Interview: 3-Star 2020 Hawaii QB Jayden de Laura Talks St. Louis Undefeated Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The resume for Class of 2020 quarterback Jayden de Laura shines. The 6-1, 190-pound, dual-threat is evolving into that play-maker in the pocket college programs cannot pass on evaluating after guiding storied St. Louis High School to a 12-0 season in 2018 with a Hawaii title and No. 6 MaxPreps national ranking. Hawaii has offered but challengers to land his signature are coming. Teams in the mainland have finally begun to realize the depth of talent in paradise – Jayden de Laura continues the rich legacy forward.

To learn more about the season the Crusaders turned in and his play on the gridiron, I sat down with the three-star rated recruit to learn more about his game.

Interview

Jayden, St. Louis had a fantastic year going 12-0 with a state title and No. 6 national ranking. What was it like for you being the quarterback for the Crusaders in 2018?

“I was thrilled with the ride. I did not know what to expect. I took it game by game and followed the senior leaders on the team.”

I’m sure there was a lot of pressure on you week in and week out to play your best. How did you handle the pressures of guiding the Crusaders to a title and the national spotlight?

“I worked hard in practice and listened to my coaches. The way they prepared me got me ready for everything I saw in the games.”

Which game during your junior year was your best and why do you consider that to be your best game?

“I’d say the second time we played against Punahou was my best. The first time I did not play well, but the second time around I could have played better but I bounced back and did better.”

Watching your reel, your arm strength stands out. What are some of the other strengths to your game as a throwing QB?

“I get the ball out quick and get the ball to my receivers to let them run and do their thing.”

You also have some serious cuts with your running abilities breaking ankles out there. How did your game improve as a runner in 2018?

“As the season went on, I built more confidence in my running abilities. I trusted in my abilities, it just worked out.”

What are the overall strengths of your game that may not show up on the stat sheet?

“I feel like I do well reading defenses and with my pre-snap reads noticing man, zone, cover 2 or 3, and seeing who is blitzing. I can pick up mismatches.”

What have you been working on this offseason?

“My goal is to improve on everything. I want to get my release back I had up until the middle of the season. I had a little injury around the middle of the year that changed my release, but I worked through it and I am getting it back.”

Which school has offered you?

“I received an offer from Hawaii before the season began.”

Are any other schools showing interest in you yet?

“Yes. I am receiving interest from Georgia.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They say they like the way I throw the ball, my spin, and how it comes out of my hand.”

Jayden, it was great learning more about your game today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Jayden de Laura Twitter; No. 7 Jayden de Laura