Interview: Late Call Up has 2022 CB Jaden Mickey Ready for Centennial Varsity Action

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are a few high school teams across the nation that are true powerhouse programs, and Centennial High School in Corona (CA) is one of them. The Huskies are always a MaxPreps’ Top 10 ranked squad and kept that position in 2018 with a 12-1 season ending the year No. 9 in the country. Even though the Huskies play what amounts to a national schedule each season, with all the talent on the roster year in and year out the practices can be even more grueling and competitive than some of the games. Early exposure to playing at a high level can be a wakeup call for underclassmen. One underclassman who got the call and answered it is rising Class of 2022 cornerback Jaden Mickey.

Mickey spent the 2018 season with Centennial’s freshman team but received a promotion late in the season for the playoff run. Against his peer group, the 5-11, 155-pound, athlete showcased his skills at corner and receiver. He impressed with his cover skills, and picking off four passes helped get the late season call focusing in on that spot going forward. Now Mickey has gone through spring practices with the Huskies and is going through summer workouts in preparation for fall camp to start the 2019 season. His play in 7v7 tournaments with Rharebreed has caught attention as a talent to watch going forward.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Mickey learning more about his play on the field and how he is adjusting to playing varsity football with one of the nation’s elite high school programs.

Interview

Jaden, when the 2018 season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a cornerback?

“At the freshman level, I was faster or as fast as everyone on the field. When I moved up, I had to work on my technique and not rely as much on just my speed. I had to be consistent in every practice going against guys like (four-star receiver) Gary Bryant (2020).”

What have you been working on this offseason in preparation for your first taste of varsity football?

“I have been working on getting stronger, faster, and more powerful. I want to get stronger so when I hit people this season, I can pack it on them.”

What kind of physical training having you been doing to have your strength, speed, and stamina top-notch for the upcoming schedule?

“I hit the weight room every day and I have been training with Coach Rob from Rharebreed a lot.”

When working with Coach Rob, what kind of training is he putting you through to help you for the 2019 run?

“My favorite drill we do is the gauntlet. Doing the gauntlet, you do every break and opening you have to do on the field.”

You’ve mentioned your speed a couple of times, what is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve posted this offseason?

“My fastest 40 was a 4.59 hand-timed.”

Nice. Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this spring?

“Yes. I played with Rharebreed.”

How did play 7-on with Rharebreed help take your game to another level?

“It helped by going against great competition. We were competing at the highest level at all the tournaments.”

What was spring ball like for you with the Huskies?

“I was getting used to the flow of practice and conditioning myself to go 100 percent with every rep.”

Where all did you lineup during spring ball?

“During spring ball, I was at corner. During my freshman season I was at corner and receiver. They like one-way players at Centennial.”

What were some of the things you learned early on that helped you adjust quickly to the speed of varsity ball playing against all the top talent on the Huskies squad?

“I have to focus in on every rep to play to the best of my ability. After going against Gary and the other talented guys on the team, then going against other teams, I was used to it.”

Did you compete at any college camps this summer?

“I went to the Azusa Pacific camp a couple of weeks ago.”

How did that camp go for you?

“It was well organized. We did stations first, then technique drills, fastest man, one-on-ones, and then 7v7.”

What were you able to showcase with your skills at that camp?

“I did not do so well; I am not going to lie. But I was able to show that I can compete.”

Given your age and the differences at camps from practices, seems like that was a great learning experience that will help you going forward.

“Yes, sir.”

Last couple of questions for fun. What is your favorite subject in school?

“I used to like Math, but at the high school level it is harder. But I still like it – math.”

What do you like to do for fun away from a football related activity?

“I am hanging out with my friends or training. I love to train.”

Jaden, it was great learning more about your and your game on the field today. I appreciate your time and wish you continued success with your offseason training.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Rharebreed; Jaden Mickey