Interview: Speed Burning 2021 California DB Jayden Sheridan Still Weighing Recruiting Options

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Watching Class of 2021 defensive back Jayden Sheridan put the countless hours of physical training and focus on technique together for his senior campaign was a thing of beauty. Playing in the shortened 2020 California high school football season this spring, Sheridan (6-0, 173) produced 21 stops, 16 solo, with five pass breakups and one kick returned for a touchdown, although called back, in four games played. The hips, the speed (4.46), the burst, and ball skills were all on display for college coaches to see.

With offers down from South Dakota, Linfield, and Western Colorado, the 3.1 GPA student-athlete is still weighing his options along the recruiting trail.

Closing out his senior season, Sheridan stopped back by the RNG Lab for another detailed confab.

Interview

Jayden, your senior film looked great. You were showing off the blazing speed, great hips, change of direction, cover skills – all of it. Were you happy with your play this spring?

This season, I was mediocre. I know I can play a lot better and I know that was not to my full potential. I feel like I could have made better plays but it was still good.

What were some of the coverages the Eagles were executing during the 2020 season?

We ran a lot of man most of the season. We also ran a lot of Cover 3. In Cover 3, I was playing deep or covering the flats. We played a Cloud defense.

How did your skills in Coach Croson’s scheme grow this year?

We worked on a lot of footwork in the offseason, even before the pads were put on. Another thing we worked on was communication on defense. Playing DB became a lot easier on the field when we were communicating. The areas that really grew, working with my coach, Coach Will, he was telling me you will know when it is a pass or run by looking at the offensive linemen in zone. Another skill that grew was not letting my receiver get inside of me in man.

During the six-game schedule, which receiver was your toughest draw?

The toughest receiver I faced was Kevin Green (Alemany). I grew up with Kevin. We went through youth and elementary together. He was the best receiver I guarded this year.

How did that showdown against Kevin help make you a better player?

It made me better because I was performing at a bigger level, and on TV. That was a big thing for me. He has been doing that since his freshman year. Playing on TV made me feel better and made me feel that I was playing at a bigger level.

Your speed was on display on that kick return for a score. Were there any other big highlight plays from the season you are most proud of?

Yes, I got a pick against Paraclete. I almost took it to the crib.

I thought you had it with that block on the far side line. They just had the angle on you. What have you been doing this offseason to stay in football shape?

I run a lot and I workout with Jaylin Smith (Alemany going to USC). We go to a park by our house. We will go there to workout and run the hills. And we get in the gym. We go to 24 Hour Fitness to lift. That is constant during the week.

Jayden, I enjoyed going back over your film seeing all the hard work come to fruition during your senior season. Wishing you the best of luck with your recruiting process this spring and summer.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Sheridan family; Jayden Sheridan

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