Interview: 2023 Kansas DE/TE Jaden Hamm is the Real Deal
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The coaches at Eudora High School have it easy, with a player of Jaden Hamm’s talents and abilities you play him as often and everywhere possible. College coaches will have a tougher decision to make with Hamm. The 6-6, 220-pound, Class of 2023 two-way standout is lining up to be that All-Conference collegiate performer at defensive end but some programs may see him as that difference maker at tight end. Either way, Hamm is the real deal.
During the Cardinals’ 10-game 2020 season, Hamm spent his sophomore season hanging out in opposing Kansas 4A backfields hauling down an estimated 70-plus ball carriers with 15 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks. Used more as a blocking tight end, Hamm got key targets in the red zone hauling in five total passes that resulted in one touchdown and a couple two-point conversions.
As Hamm’s highlight reel has spread throughout the college football recruiting community, his offer sheet has tacked on high-profile names. The offerees include Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Miami-Ohio, Nebraska, and Penn State. With the college camp circuit expected to get going this summer after a one-year hiatus, Hamm’s status among college coaches will continue to rise.
In an RNG first-look interview, Hamm stopped by the Lab telling us about his 2020 campaign with a look at his offseason goals and plans.
Interview
Jaden, congratulations on the big 2020 season turned in across the board.
Thank you.
It may seem odd, but of all the things you do on the field I want to start off asking about your blocking abilities at tight end. Not only do you get on guys but you have the headiness to slide off a block and work up field. How did that part of your game become more of a dominate skillset in 2020?
Coming off my freshman year as an offensive lineman, I was playing left tackle, having the mobility and lengthy arms made it easier. I was making the right reads, knowing whether they would be rushing inside or outside. I knew where they would end up.
The coaches utilized your size in the passing game, especially in the red zone. What were some of the routes you were running?
Posts were the main ones with some outs and drags.
On the other side of the ball, you were head hunting running backs and quarterbacks off the edge. What base front were you guys running and what were your responsibilities in the scheme?
We were running a 3-4. In our defense, I was to hold gap; I was the Dog. Sometimes they had me as a standup defensive end, then I’d come down. We also went into a 4-3 or a 3-3 with me floating. Everyone held their gap. I was taking on the lead blockers pushing everything back inside letting my linebackers run fill through the gaps.
In which game did you turn in your personal best performance?
Probably in the Ottawa game. They ran outside a lot, but I was making them cut in. My speed showed in that one. I picked it up against them. I was able to keep up with running backs on the outside.
In which game did the defense turn in a top performance in 2020?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I’d say it was against Ottawa – goal line wise. We had three goal line stops in that game. Our best overall game as a team was against Paola. That game was back and forth. No one scored in that one going back and forth until the fourth quarter.
As you prepare this offseason for the 2021 schedule, what roles will you be taking on during your junior season?
This offseason my goal is to gain a ton of weight. I am playing more of a defensive end spot than a backer. I will still be at tight end. Depending on the offensive game plan that week, I will also be at outside receiver.
You just mentioned wanting to add weight this offseason. What weight are you trying to hit before the 2021 season begins?
With basketball, I lost about 10 pounds. I am at 210 now but by August I want to be at 230.
For your skills on offense, what are you focused on this spring?
My footwork with my routes, my blocking power, not letting people get loose and staying locked on.
And what about for your game on defense?
The same things. Getting my arms extended, my reads, and making the right plays.
To add that weight and strength, what are the workouts you’ve been doing?
With our weight program, Coach (Sean) Hayden (head coach) does three main movements; hips, calves, and upper body. We are getting all that down right now for the kids coming up to have that common knowledge. For me, I am also working on my flexibility and mechanics. On my own, I go to the gym two to three times a day. I am in there a lot going heavy on squats, bench, and cleans. I’ll put in a recovery day and the go light with some mobility stuff.
Camp season is getting going. Are there any camps you may attend this spring and/or summer?
I am hoping to go to camps at KU (Kansas) and Kansas State. Coach Hayden has our summer planned out making sure we are the best team we can be. With camps, it all depends on pricing and travel time between football and basketball. I will go to as many college camps as possible.
Sticking with the colleges; which ones are showing interest?
There are coaches that have followed me on Twitter, but being a 2023 recruit I can’t talk to them until the 2021 season. With some of these coaches, I don’t know they are showing interest until just before the offer comes. That is when I find out, when they offer me. Coach Hayden takes care of our recruiting. When all the coaches on a staff start following me, then I hope for the best.
Which college programs are following you on Twitter but have not offered?
UCLA, Notre Dame, West Virginia, TCU, and Oregon.
How many offers do you have?
I have eight.
Which program was the first to offer?
Kansas State and KU offered on the same day. Kansas State offered that morning and then KU offered in the afternoon.
Are there any recruiting visits you may take this summer?
I am hoping to go see all the colleges that have offered me, and those that will offer in the future. I love going to see the campuses, seeing the facilities, and meeting coaches.
Jaden, thank you for your time today. It was fun pairing the player with the great highlight reel.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Hamm family; Jaden Hamm in action