Interview: Breakout Season in Effect for 2022 California QB Jayden Denegal

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

One of the rising stars of the 2018 California high school football season in the 2022 class was Jayden Denegal. Denegal picked apart defenses in his peer group throwing for 2,214 yards with 36 touchdowns hitting 94 of 134 pass attempts with four rushing scores. The question for Denegal over the offseason was, what will he do against varsity competition during his sophomore season?

Any doubters who might have been out there thinking Denegal could not get it done for his Apple Valley squad during his sophomore season have been made believers. The 6-4, 215-pound, strong-armed quarterback has continued his admonishment of secondaries by completing 44 of 71 passes for 858 yards with 13 touchdowns against just one interception. The work within the Sun Devils offense has led to a 5-0 start against Division VI foes as the team heads into the heart of Mojave League action. Denegal’s play is starting to attract a crowd with Kansas State showing interest.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I spent a few minutes with Denegal getting a better understanding of how his season on the field is turning out beyond the stats.

Interview

Jayden, the Sun Devils have been getting it done on the field this season, and with a balanced offense. How is the team looking on offense this season?

“Our run game is strong, no team is stopping it. Our pass game is there, but we have not really needed it. Our line is solid, our running backs are coming downhill, and our receivers are catching everything. Our offense is looking good this year.”

You guys are putting it on teams for 50 points per game on average. How are you leading the team each week? What is your leadership style?

“I just want to keep up confidence in everyone. Want to keep them up with high energy and celebrate when the defense makes play. I want to make sure our offense stays disciplined and keeps paying attention to the little things.”

Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game this season?

“The most improvement I am showing in my game is in the pocket. I am moving up and completing throws. My scrambling and throwing on the run has improved. I have not run it too much this year. My scrambling is really improving this year.”

Which parts of your game are you constantly working on in practice?

“I am working on accuracy and man coverage throws fitting the ball into tight windows to my receivers.”

Of the games played, which one was your personal best and why do you consider that game your best?

“If I had to pick a game, I would say the Barstow game was my best (won 62-0). I had a lot of tough throws in there. There were some good scrambles and I was getting rid of the ball. We moved the ball down the field in that one. I had some big throws in that game.”

Looking ahead, what are some of the big games left on the schedule?

“The Serrano game and the Oak Hills game, that is another big game. That should be a good one. I believe Serrano is 5-0 this season. The playoffs are looking good for us.”

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Photo credit: Apple Valley HS; Jayden Denegal