We would like to welcome Jace Spikes to Gridiron out of the Class of 2026. Spikes is a 5’9, 160-pound Defensive End out of Alexandra High School. A guy that size has no right to be playing on the defensive line, but Spikes makes it work with his amazing power, intensity, and technique. He is fast off the ball, can make constant plays in the backfield, destroys pulling linemen, and is so physical that he likes to channel his game after Aaron Donald. He started playing football at 4 years old and also played baseball and basketball when he was younger, and he is currently a powerlifter, which certainly pays off when going up against guys bigger than you.
Here is my interview with Jace Spikes:
What inspired you to play football?
My dad was a high school football star, so it was just in my blood. I saw the opportunity and just wanted to make a bigger name for myself.
Who have been some of the biggest influences in your journey? Family members, coaches, etc?
I had a cousin who went to the University of Oklahoma, then to the NFL, and played for the Saints, so I want become what he was.
How would you describe the football culture at your school, community, and in Louisiana?
It’s just all football and Alexandra is just an all around sports school like we are good at everything. We’re really just a mini-academy but obviously a high school.
What makes Louisiana high school football different from any other state?
It’s just the culture we have. When you’re from Louisiana, you come with that swagger and everybody is going to be competitive. Just being here playing some of the best athletes in the country is pretty special.
Do you have a core memory of playing as a little kid, like when you first started playing?
I used to play running back during my little league days and my mom tells me this story all the time. I broke off a big run and she ran right down the sideline with me.
Did you always want to play your position, or did you want to play another position?
When I was growing up in junior high, I actually played quarterback. Then I played on the offensive line my freshman year and I moved to the defensive line for the rest of my years and it worked out well. I also do like playing outside linebacker.
Walk me through your preparation during a typical game week.
Wake up, get done with my classes, and then I just straight into that mode and lock in for the game. I turn on my music and then I get into a different mindset.
What’s something about your game that you think separates you from other players at your position?
I just play with that different edge. I stay low to the ground and use all my strength. I like to bullrush a lot so I just keep working on my bench.
What part or parts of your game do you feel like have improved the most over the years, and what would you like to improve on?
What has most improved for me is probably getting off the ball and what I want to improve on the most is my speed and it will certaintly help with me trying to hunt the quarterback down.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced over the years of playing?
Just being undersized honestly but I’ve found ways to make it work. The coaches at my first school never took the chance on me my sophomore year so I transferred and I started my junior and senior year. During my senior year, there was a lot of tension going on and I did not start a few games.
Do you treat every game the same way, or do you treat really big games, rivalry games, and playoff games a little bit differently?
Yeah, I treat every game the same but all those big games like the rivarly games and games like that, I go way harder because it’s personal.
How would you describe yourself as a leader to your teammates?
Everybody looks at me but I didn’t know many people going into my junior year. But the young guys see my work ethic and I just want to be a good role model for them.
When people look back at your high school career, what do you hope they say about you as a player and person?
The underdog. I had to work for a lot. I was prasied a lot for not giving up. I want to be remembered for my work ethic.
Describe your experience playing in the Gridiron All-American Bowl game.
It was a great experience. Getting to compete with all those other players from all other states like Arkansas, Texas, and Florida, it was a great time. I got to showcase my talents. It was just great.
What has the recruitment process been like for you?
It was slow my first three years but my senior year, I started to send my tape around and offers just came rolling in. I have five offers.
Why do you believe you can be an effective playmaker at that place?
It’s just the connection I have with the coaches. They have seen me play right down the street so they know what I am capable of doing.
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