Interview: 4-Star 2022 California QB Jayden Denegal Covers Northwestern and UCLA Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Since his freshman season, Jayden Denegal has made it a mission to pick apart California defenses making playing quarterback look easy. After throwing for 2,214 yards with 36 TDs while rushing for 155 yards with four more touchdowns, Denegal hit 129 of 196 attempts in 2019 for 2,260 yards with 34 scores going into the end zone one time on the ground. The 2020 campaign was abbreviated, but in four games the 6-5, 218-pound, gunslinger threw for 803 yards with 11 touchdowns tossed and covered 80 yards on the ground off 16 totes with five more scores helping Apple Valley High School to an undefeated season.

Ten offers have been given to the Class of 2022 four-star recruit, and the recruiting process is heating up. Since the dead period has lifted, Denegal has already visited Northwestern and UCLA throwing in-person for both staffs. The two visits are just the beginnings of a busy summer for Denegal.

*Click the link for the May 23 RNG interview with Jayden Denegal

Interview

Jayden, I just saw you sling it at the Elite 11 Regional in Los Angeles over the weekend (June 6). At that event, what do you feel you were able to showcase against other top quarterbacks?

I felt like I showcased my deep ball. I did really well at that camp overall.

Have you been to any college camps yet?

Yes, I have been to Northwestern and a workout at UCLA.

Tell me about the Northwestern camp. How did it go?

It went really well. I took a visit after. The camp went well; I threw well.

What did the coaches have you do at the camp?

It started off with the normal tests; the 40, broad jump, and 5-10-5. Then we did the QB drills, routes on air, and end with one on ones.

And at the UCLA workout, what did the coaches there have you do?

They had me throw 50 throws. It was like a pro day. It was scripted. They had me testing too. It was just me at the workout.

Of your skills, what were you able to showcase there?

I showcased my overall throwing ability and throwing on the move. A lot of throws were with movement. They were not difficult but also not the easiest throws to make.

From the Northwestern and UCLA coaches, after the workout and camp, did you get any feedback?

Both said they liked my performance a lot. I have been in contact with them three to two times a week. I think we will see how June plays out. My recruiting is still 100 percent open.

Do you have any upcoming camps or workouts?

Yes, I am going to Fresno State, a mega camp, next Thursday, then the 25th through the 28th I will be at The Show at IMG Academy in Florida; I believe those are the dates. I will visit some colleges when I am out there. Then I have the Ivy Leagues; I am hitting those the 18th and 19th of June.

Circling back to the UCLA visit, what were your impressions from the visit?

I really liked it, the campus, the atmosphere and the facilities. I really liked UCLA

At Northwestern, what did you see and do?

After the camp, I toured the facilities. I liked their facilities, coaches, and staff.

Ten offers are down, which programs are showing interest as you take the various visits?

A big one is UCLA, Northwestern, the Ivy League schools like Columbia, and Fresno State. Those are a few that are showing interest.

Jayden, thanks for giving us insight on your visits to Northwestern and UCLA. I am looking forward to hearing how the other visits turnout.

Thank you, Ryan.

Denegal’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado, Colorado State, Georgia, Michigan State, Oregon State, and Utah

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Photo credit: Denegal family; Jayden Denegal