Interview: 2024 RB Jaiden Moss Ready to Turn Heads with Upland’s Varsity Squad
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The lack of a high school football season in California over the fall months has opened up a window of opportunity for underclassmen to force their way onto the gridiron a year earlier than usual. The 2020 season in California kicks off this month, and along with it ninth graders that have used the offseason wisely will be taking on varsity competition. One of the rising stars ready to make a mark is Class of 2024 Upland running back Jaiden Moss.
Moss (5-7, 152) has torn it up against his peer group, and is now getting a baptism by fire in the Scots’ practices. The speed of the game is nothing new to Moss after playing 7v7 ball with Rharebreed over the winter months. The physicality of the game does not bother him either; the harder you hit him, the harder he wants to return the favor on the next play.
Working up to second-string during Upland’s practices this spring in preparation for the season, Moss gives us insight on how he prepared for his upcoming opportunities throughout the fall and winter months.
Interview
Jaiden, you are making that transition to high school ball playing with Upland. What has you excited about testing your skills and getting after it with the Scots?
I am playing varsity; seeing how my skills are against varsity competition as a freshman. They are showing me how good I am and what I need to do to get better against a higher competition level.
This winter, have you been playing 7v7?
Yes, with Rharebreed.
Which age classifications?
We’ve been playing 18-u.
Taking on the high school guys; I like it. At which positions?
Running back.
With those opportunities, how are you seeing your skills improve on offense?
Working on my catching and making moves in the open field.
Have you been working with a trainer to increase your speed and agility?
I have a trainer and I have been working with Coach Rob (Rharebreed). I have been working on lateral movement and jukes. With Coach Rob, I am running hills and he has a speed treadmill in his facility. He is helping me with my hips, calves, and hamstrings to get me faster.
What are some of the other workouts you are doing to increase your physicality for the varsity season?
I have a squat routine and leg routine that I do. Using two plates, at five reps and five sets I am doing squats. On the last set, I drop the weight and then I go to leg press with one leg. I do that six reps for five sets with each leg. Then I switch it up, five sets of five, but do 25 reps at a lighter weight on the last one. With lunges, I do five sets of 10 on each leg, then my hamstrings and calves. I am doing hamstring curls and raises too.
Are you practicing with the Scots as they prepare for the 2020 season kicking off in March?
Yes.
Which positions will you play for Upland?
Right now, I’m at running back.
You were playing some strong safety with the OG Ducks; are you going to play any defense for Upland this year?
Not this year, I will play defense during my sophomore or junior seasons.
Have you guys put on the pads yet?
We have, but we took them off going helmets yesterday. We are back in pads today (Friday).
Getting to give and take hits in the pads against the varsity, how has that gone for you?
It is rough and competitive, and I love it. I am not scared to get hit. If I do get hit hard, it motivates me to come back and hit them harder.
I love it. How are you adapting your skills to the differences in the game going up a level?
I have to get used to the speed more. In pads, it is a big adjustment. I see the differences, and I know I need to speed it up. The physicality is at a higher level. I am adjusting to it all. We have a game coming soon. I have to be ready.
Where are you on the depth chart?
I am second string. We have a three-man rotation.
Jaiden, I am excited for you and the opportunities you will have this spring. Keep up the hard work and keep us posted.
I will. Thank you.
Photo credit: Moss family; Jaiden Moss