Update Interview with 2020 California WDE Jaylen Tate with Oregon and Oregon State Visit Preview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Big steps were taken on the field during the 2018 season for Class of 2020 defensive end/outside linebacker Jaylen Tate. The rising East High School defender went up against Division I California competition helping the Tigers to a 6-6 record. After a strong showing at the Diamond in the Rough Camp held in his Fresno backyard in March, and with East spring football about to begin, I sat down with the 6-1, 230-pound, defender receiving an update on his workouts, camp schedule, and upcoming visits to Oregon and Oregon State.

*Click link for March 11, 2019, RNG video interview with Jaylen Tate

Interview

Jaylen, since I saw you last at the Diamond in the Rough Camp in March what have you been up to with your workouts?

“I have been working on my footwork, hand technique, increasing my bench press, my clean, and my squat.”

What moves have you been working on as a defensive end?

“I have been working on what the coaches told me. The main thing I have been doing is always use your hands. It is too hard for offensive linemen to touch you if you get your hands on them first. At a recent camps, I went up against a 6-foot 6-inch lineman, he could not touch me.”

What is your workout routine in the weight room?

“Right now, our coach has us on bench, squat, and on the basics. We max out next week. We are just getting stronger every day getting ready for our max out session.”

When does spring ball start?

“We start the week after next.”

What is your goal to accomplish with spring ball?

“I have a lot of stuff I want to accomplish this spring. Going into every game this season, I want to dominate. I want to get a buzz going off the field – I feel it. All spring I want to dominate. I will listen to all my coaches to work on getting better, keep working hard on my technique, and work to keep my grades up.”

Since the Diamonds in the Rough Camp, which other camps have you been to this spring?

“I went to a Sacramento camp at American River College.”

How did that camp go?

“I did really well at that camp. I won MVP for defensive linemen from the one-on-ones. There were a lot of kids there – I felt great about what I accomplished. The Fresno kids did well up there.”

Do you have any upcoming camps you may attend?

With recruiting, are you going to get a chance to visit any schools before the college camps get going?

“Yes. I am going to Oregon and Oregon State for a visit this weekend.”

**Tate’s visit has been rescheduled to weekend of May 11th

What has you excited about visiting Oregon?

“I am feeling juiced about this visit. I have always wanted to visit them. I know they have a great campus, a great field and stadium, great facilities and jerseys – they have a lot of nice stuff there. I can’t wait to see it all.”

And the Oregon State visit, what has you excited about meeting with the Beavers?

“I am excited to visit Oregon State as well. I have always liked them.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 3.3 GPA and I take my SAT in May.”

What is the one goal or one thing you want to accomplish during the summer camp series?

“I want to continue to win MVP awards. I want to let them know that I am here to dominate and that offensive linemen can’t hold me. I want to be recognized by the coaches and have the other players ohh and ahh over my play at the camps.”

Jaylen, good luck with the visits this weekend and with your SAT.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Tate family; Jaylen Tate at a spring football camp