Last weekend, Althoff Catholic High School won their first State Championship in over 3 decades, led by the sophomore, dual-threat, stud QB Jayden Ellington. Ellington, who started as a freshman last year led them to a 10-2 season, but they came up short falling in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs. During the offseason he grinded everyday to get better and the results showed on the field this year. He led the Crusaders to a 14-0 season, ending it off with a 57-14 win over Lena-Winslow in the Championship game, for the first time since the school’s 1990 team. His hard work would pay great dividends this season as Ellington threw for over 2,000 yards and 33 passing TDs, while also scoring 9 on the ground to put him at 42 total TDs on the year. HIs efficiency was unmatched sporting a 143.1 QBR and a 72% completion percentage over the course of 14 games. His agility and electrifying speed as a runner can not be denied as he sometimes looks even faster than his 4.6 40 speed. But he is also very precise through the air as shown by his completion percentage and QBR for the season.
While only a sophomore, he has already received his first offer from Miami (Ohio) with more sure to come in over the second half of his high school career.
Check out his full season highlights below:
Check out my interview with Jayden below:
Who is your favorite NFL/College player that you try to model your game after?
The player that I try to model my game after is Lamar Jackson.
What’s your favorite thing about playing QB?
My favorite thing about playing QB is being able to be that leader on the field and being in control of the offense.
This was only your sophomore season and you have already put yourself on the map across the state of Illinois and even caught my attention down here in Louisiana. What would be some of your dream schools to play for and what kind of person/athlete would these schools be getting from recruiting you?
As of now, I do not have a dream school. I would love to play for any school that is willing to take a chance on me and continue to develop me into the player they want me to be. This would be a school where I’m needed and given the opportunity to use my skill set to the best of my ability.
Any school that recruits me will be getting a dedicated, smart football player. I am a hard worker who trains hard and pays attention to detail. I can learn things fast and easily and also apply them to not only the football field, but to everyday life.
So over your 2 seasons so far, What has been your favorite HS game of your career so far and what made it your favorite?
First would have to be the State Championship game. To win and experience that was the best feeling I ever had. For my family, friends and fans to see me on TV was a great feeling also. The second would have to be the semi-finals game. To beat the team that beat us in the Quarterfinals a year ago was awesome.
Your teammate, Dierre Hill Jr., actually just won MaxPreps POTY for the state of Illinois. How nice was it to play with him and who are some other impact players that really helped you guys complete the perfect season you had this year?
Dierre is one of the best teammates a person can ask for. Not only was he a mentor for me, but also a big brother. Being able to play with this type of player is a dream come true for a lot of people. Dierre gave me tips and suggestions on how to approach the game and how to run the ball. I think that helped me in my running game this year. Our team is filled with many impactful players on offense and defense that knew their role and played it well. A few are Charleston Coldon, Kylin Jordan, Cooper Zimmer, Drake Mosley, Cameron Golden and Jason Dowell. But I will have to give some credit to our offensive line who opened holes for me and Dierre and also kept my pocket clean.
Talk a little bit about the coaches around you at Althoff and how they helped you improve over the offseason to be at the level that you are now.
My coaches at Althoff are great. I couldn’t ask for better coaches. My QB trainer, Austin Givens, who is also on staff, has been with me since day 1. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and always believed in me. Head Coach Frazier always keeps it real and challenges me everyday. Last year as a freshman, I was learning and didn’t have an offensive coordinator but having Coach Byron Gettis this year has really elevated my game, allowing me to showcase my dual-threat abilities.
Entering this year, coming off of a 10-2 season, but falling short in the quarterfinals, what were some personal/team goals that you were looking to accomplish this year?
There was a lot of pressure leading a team as a freshman. Last year’s loss in the quarterfinals hurt and I promised myself that I did not want to feel like that again. I felt like I could have played better and did some things differently. So in the offseason I watched a lot of Bryce Young, trained harder, got stronger and went to some camps. Some goals that I set forward and accomplished this year were getting better at the QB position, having an undefeated season and winning a State Championship.
You completed the 14-0 season this year, had over 2,000 passing yards, and over 40 total TDs. What is next for Jayden Ellington and Althoff Catholic, heading into next season?
Heading into next season I have to continue to develop as a QB and leader on and off the field. It’s my turn to be that face and voice of the program. To do this I have to continue to strive, elevate, perform and raise the bar high to ensure that the Althoff Catholic football team is successful.
67
0
17
20
