DITR – Jayden Chavis

Jayden Chavis is a 5’7″, 150 pound, class of 2025 dual-threat Quarterback from Northwest High School in Opelousas, Louisiana. Jayden is a mobile quarterback who models his game to that of Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and Michael Vick, all quarterbacks who are both mobile and also some of the shortest quarterbacks in NFL history. Jayden doesn’t have great size, but he doesn’t let it hold him back from making plays with both his arm and his feet. Jayden started off his sophomore year in 2022 as the starting quarterback for his school’s Junior Varsity team, before being promoted to the backup on Northwest’s Varsity squad, and then seeing some in-game action late in the season. He threw for ten touchdowns in six JV games last year before his promotion, and then threw for right around 100 yards on the Varsity squad in limited action, including a 6/9 for 77 yard day in one game. Jayden recently participated at Gridiron Football’s recent camp in February in Eunice, where he ran a 4.94 40-yard dash time, a 4.84 in the shuttle, and jumped an even 8 feet in the broad jump. Off the field, Jayden has a 4.1 GPA, something that will hold a lot of weight when being recruited by college scouts. Be on the lockout for Jayden next year, as he should have a bigger role in the offense, and possibly contend for the starting position.

I recently had the chance to interview Jayden and hear what he has to say:

Why and at what age did you start playing football?

“I started playing organized football when I was 10, because I always loved playing football, and the sport always caught my interest.”

Have you always played your current position, or did you play a different position growing up?

“Growing up, I played running back and wide receiver, but I switched to quarterback during my 8th grade year.”

What sets you apart from everyone else on the field?

“What sets me apart from everyone else on the field is my work ethic and drive to be great. I am able to overcome adversity and continue to push through no matter what.”

What is your favorite accomplishment so far in your football career?

“My favorite accomplishment so far in my football career is earning a job as the starting quarterback, and leading the JV team last year by throwing for plenty of yards and touchdowns.”

What is your favorite memory playing football so far?

“My favorite memory of playing football so far is throwing the game winning touchdown in the final seconds of our JV game, and also filling in for our starting quarterback one game and completing 6/9 passes for 77 yards.”

How do you balance athletics and academics?

“I balance athletics and academics by always making sure I pay attention in the classroom, study, and turn in all of my work on time while also giving my all on the field.”

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on the field?

“The biggest challenge that I have faced on the field is being the smallest person most of the time because of my height, but I have overcome this by working hard in the weight room and by getting faster and stronger.”

How do you stay physically fit outside of football?

“I stay physically fit outside of football by playing basketball and running track, but I also workout and lift weights at home.”

What are you hoping to achieve in this upcoming season?

“In this upcoming season, I hope to lead my team to at least a 7-3 record, get at least 10 passing touchdowns, throw for 1000 yards, and rush for 500 yards. I also want to make a big run in the playoffs.”

What is your end goal for your football career?

“The end goal for my football career is to be a college football player and hopefully make it to the NFL.” 

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?

“The most important lesson that I have learned playing football is to treat every play as if it was just your last, because you don’t want to have any regrets when your time with the game is over.”

How do you prepare for big games?

“I prepare for big games by taking time to myself and meditating the day before a game, and on game day, I like to listen to music to get me pumped up and excited for the game.”

Lastly, who is the biggest role model in your life?

“The biggest role models in my life are my parents.”