Jayden Wayne, who has heard comparisons to Kayvon Thibodeaux, makes it official, wakes up and signs early with Miami Hurricanes
SIGNEES (with link to feature story on each): Francis Mauigoa … Damari Brown … Christopher Johnson … Antione Jackson … Collins Acheampong … Kaleb Spencer … Riley Williams … Samson Okunlola … Robby Washington … Bobby Washington … Rueben Bain … Mark Fletcher … Malik Bryant … Jackson Carver … Emory Williams … Antonio Tripp … Marcellius Pulliam … Jayden Wayne … Frankie Tinilau … Joshua Horton … Raul Aguirre … Robert Stafford … Tommy Kinsler … Ray Ray Joseph … Australian P Dylan Joyce
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Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy DE Jayden Wayne was recruited hard by Mario Cristobal and Joe Salave’a when they were at Oregon, and that continued once they arrived at Miami.
“I really just had a good bond with Cristobal, ever since like eighth grade,” Wayne said. “He was the first one to give me my offer since Oregon, so me and him really just had that connection. I just have a good bond with the coaching staff, and it just felt like home to me.”
Now home is officially home.
Wayne, who grew up in the State of Washington, has signed with the Hurricanes.
“I’m a CANE,” Wayne said. “I can’t wait to get to Miami and win a natty. Miami is family.
“They want develop me to be the best. They want me to come contribute right way, and they care about me more than just football. … They all want to win a national title.”
Wayne chose UM over the likes of Oregon, LSU, Michigan State, Georgia, and Alabama. He committed July 9 and stuck by it.
“I’m comfortable here, really feels like family and the vibe over here,” Wayne said. “It’s just a brotherhood.”
Wayne says he hears comparisons to a former great at Oregon under Cristobal and Salave’a, Kayvon Thibodeaux.
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“He’s really long, so he does a great job of setting the edge or rushing the passer,” IMG coach Billy Miller said. “He’s got a great burst off the ball. He uses his technique and fundamentals well to get to the quarterback or make a tackle for loss.”
Wayne’s personal trainer, DQ Evans, adds “He’s a savage in pass rush, I’m just being honest. He has a great get-off. He has the best speed to power long arm in the nation. He gets off the ball boom and then powers with his long arms. And that forces quarterbacks into uncomfortable positions.
“I think in the nickel he can play inside, 3 technique. My personal opinion, and it’s not because I train him – if Jayden is on the field, he will receive whatever accolades there are that are out there, will be an All-American player, will be an All-Conference player.”
Wayne’s On3 scouting report reads “Jumbo athlete who could project at EDGE or tight end at the college level. Has good length, with a verified 6-foot-9 wing-span. The length shows up on defense, where he’s able to beat offensive tackles with a long arm move. Shows good body lean and ability to bend as a pass rusher. Makes plays against the run, but can continue adding functional strength. Plays wide receiver for his high school, but would project as a tight end on offense. Quick out of his breaks and shows sudden movements within his routes. Shows the ability to adjust to low passes. Can improve his ankle flexion as a runner. Also plays basketball. Older for the class, turning 18-years-old during his junior season.”
As for Wayne’s goals at Miami?
He says “Just really get better every day. Win the natty. And get a great education.”
