Interview: 4-Star 2022 Texas RB Jaydon Blue Eyeing Recruiting Visits for Next Year
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After a ridiculous sophomore season with Klein Cain High School, supporters, friends, college coaches, and even foes were wondering what Class of 2022 running back Jaydon Blue could do in a follow up performance. True to his four-star billing with 34 offers received, the Texas standout is even better than advertised.
How does one improve upon a 1,612-yard season with 16 touchdowns off 205 totes adding an additional 108 yards in the receiving game after securing 15 receptions? Beyond pushing past the previous stats, improve upon the small details.
Blue eclipsed his 1,600-yard mark in 10 games a year ago. Through eight games this season, the 5-11.5, 205-pound, back has scorched Texas 6A defenses for 1,568 yards with 21 touchdowns. Not only are the touchdowns up, but so are the yards per game (161.2 to 196.0) and yards per carry (7.9 to 9.3). Another small detail of his game showing a difference, his kick return yards have bumped from 134 off eight touches to 101 off three attempts. Klein Cain has also matched their win total from a year ago with a 6-2 record ready to take on any other Houston area teams and all other on takers once the playoffs kickoff.
In a return visit to the RNG Lab, Blue breaks down his season thus far with an inside look at his recruiting.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Jaydon Blue
Interview
Jaydon, you are having another monster season with seven 100-yard rushing games already through just eight games. You are on pace to eclipse the amazing 2019 campaign you put together. Comparing you from a year ago to now, what’s the difference?
Really, I am just being stronger, faster, and I have a hold on how varsity is now. I have adjusted and found things I could do better.
Everyone in the stadium knows you are going to get the ball. How are defenses stacking up against you?
Most teams we play will put eight or nine in the box. They know we have one of the top offenses. They are loading to try to stop me, but our offensive line is one of the best in the state. My offensive line is helping me score a lot. They are one of the reasons I am doing what I am doing. I thank my line for that.
What are some of the designed plays putting the rock in your hands?
We run inside zones a lot, counters, powers, traps – that is mostly it. This year they are putting me at slot some running screens. They are using me more as a receiver than last year. Last year, I was just at running back getting some screens. This year I am more out in space making plays.
How are you preparing for each game this year?
We practice all week and lift during fifth period. I practice hard. I practice how I will play so in the game it will be easier. When I go home, I watch film to see their defense and what I can do to be productive.
Against which team have you turned in your best game so far?
My best game was last week against Tomball (won 53-38). I had five touchdowns, 300 yards, and a few receptions. That was one of my best games overall. Five touchdowns is the most I’ve had in a game. It also got me close to my season total from last year.
The next game on the schedule is Foster (7-1). What kind of game are you guys facing against them?
They are a good team. They are reaching for the same goals as us. We have to keep doing what we’ve been doing, adjust, and play our game. When we are clicking, I don’t think anyone in the city can mess with us. We just have to focus and it will be a good game for us.
What is the playoff scenario for you guys?
We clinched first seed for our division. We wanted an extra game to get ready and keep our momentum going for the playoffs. We needed a game, if not it would have been two weeks before we played. We wanted to stay on track with momentum.
I’m always interested to get the update on your recruiting. Are there any programs showing interest that have not offered?
I have been talking to Clemson and Indiana. They are the only ones that have not offered me yet. I want that Clemson offer. I am thinking it will happen towards the end of the season.
How many offers do you have?
I have 34 offers.
Which teams were the last couple wanting you on their team?
Notre Dame, Colorado, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Blue’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Houston, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, SMU, Stanford, Texas, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, and USC
Whenever visits get going again in 2021, are there any programs you’d like to go see in person?
I plan on going to Stanford, Georgia, LSU again, UT (Texas), and I probably need to go to Alabama and Oklahoma.
When might you put out a top schools list?
I have not thought about when. I will probably put out a Top 10 after the season, maybe a Top 5 next year.
Guessing you get this question every day, when might you commit?
I wanted to commit at the All-American Game. I’m not going to commit until my senior year. But I don’t know yet. I may just commit without a top schools list.
Jaydon, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the team success throughout the playoffs until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Blue family; Jaydon Blue