Interview: 4-Star 2022 All-American CB Jaden Mickey Eyeing Summer Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a reason sophomore Jaden Mickey started for national powerhouse high school football program Centennial (Corona, CA) during the 2019 season; the kid can play. That notion was hard for opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks to grasp leading to a second team MaxPreps Class of 2022 All-American campaign for the cornerback. Mickey (5-11, 170) parlayed his varsity call-up as a freshman stopping 31 plays, 17 solo, with a tackle for a loss, a quarterback hurry, knocked away 11 attempts, and picked off six. The offers have rolled in for the four-star recruit sitting on eight this spring.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Mickey catches us up on his 2019 season, offseason workouts, and possible recruiting visits this summer.
*Click link for Nov. 2019 RNG interview with Jaden Mickey
Interview
Jaden, we spoke towards the end of the 2019 season when you were tearing it up. For whatever reason, quarterbacks kept throwing your way and you kept making them pay with six picks in 12 games. What was the secret to your success last year picking off passes?
“I like to get in a receiver’s head. If I am guarding a top receiver, I like getting in his head because I know they have to go to him. When they do, it is going back the other way.”
From last year to your offseason workouts, what do you feel are the strengths to your game as a corner?
“My technique has improved a lot, and I am bigger, stronger and faster; that is always helpful on the field.”
When the 2020 season kicks off, will you be taking on any new roles on the team?
“Yeah. I will be playing kick returner and I will play some in the slot. I want to go both ways to help my team as much as possible.”
Are you excited about playing slot receiver in 2020?
“Yes, sir. I’m trying to get in the end zone as much as possible.”
Which areas of your game have you focused on this spring?
“Since the quarantine, I’ve been getting stronger. Before that, I was working on my speed. I was working in the sand, running hills, and training on the track with Rarebreed.”
The quarantine mixed up your workouts, what have you been doing as a daily workout routine?
“I jump rope every day, sometimes go to the track, and I have a weight room at home. Sometimes I run in the sand and sometimes I run in the hills.”
Recruiting has exploded for you. How many offers are you holding?
“Eight.”
Mickey’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Fresno State, Georgia, Kansas, Oregon State, USC, and Utah
Beyond the offers, which schools are showing interest?
“Clemson, Cal, and Arizona.”
Before the dead period began, did you get a chance to take any unofficial visits?
“No. I was going to go to Arizona State, Kansas, and Fresno State’s spring games, but they were all shut down.”
Once things open back up, do you have any planned visits?
“I want to get on Clemson, Arizona State, Utah, and Georgia’s campuses.”
That’ll be fun. Besides football, were you playing any other varsity sports for Centennial?
“Track was starting up before the quarantine, but our first meet was cancelled.”
Which events were you running this spring?
“The 100.”
Now for the much-anticipated virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun during the quarantine?
“Mostly jump roping. I love it. It will help with all aspects of the game. I am eating trying to get bigger and stronger and weight lifting.”
Jaden, it is always great getting time in with you. Keep up the hard work this spring until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mickey family/Twitter: No. 8 Jaden Mickey