Interview: 3-Star 2021 All-American OLB Jaden Genova Updates Spring Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If ever there was a place to showcase one’s talents against the best of the best for college coaches to gauge next level success, it would be in California’s Trinity League. The six-team league comprised of Los Angeles and Orange County squads routinely produces numerous five-, four-, and three-star prospects for the collegiate ranks every year. One of those guys propping the conference up on national scale without all the fan-fair is Class of 2021 outside linebacker Jaden Genova.
The stats for the 6-0, 200-pound, linebacker speaks for themselves. Genova impacted the game as a sophomore producing a 78-tackle, 14-tackle for a loss, nine-sack, six-QB hurry, one forced fumble, and one-pick season in 2017. With offenses keying on and scheming away from JSerra Catholic’s three-star defender, Genova was still able to earn All-Trinity League, All-CIF, and second team MaxPreps All-American honors in 2019 after racking up 84 stops, 66 solo, with eight for a loss, 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, three passes broken up, and three forced fumbles.
The cancellation of the in-person spring evaluation period has limited recruiting opportunities for prospects across the country, and Genova is one of those hampered by not being able to show college scouts what he can do with them watching on the practice field. Still, Genova holds three offers, has interest building, and is an NCAA qualifier with a 23 scored on the ACT.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Genova sat down for a quick confab catching us up on his junior season on the field, offseason workouts, and recruiting process.
*Click link for RNG video interview with Jaden Genova
Interview
Jaden, you showed out yet again against Trinity League competition leading the Lions in tackles earning All-American honors along the way. What was working for you allowing for the big junior season?
“I felt like I could process the play quicker. I knew where to go to make a play, a lot faster than most people.”
In which game did you turn in your best individual performance?
“Against Santa Margarita, I had 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and double-digit tackles.”
That qualifies. What defensive scheme were you guys running in 2019?
“We were more of a 3-4 last year. We rotated more at the other outside linebacker spot opposite of me.”
What were your roles within the scheme?
“I was coming off the edge trying to make a play or reading and reacting.”
Throughout the season, how did you see your talents as a linebacker improve?
“The use of my hands got better, and the speed of reading the play got better.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“I have been working on my speed and my cutting getting those quick twitch movements down.”
During this time, what has been your daily workout routine?
“In the morning I workout and after working out I do my homework. After my homework, I run on the beach for a little bit.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Cal-Poly, UC-Davis, Rice, and San Diego State.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Three; Army, Idaho State, and Oregon.”
Before the dead period kicked in, did you get to take any visits?
“Yes, I took Junior Day visit to Rice and SMU.”
How did the Rice trip go?
“It was amazing. It completely blew my mind. It was everything I was expecting and more.”
And the SMU visit?
“It was really cool. They showed me around the facilities, I was blown away. After the tour, I had a 10-minute meeting with their defensive coordinator.”
The dead period stopped a lot of visits from taking place. Did you have any visits planned or are there any planned visits coming up once things open back up?
“I was supposed to go to Army, that would have been this weekend, but I can’t do that one anymore. We are waiting and seeing on everything else.”
Time for my highly anticipated virus buster question. What have you been doing to entertain yourself during the quarantine?
“Playing Xbox. That is my No. 1 thing.”
Which game or games are you playing?
“A lot of 2K and Call of Duty.”
Jaden, always great getting time in with you. Keep up the hard work this spring until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Genova family; Jaden Genova at Rice