One to Watch Interview with Rising 2020 California WR Jayden Dixon-Veal

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Although the temperatures are still soaring outside, for many people in the U.S., fall is here. Not by the calendar, but because high school football is about to begin. Each season on the gridiron brings its own grouping of headlines, developing stories, and emerging talents giving reason to gather around the watercooler to talk some football. One Class of 2020 athlete that plans to catch everything, including attention, that comes his way this season is Jayden Dixon-Veal.

Dixon-Veal started to emerge as a reliable play-maker for Rancho Cucamonga High School during his sophomore season hauling in four passes for 60 yards in four games played. A nagging injury and a senior ahead of him limited his total production on the field in 2017 for the Cougars, but all of that will change this year for the 5-11, 165-pound, receiver.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the players flying under college coaches’ radar, for now, in the Golden State to learn more about his offseason workouts with an update on Rancho Cucamonga’s fall camp.

Interview

Jayden, entering the offseason, which areas of your game as a receiver were the focus of your workouts?

“This offseason I was working on my speed and getting out of my breaks quicker. At Rancho Cucamonga, we do a lot of short routes, corners, and comebacks. I worked on my routes a lot. I also worked on strengthening my fingers.”

How did you work on strengthening your fingers?

“I get rubber bands and wrap them around my fingers and then open my fingers up. I also squeeze a tennis ball to develop hand and forearm strength.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?

“Yes, sir. I played with Rharebreed.”

How did playing with Rharebreed help improve your game as a receiver this spring?

“Playing with Rharebreed, Coach Rob is not just a regular coach, he makes sure we condition and understand the game. He has expanded my game a lot.”

Where did you see the biggest improvements in your overall skillset?

“My biggest improvements are on my routes. I noticed my routes were not the best after watching NFL and college guys.”

Based on spring and fall camp practices, how will you be used within the offense during your junior year?

“I will be mixed around between the inside and outside this year. I played slot last year. I will be a bigger part of the offense this year. I am starting at the outside receiver spot this year.”

Will we see you at other positions other than receiver?

“I talked to my coach about playing defensive back. I might play some defensive back this year. On special teams, I will be at punt and kick return.”

Did you get a chance to attend any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to UCLA, Azusa Pacific, and Redlands – Oregon. I spoke with coaches from Utah, Oregon, Montana, and USC this summer at the camps.”

You mentioned learning more about your route running this offseason, what were some of the things you learned from the college camps that will help you on the field this year?

“I learned a lot from the older guys at USC. They talked a lot about being a leader and being a better leader off the field. They talked about how to slow things down on the field and how to help your team. It was humbling. Hearing them talk helped me grow up and made me more mature.”

The Cougars start the season playing against Roosevelt (Eastvale), is the team pumped ready for the opener?

“Yes. We are so excited. We are ready to prove everyone wrong. People are underestimating us. We are ready for the season.”

What type of challenge will Roosevelt give the Cougars?

“They will give us a challenge. They press a lot. They have a good dual-threat QB. They are fast too.”

How is the team looking overall in fall camp?

“We look very good. We are young, but we look good.”

There are a few big games on the schedule I saw for the Cougars beyond the opener, are there any other games on the schedule you are pumped to play this year?

“Yes. Calabasas and Upland. We lost to Upland last year, so we want revenge. We want to be the Baseline League champions this year.”

What goals have you set for yourself this season?

“My goals are to lead the Baseline League in yards and touchdowns. I want to be a better team player this year to help my team achieve our team goals. I want to make it to the playoffs and go further than last year. Making All-CIF is always a goal.”

Jayden, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of fall camp and the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

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