Interview: Top College Programs Set to Host 5-Star 2023 Louisiana LB Jaiden Ausberry
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The great plays and bone jarring hits put on display by Jaiden Ausberry are only going to get more violent and more spectacular over the next two years. Even though Ausberry was lighter than most in the box during the 2020 season, he was still that beast that led Baton Rouge’s University Lab in tackles. What may have been a little undersized for an inside linebacker/hybrid is getting to the just about perfect spot now stretching the tape at 6-foot 2-inches while tipping the scale at 200 pounds.
Beyond the physical presence Ausberry brings to the field, the Class of 2023 talent has an understanding of the game that goes beyond his grade classification. The productivity mixed with the football IQ and upside has brought 15 offers for the five-star recruit with more top programs getting closer to offering.
Making his first visit to the RNG Lab, Ausberry covers ground on his sophomore season, spring workouts, and upcoming college football recruiting visits.
Interview
Jaiden, you have that old school linebacker mentality on the field knocking anything that comes your way backwards with a lot of enthusiasm. What fires you up on a Friday night to play with that head hunting mentality?
I like going out for my team and putting it on the line. Football is my passion. I have a lot of love for the game.
Your focus on any given play is impressive. During the week, how do you prepare for a game to put yourself in a position to succeed on the field?
I go back and look at film, and our practices, to see what I did right and wrong. On game day, I listen to music before the game and isolate myself to stay focused.
During the 2020 season, in which game did you turn in your best personal performance?
I feel like my best was in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. I had two sacks, one strip sack. We shut them out. That was my best game.
Within the Cubs’ scheme, you come downhill against the run, cover, and spy the quarterback. What are your responsibilities from game to game within the team’s defense?
I am all over the place. They have me blitzing, guarding, going down like a lineman; I am a hybrid. I am all over the place.
Your closing speed pops on film. How has that translated in a 40 or a shuttle drill at a camp?
I went to an Under Armour Camp, I did not get my 40 but I got a 4.23 on my shuttle. I am proud of my speed. Last summer I ran a 4.6; I think I can run a 4.4 now.
How are you pushing your physical strengths forward this spring in the weight room?
Right now, I am benching 250, squatting 400, and cleaning about 270. I am trying to get stronger. Speed is always what is most important to me. Strength will come.
With that, what are some of the drills or exercises you are doing to increase your speed and agility?
I do a lot of sprints, 10 and 20-yard sprints. I have been working with a track coach, he’s helping me with my 40 showing me technique and helping me work on my start.
Looking to the 2021 season, where all might you line up on the field? You got a pretty sweet carry out of the backfield this past season.
Right now, I am playing strong and free safety, and linebacker. On that run play, that was a fake punt. You might see some more of those this year too.
A few minutes ago, you mentioned the Under Armour Camp, which national camps have you been to this offseason and do you have any others coming up you may attend?
I went to Under Armour and this summer I am going to the Ohio State and Alabama camps as of right now. A&M, I am trying to add an A&M camp but I am not sure if I will have an open spot with football practices.
Circling back to the Under Armour Camp, performance wise, how did it go?
It was a great experience playing against good players from across the nation. I did well. That helped spark my recruitment a lot.
Staying with recruiting. Which program was the first to offer you?
Mississippi State.
Getting a first offer from an SEC program, what was moment like for you?
It was crazy. I was shook for about two days afterwards. I didn’t know it was coming. My film hadn’t come out yet. They called and offered; it was a real blessing.
How many offers do you have now?
I have 15.
Which were the last couple to offer you?
Georgia, A&M, Auburn, and Tennessee.
Ausberry’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Georgia, LSU, McNeese State, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
Very cool. Which programs that you know of are showing recruiting interest but have yet to offer?
Ohio State is showing a lot of interest, Texas, Oregon, Note Dame, Oklahoma, and Alabama are also showing interest.
Once the dead period lifts, are there any visits you’d like to take this summer?
Yes, I’d like to see most of the schools offered like Florida and visit schools like Notre Dame, Texas, and Alabama. All the big schools that have offered, I want to go visit. On the visits, I want to take my time and see how I like it.
Jaiden, I enjoyed putting the skills on film with you today. Wishing you the best of luck with your upcoming visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: University Lab/Ausberry family; Jaiden Ausberry