Coach speak: Jakaleb Faulk 'improved dramatically' from junior to senior year
HIGHLAND HOME, ALABAMA – It is nearly impossible not to try and compare four-star Auburn linebacker commit Jakaleb “JJ” Faulk to his older brother, Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk. However, Highland Home head coach Justin Bragg sees a unique array of attributes from the youger Faulk. Bragg has been with the Flying Squadron since 2014 and has watched and coached both brothers since then.
“I try not to compare those two because they are two different kids, well, grown men now” Bragg said. “They offer different skillsets. Obviously JJ is a lot more athletic and we ask him to do a lot on the offensive side, too. Similar paths, great work ethic, neither one are ever satisfied, they continue to get extra reps and extra conditioning on the side. You don’t have to ask (JJ) to do that stuff, he just does it–it’s a joy to coach and Keldric was the same way.”
JJ Faulk has helped lead an impressive defensive effort for the Squadron during the 2024 regular season. After round one of the playoffs, and another defensive shut-out, Highland Home continues to lead the state of Alabama in scoring defense allowing just 4.7 points per game.
Bragg credits Faulk for roaming in space and playing near the line of scrimmage and using improved football IQ to help lead that defense.
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“Well as far as progression for him athletically, he’s improved dramatically from last year,” Bragg said. “I guess his knowledge of the game, especially in our defensive scheme, he makes a lot of guys right when they’re wrong. He’s obviously a leader out there. Yeah, he’s the general out there, he runs it.”
Bragg puts Faulk in several different positions, but sees a future playing inside backer at Auburn. The light has started to come on for Faulk playing on the inside–which is where Auburn coaches see him playing as well, even with size that translates to the edge.
“I’m biased because I think he can do a lot of things well,” Bragg said. “I like his hand down coming off the edge, I like him outside and in coverage. He’s started–what makes me really excited–he’s starting to figure out how to play in the box at inside backer. He works on his progressions and works his reads, but when he really figures that out, it’s going to be tough. He’s tough in there.”
