Interview: 2021 JUCO DB/NB Jadyn Loudermilk Remains Open to the Recruiting Process
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As part of the 2018 recruiting class, Jadyn Loudermilk was a three-sport standout athlete at Bentonville High School playing football and basketball while competing in track. He was a two-time 7A West All-Conference selection and named All-State on the gridiron while posting a personal record of 10.6 in the 100 running track. Those skills matriculated to Missouri Southern State playing safety before making the move to Northeast Oklahoma A&M. The 6-1, 195-pound, defensive back lined up at nickelback for Northeast Oklahoma A&M during his sophomore season showcasing the deep-rooted fundamentals to the game and the speed that casts a tight shadow on receivers that cannot be shaken.
With NEO’s JUCO football season wrapping on May 15 posting a 41-21 win against Blinn College, Loudermilk, like many Class of 2021 recruits, are in a limbo situation on the recruiting trail.
For insight on his game, talents, and abilities, Loudermilk sat down for an RNG Q&A interview.
Interview
Jadyn, the NEO defense was a lot tougher than most people may realize only allowing 258.5 total yards per game this spring. With your side of the ball kind of having your backs up against the proverbial wall, how did you guys come together limiting opposing offenses the best that you could?
As a unit, we watched a lot of film. We probably had the closest bond of any defense I have been a part of. Our coaches didn’t have to tell us to do things, we communicated with each other and knew what had to be done.
Statistically speaking, the secondary did their job holding passing attacks to 112.6 yards per game; what were some of the coverages you guys were executing?
The NEO defense is a true man-Cover 2. Our corners are press man. The nickels are more of a man with some blitzes. We ran mostly man. As a defense, we accepted the role of doing your job and everything will go smoothly.
Where were you lining up within the scheme and what were your responsibilities in any given game?
My responsibility was playing nickel. I was guarding the slot receivers, the quick and fast guys. I was able to keep up with them. My footwork was getting better over the season. I started out at NEO at safety, but made the transition because of depth to nickel. I felt that I fit better there.
Do you have a favorite coverage or style of play as a defensive back?
I’d say most my experience comes from playing man. In high school, I was press man corner. At Missouri Southern I was a safety but more of a roll down man safety. At NEO I was playing a lot of man except for the occasional zone. I have experience with all coverages, I am familiar with all of them, but man is the hand I have been dealt on the field.
Watching your film, you are well drilled keeping your shoulders square and not opening up the gate too early, you also read plays in an instant. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game?
I feel like some things come from natural instincts and the rest are from watching film on certain receivers and their offenses. My dad has been great my whole life teaching me about tendencies; you just have to find it. It is easy for me to see that. People try as hard as they can to redirect that trait, but when they get tired or when they feel relaxed, they show their tendencies.
Since the season ended what have you been doing to keep in football shape?
I work with a trainer back home, Ben Witcher. He is well known around Arkansas training top athletes and professional players. I work with him six to five days a week. I wouldn’t say there is a better option for me. Since I have known him for so long, he personalizes the workouts for me. Plus, I workout with a lot of other defensive backs.
Sticking with your training, what are you doing to push your speed and agility forward?
With Ben, he is kind of an all-around trainer. We do weights, and footwork and agility. He played arena football; he has played defensive back. He has been to pro days and has picked up tips and tricks honing it to his style. What he gives us is not easy but it gets us ready for each season.
There is a space from high school to the NFL where a 40-yard dash become less important, but to try to gauge just how fast you are, what is your best-timed run?
My senior year I think I ran a 10.6 in the 100. As far as 40s, I don’t remember the last official laser time. I am confident that I am a mid-4.4 to low 4.5 range.
Last part, turning to recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
Throughout the season a lot of people coming in. We had three nickelbacks in a rotation. They were looking at everyone, they choose different guys. I have talked to Arkansas State. One of our former coaches is at Nebraska, I am in close contact with him. UCA (Central Arkansas) has always shown love.
What does your ideal fit look like when you make that decision for a four-year program?
Somewhere – I am coachable and adaptable, so I can squeeze into any system. I am looking for a place that is home where I have the support of the university and the coaches. I don’t want to be nervous stepping onto the field, I just play the game I have been playing my whole life.
Jadyn, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck in the recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Loudermilk family; Jadyn Loudermilk