Interview: New York ATH Jailen Nias is Preparing for Breakout Junior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Everyone wants to be “the man” for their team but few have the natural ability and/or real desire to fill the role when push comes to shove. When the 2017 season kicks off, Jailen Nias will be put into the ultimate leadership role on offense making the move from running back to quarterback with the goal to lead DeWitt Clinton High School (Bronx) on a championship run. The new responsibilities will put him front and center for next level scouts to see his overall athleticism.
The move to quarterback will not be a daunting task for Nias. During his junior season, he was a two-way standout playing a rover/linebacker/safety hybrid on defense while taking handoffs out of the backfield. Nias’ estimated stat line through nine total team games played was 441 yards rushing with five scores and 25 tackles with a sack.
The 2016 season was preparation for Nias getting him acclimated to the offense so the budding talent could become the focal point in the Governors’ offense this year. The move should also help bolster his recruiting stock status. With an offer already on the table from Army, the 6-1, 180 pound, playmaker is pulling interest from regional schools like Connecticut, Syracuse, Stony Brook, and Temple with west coast programs like BYU and Colorado also taking notice.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with rising Class of 2019 talent talking about his play on the field during his sophomore year, his preparation for the 2017 schedule, and his growing recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jailen, where all did you line up on the field last season?
“I played linebacker mostly. They changed my position around. We had a hybrid linebacker in the box my freshman year. I played outside linebacker and that hybrid role as well as running back.”
Which position do you like best?
“Between running back and linebacker… I like playing on both sides of the ball.”
How did your game improve last season?
“It improved a lot. After my first couple of games, it got easier. I could see the holes and hit the gaps faster on offense. On defense, I could see everything that was happening because of my role on offense. It was easier for me as the season went on.”
Is there a player at the upper levels you watch to learn more about the position?
“I’m trying to be like Marshawn Lynch (Oakland Raiders). I want to be more explosive and powerful with my runs than last year. I want to have breakaway runs for 70 and 80 yards.”
Where all might you line up during your junior year?
“This year I am playing quarterback. We had a change in our staff this off-season. I’ve played quarterback before. I thought it would be best for the team if I switched positions. I think it will be best for us to win games and go to the playoffs with me at quarterback.”
Are you excited about playing quarterback this year?
“Yes, I am.”
What type of offense will you execute this year?
“We run a triple option, a high-tempo offense. I will be close to being a running back the way our offense is set up. I will try to throw more than what we did during my sophomore year.”
What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?
“I’m trying to get stronger in my legs and loosen up my hips. I’m trying to be more explosive. I want to be faster. I’m working on QB drills too.”
Will your role within the offense change or expand in the upcoming season beyond playing quarterback?
“I might play some receiver. The coaches want to get the ball in my hands and use my speed and ability to cut through the defense. I have hands and I can run – that’s the perfect combination.”
Have you attended any camps this spring or summer?
“I have been to Temple, UConn, Syracuse, Stony Brook, and Rivals (New Jersey).”
Which was your best camp?
“All of them. From each one I learned different techniques and something I can do better for the season.”
What was the best 40 time you posted at a camp this summer?
“Last year my best was a 4.62 at West Point. I posted a 4.3 short shuttle last year. I did not run a 40 this summer.”
Which position did you line up at with the different camps?
“Mainly at running back. I played some at safety and linebacker. I would jump in at slot if the lines were filled up at running back to get extra reps in front of the coaches.”
Very smart. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“UConn, Syracuse, Temple, Stony Brook, Colorado, and BYU.”
Cool that you are getting interest from teams out west. Are you interested in schools outside your area?
“I am interested in schools all across the country.”
Which position are most college coaches recruiting you to play?
“Running back and safety.”
You have an offer from Army, which position did they offer you to play at the next level?
“At safety and running back. Coach (John) Loose (safeties) wanted to see me at safety during an unofficial visit and a camp. I played some running back at their camp, that’s when Coach (Tucker) Waugh saw me and liked me at running back as well.”
What are the coaches you have talked to tell you they like about your skillset?
“They like my speed, the way I do drills, and the way I go about things. They like that I am a natural athlete and they like that I am a genuine person.”
Do you play any other sports for DeWitt Clinton?
“Track, basketball, and baseball.”
Which events in track did you compete?
“All the speed events in indoor and outdoor track. The 55 indoor, 400, 200, 100, long and high jump.”
Wow. That’s a lot of events. Of them all, which is your best?
“The 400. I think if I can learn better technique, the long jump could be my best event.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I carry an 80 average.”
What goals have you set for the 2017 season?
“My goal is to be All-City, rush for over 1,000 yards, have a great passing attack, and lead my team to playoffs. I want to make us better from week to week. I want to be an impact player for my team.”
How does the team look heading into the year?
“We look good. Our coaches have been doing things differently. We are working on our offense. I think we will have a good offensive line this year. We will have a good running attack this year.”
What motivates you on the field?
“My team. Having them around me, pushing me to get better. My parents and my brother, and trying to make it to college.”
Jailen, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Henry O.; No. 6 Jailen Nias breaks through the line of scrimmage (2016).
Photo credit: : Henry O.; No. 6 Jailen Nias pre-game (2016).