Interview: 2022 California CB/WR Jayden Hollis Preparing for Attention Grabbing Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The two-way role for Class of 2022 athlete Jayden Hollis looms even larger as the new season nears. The 6-0, 190-pound, senior is an end zone magnet on offense hauling in three in four games during the 2020 season, and a shadow of receivers on defense at corner for a team hungry for a CIF championship. The growing talents of Hollis were put on display at college camps this summer getting extra tutelage and scouts’ eyes on his game in a time when he’s ready to turn recruiting interest into scholarship offers.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Hollis stopped by the Lab before his final run with California’s Garces Memorial this fall to talk some football.
Interview
Jayden, the Mustangs were in a full-on Spread attack last season. What was the philosophy of the offensive attack?
Up tempo, run-run-run to get the pass open.
What will be the offensive approach for the (Rams) team during the 2021 season?
Kind of the same thing. We will do a lot of setting up the passing with the run. Our offense is fast-tempo; we’ve been conditioning getting ready for the season.
Looks like you guys were running a lot of quick game routes with defenses blitzing on most downs in 2020; which routes will you be running this season?
This year, a little bit of everything: streaks, slants, corners, comebacks, digs, out routes, and posts. We have a lot of different route combination.
How have you prepared for your role on offense this spring and summer?
Doing a lot of routes on air, drills with college players, footwork drills, and getting my cuts and route running right.
You got time in the Mustangs secondary during the 2020 season at corner; are you going both ways again this fall?
Yes, I will be going both ways.
Where all will we see you line up this season?
For offense, I am playing receiver on the outside and some at slot. On defense, I will be at corner and safety a little bit. I am not sure about special teams yet.
What have you been doing to work on your game as a defensive back this summer?
I have been working on my speed, that is one thing I know I needed to improve on. Coaches have brought that up to me. I am working on breaking on routes, my back and weave pedal, and being explosive.
Which drills and exercises have you been doing to improve upon your speed and agility?
Squats, track workouts, and I have been working on my 40 with a trainer. I have been working with a parachute, pushing sleds, and hopping from side to side on one leg doing lateral jumps.
Did you compete at any college camps this summer?
Yes, I camped at SMU, Fresno State, and UNLV.
How did the Fresno State camp go for you? And which position did you compete at during the camp?
At every camp I went as a DB. I talked to some of the coaches at the camp. I did the one on ones. During the one-on-ones, they saw more of what I can do.
What did the UNLV coaches have you do during their camp besides the one-on-one?
At UNLV, we did a lot of breaking, moving your hips, changing direction, breaking on receivers, and weave pedals.
Of the camps attended, which was your best camp performance?
My best camp performance, I’d that was at Fresno State.
What did you showcase at the Fresno State camp to make it your best?
I didn’t have a pass caught on me the whole day. I was showing my good technique to all the coaches.
After the camp season, which schools are now showing interest?
I have talked to Sac State, Cal-Berkeley, Tabor College, and San Jose State.
Did you get to visit any schools this summer?
Yes, I visited San Jose State.
What did you see during your visit at San Jose State?
We took a tour of the campus, saw their facilities, did a photo shoot, and a workout.
Are there any visits coming up for you?
Hopefully I will go to Sac State soon. We are working on that right now.
Jayden, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the team success as you prepare for the 2021 season.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Hollis family; Jayden Hollis