations on your commitment to Army.
Thank you.
Walk us through how Army recruited you throughout the process?
The Army coaching staff began recruiting me in January of last year. They first came to my school and saw me during a workout. They did not offer then, but offered in February of that year. Throughout the process, they were always in touch and always talking to me after offering me.
How do they see you fitting into their defensive scheme?
They want me to play a Will backer. I think it will be great. Army’s scheme is an attacking defense. It will be a fun defense to play in.
At what point did Army start to become that place for you? What was that tipping point?
I started to thinking about all the opportunities coming out of West Point and the brotherhood there. It is a great place.
Agreed. When did you verbally commit to the staff?
I committed on Friday night.
Which coach received the good news?
I first called Coach (Sean) Saturnio (special teams) and then Coach (Jeff) Monken (head coach) shortly after that.
With this big decision you were making, that moment before you committed, what was going through your mind?
Before I made the decision, I was stressed out. I didn’t know why I was so stressed out, I had one of the best opportunities I can have right in front of me. Before I called the coaches, I was so excited. I couldn’t have been any happier.
It comes through in your voice. Now that you’ve made your announcement, how do you feel?
I feel amazing. I am really excited to be a Black Knight, I can’t wait.
Did the coaches give you any tips on what to work on before you report?
Not yet. I am sure they will once we get closer.
How are your workouts going overall this winter?
They are great. I am feeling better than I ever have. Throughout the offseason I have been non-stop working out and trying to perfect my craft to be the best I can be by the time I get to West Point.
What have you done or will you do to celebrate this great achievement?
To celebrate, I had a nice dinner with my family. That’s about it and all I needed to do.
Jaden, very happy for you with your commitment. Wishing you great success with the Black Knights.
Thank you.
Genova’s High School Football Profile
High School: JSerra Catholic – San Juan Capistrano, California – Division I – Trinity League
2019 Lions Record: 6-5 – ranked No. 13 in California
2019 Stats (11 games): 84 tackles, 66 solo, 8 tackle for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 9 QB hurry, 3 PBU, and 3 forced fumbles
2019 Honors: All-American from MaxPreps, All-CIF, and All-Trinity League
2018 Lions Record: 9-3 – ranked No. 17 nationally (MaxPreps)
2018 Stats (12 games): 78 tackles, 55 solo, 14 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, six QB hurries, one forced fumble, and one interception
Offense: two carries for 12 yards and 1 TD and six receptions for 82 yards with three scores
Photo credit: Genova family; Jaden Genova