Jaylen Jones
Jaylen is the son of Rashard Jones and Erika Holliday. He has three sisters; Jordan, Jada, and Jay, and one brother; Justice. He plays varsity football and is a proud member of the Honor Roll.
Bio and stats:
Class of: 2021 (Thomas Jefferson High School)
GPA: 3.1
Positions: WR and DB
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hometown: Richmond, VA
School Mascot: Vikings
TJHS Head Coach: Paul Adams
TJHS Assistant Coaches: Coach Jo, Coach Kizzie, Coach Hagan, Coach Adam, Coach Miller, Coach Tiffin, and Coach McCray
His favorites:
Colors – blue and purple
Food – snow crab legs
Hobby outside of sports – playing XBox
Movie – Drumline
Book – Decoded By Jay-Z
Pro-Basketball team – Chicago Bulls
Pro-Football team – San Francisco 49’ers
One-on-One with Jaylen Jones
Amandalyn: Jaylen, it’s a pleasure to meet you! I’d like to congratulate you on achieving the title of Athlete of the Month. The first thing I’d like you to share with our readers is your history with team sports. Which ones have you participated in?
Jaylen: I’ve played a lot of sports. Football, basketball, baseball, and I ran track.
Amandalyn: Did you play sports in middle school too?
Jaylen: Yes, I played basketball and flag football.
Amandalyn: Where did you get your start in team sports?
Jaylen: I started playing basketball for the YMCA when I was just four years old. Now I only play football.
Amandalyn: What local organizations have you played for?
Jaylen: I’ve played for the Chesterfield Falcons, the Westover Warriors, the Central VA Hurricanes, and the Hening Redskins.
Amandalyn: What is your proudest moment?
Jaylen: Being named 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year at Thomas Jefferson High School last year.
Amandalyn: Have you decided on which college you will attend?
Jaylen: Not yet.
Amandalyn: What are you looking for in the school you will attend? What are the important factors?
Jaylen: I want to attend a Division I school, preferably with a Power 5 Football Program. They must have a prestigious School of Business too. I want to go where there is a good coaching staff along with a team that is like family, who together sees that the goal/bottom line is WINNING. It would be awesome if I could attend a school that with proximity considered, will allow my family and friends the opportunity to continue to support me and attend games.
Amandalyn: Is there a quote or Bible verse you live by?
Jaylen: Yes, Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Amandalyn: What is your favorite thing about playing team sports?
Jaylen: My favorite thing about playing sports is being able to explore and use my competitive nature. Plus the love, brotherhood, and long-lasting friendship bonds made as a result of being part of a team.
Amandalyn: How do you define a successful team?
Jaylen: A successful team is disciplined, together and plays EVERY game as if it’s the last. Each team member always puts forth his best effort.
Amandalyn: What does winning mean to you?
Jaylen: Winning means a lot to me because it shows my team’s hard work, dedication, and love for the game has paid off…oddly enough, I hate losing more than I like winning.
Amandalyn: What are your future plans for college and afterward?
Jaylen: I see myself studying business management and playing Division I football in college. Then I plan on playing professional football and making well over six figures.
Amandalyn: What do you envision for yourself in 20 years?
Jaylen: I see myself in a successful career, with a wife and kids.
Amandalyn: Jaylen, what motivates you on a daily basis?
Jaylen: Being the underdog is my motivation. When I was younger I always was the go-to guy or ‘the man.’ However, over the last three or four years, I feel like I’ve been overlooked. I am working hard to get back in the spotlight.
Amandalyn: Well, being named Offensive Rookie of the Year and Athlete of the Month is definitely getting back in the spotlight! I’d like to ask you about the newly passed law in California. Do you believe the decision to pay collegiate student-athletes will impact the decision on where you’ll play?
Jaylen: I don’t see myself attending school on the West coast, due to distance. For that reason, I believe the new law does not apply to me.
Amandalyn: What excites you most about your future?
Jaylen: That college is so close, and I am starting to get contacted by football recruiters. In turn, I am one step closer to receiving my first offer.
Amandalyn: What would you tell the youth who look up to you about life and sports?
Jaylen: Stay focused, find an interest and work hard to develop that skill. Do your best in school and listen to your parents. My dad and coach constantly preach that sports prepare you for everyday life, both on and off the field.
Amandalyn: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Jaylen: I would like to thank God for blessing me with the talents to be recognized by Urban Views and Thomas Jefferson High School’s faculty and student body. Last, but not least, I thank God for my boys on the Thomas Jefferson varsity football team (#4theculture). I couldn’t have done this without the coaches and players.
Amandalyn: Wonderful! It’s been great speaking with you. We are excited to see what the future has in store for you, on and off the field.
