D.I.T.R: Jaydon Kinnard

Our newest Diamond in the Rough is Class of 2024 Outside Linebacker/ Defensive End Jaydon Kinnard. Jaydon plays out of Pascagoula High School, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Jaydon is 6’2 225 LBS, he runs a 4.8 40 yard dash. He benches 225 LBS, and just recently squatted 415 LBS, and deadlifted 445 LBS. Jaydon will be returning for his second year on varsity this upcoming season. He says, “I love playing football, I love being with my family and friends, football and family are my life.”

Jaydon on the sidelines alongside his teammates

When did you start playing football?

“I started playing pee wee tackle football when I was 5 or 6 years old.”

What do you like about football?

“I love the strategy involved, it’s almost like a chess match. It really takes mental toughness which I love.”

What is the hardest part about football?

“That would be staying physically and mentally fit. It is important so I can bounce back in a high stress in game situation.”

Do you play any other sports?

“I am on the powerlifting team.”

Who is your favorite College Football team?

“I like Ole Miss and I like Tulane Football.”

Who is you favorite NFL Team?

“My favorite professional teams are the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.”

Who are you role models?

“I have a few coaches that I really look up to, Coach Sims, Coach Hogan, and Coach Bishop.”

Who are some players in the NFL you emulate your game after?

“I like to watch and try to rep my game after Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons.”

What is a lesson you have learned from football?

“Everything isn’t going to go your way. It is about not getting discouraged and learning from it.”

How do you balance school and football?

“I try to reduce the stress by remembering that all of my teammates are having to do the work too. We can help each other.”

How do you prepare for a game on gameday?

“I like to sit in my locker, talk to teammates, and watch film.”

Do you eat anything special for games?

“Not really, I eat the provided team meal, and I hydrate.”

What is your best skillset as a player?

“I would say my pass rush and my adaptability, also my ability to shed off the little things.”

What are your goals for next season and beyond?

“To receive my first college offer, make an all region team, increase my sack total, and to win some games.”

What does it mean to be a good teammate?

“Being a good teammate is being the guy that is there for others when they are at their lowest point and building them back up.”