Jayven Anderson sees his recruiting take off, finally

Houston, Texas – On3 ranked Jayven Anderson as a high 3-star prospect with an 89 grade early in the 2021 season. Being a 6-foot-1, 210-pound safety with sub 4.6 speed and ball skills with the tape to back it up warranted the ranking.

Anderson wasn’t being recruited like that of a player with his ranking for months, however.

That has begun to change after another static championship run by North Shore, and college coach visits in December and January. 

Anderson played his entire junior season with offers from UTSA and Arkansas State before picking up seven offers since the end of the season.

“I just told myself to keep balling,” Anderson told On3. “Just keep putting in the same work I was last year. You just had to be patient with it. It (the work) pays off. It pays off.” 

Texas offer has special meaning

Arkansas was the first Power 5 to offer January 20. The Razorbacks were followed by Purdue, Houston, SMU, Indiana and Ole Miss in January.

On February 2, the Texas Longhorns extended an offer. That offer took on special meaning. 

“I was really excited about that offer because that is my dream school. It’s always been one of my dreams schools. It’s big time, and it is a blessing.” 

The Ole Miss offer January 28 a first SEC offer that again showed Anderson his time spent was working, 

“That showed all the work I’ve been putting in too. And all the hard work I’ve been putting in is working.”

Anderson’s frame will carry 220+pounds well proportioned in the future. Texas A&M isn’t sure how he would fit in their defensive scheme, but the Aggies could offer down the road. 

“They said they were going to come check me out in the spring, and see what I could do. See how I move on the field. The coaches said they like how I focus on the field.”

Anderson doesn’t want to be defined by a position

One thing is clear when speaking with Jayven Anderson, he doesn’t care about a singular position. Anderson wants only to be on the field with the chance to make plays. 

“Just athlete. You can put me anywhere. Linebacker or safety. I will play nickel or anything. I’m just a ball player. I want to play ball and make plays.”

The colleges recruiting Anderson have talked about a hybrid linebacker role. 

“A lot of coaches have talked to me about playing nickel. A hybrid safety that plays in the box a lot.” 

Spring visits up next for Anderson

The next leg of the recruiting process will begin in March with plans to make a quartet of unofficial visits. Anderson plans to visit Texas, Baylor, Texas A&M and maybe Michigan.

“Those are the four schools I have on my mind right now.” 

Anderson plans to have a decision prior to his senior season.