We would like to welcome Jaden Weaver, a running back out of General Trass HS in Lake Providence, LA, to Gridiron. Coming from the Class of 2026, Weaver is a 5’6, 165-pound back with breakaway speed, can break tackles, get to the second level with ease, and is an effective slot receiver as well. Watching his tape, especially during his senior year, reminds me a little bit of Malachi Toney. As a runner, he averaged eight yards per rush on 64 total carries for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a receiver, he averaged 18 yards per reception on 14 total catches for 283 yards. A true big playmaker that will get any defense on its heels, and you must not underestimate his size, as it makes up for his speed.
Here is my interview with Jaden Weaver:
What has your football journey been like? At what age did you start playing football, and what inspired you to play football?
I started playing when I was eight years old and what got me inspired was my brother because he was pretty good. My journey has been good since I have been playing.
Who have been some of the biggest influences in your journey? Family members, coaches, etc?
My brother, my mom, dad, I got some teammates, and my coaches. The whole coaching staff.
How would you describe the football culture at your school and your community?
I’d describe it as pretty good because the community is small and we only got a couple coaches so and they be coaching us pretty good. So to me, I’d describe it good for being in a small town.
What makes Louisiana high school football different from any other state?
It gets interesting like the competition you’re playing against, they’ll bring the same energy as you do. I feel like we hit harder and everybody just hits harder in Louisiana. It gets to the point where you really gotta try or else you might go through it.
Do you have a core memory of when you first started playing at eight or nine years old?
I remember the first time putting on pads, I got hit pretty hard, and I was gonna quit. But then, my brother and teammates were like “Nah, you can’t quit. This is part of the game.”
Did you always want to play the tailback position, or did you want to play another position?
I wanted to play slot receiver. But the coaches always put me at running back. He put me at receiver a couple of times but I always wanted to stay receiver. I had to continue to play running back though.
What part or parts of your game do you feel like have improved the most over the years?
Over time, I have just gotten faster and shiftier, and I would practice my squats and stuff.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced over the years of playing?
We would be running a lot during summer practice and it would be uncomfortable at times. We would have to run the whole football field and do suicides as well. I would say summer practice for sure. When it come to games, some of the games are very challenging.
Do you treat every game the same way, or do you treat really big games, rivalry games, and playoff games a little bit differently?
If it’s a normal game, I’ll play well, but in rivalry and playoff games, that’s when I really try, because it’s something about those games that brings out the best in me. When you are warming up for one of those games, it’s a different feeling in the air.
What was the most memorable game you played, and why did it stand out?
My sophomore year, it was my first time ever in a game and I was in the slot and I caught a ball on a fade in between two people for a 60 yard touchdown.
How would you describe yourself as a leader to your teammates?
I say, I would always be to practice on time, be the first one in the locker room, make sure everybody dressed and got their shoudler pads on. Make sure to be ready to go outside at 3:30. If we are going in the weightroom, I would make sure everyone is there and clean the weight racks too.
When people look back at your high school career, what do you hope they say about you as a player and person?
As a player, I hope they say he was good, and decisive running the ball and I hope people say he was great to our town.
What has the recruitment process been like for you?
It has been hard as I have no offers.
Is there a specific college or colleges you have in mind, or a specific coach that you really want to play for, and why?
I feel like if I go to college, I just want to play football wherever I am.
Why do you believe you can be an effective playmaker wherever you end up?
Because I am fast for my size. My speed will be a key factor.
Who is your dream NFL teammate?
Ja’marr Chase.
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