Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Jaylen Myers: Football means the world to me. It’s all I see myself doing. Since I touched a football I’ve always dreamed of going to the NFL and now I have to make it happen. One day I want to say, “Aye.. I made it “.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories of Alcoa High School?
Jaylen Myers: The best memories were always being on the field with the guys. The bond we had was crazy . We had basically been playing ball together since little league, which showed on the field. Going to the state championship all four years, winning three out of the four. Some pretty great memories, I could write a book about it.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience.
Jaylen Myers: Well, I can say about my recruitment process I was pretty blessed with the opportunity to play D1 ball. I had received 4 offers from (Kennesaw State, Jackson State, Gardner-Webb, Austin , Peay). Took the first visit I had which was Gardner-Webb, and loved it and committed that weekend. Thank God every day for the opportunity.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your Freshman and Sophomore years at Gardner Webb?
Jaylen Myers: Jaylen Myers: Freshman year I kind of was in the learning spot. I suited up freshman year and traveled with the team but I was kind of there for the learning experience, get to see the difference from high school to college. I always told coach I was ready though. Told myself all I need to do is get hit one time and I’m good. Sophomore year, I was able to get a couple reps but not enough as you could say. I sat on the side then waited on my number to be called which would be later in the games but I made every minute of them. From throwing to running the ball but that’s in the past and I’m thankful I got to go through that.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose Kentucky State?
Jaylen Myers: I chose Kentucky State because of the new opportunity that was a head. When I first met Coach Jackson, the love he showed and the vision he had for this team was exactly where I wanted to be at. I wanted to be the best of the best and never ride backseat to anyone. “Compete against perfection” he always says. I wanted to come in and take leadership of helping and eventually making this team the best in the country.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with the other QBs on your team?
Jaylen Myers: I have great relationship with the other Qb’s on the team. We all learning together. One thing they do is they let me know what I did wrong on the field. Whether I should of this or that cut or that throw or even ran and scored the touchdown on the play. We really are all like brothers as you can say. We all got close this year and we’ve created that bond.
Joe Gaiter: Explains what all goes into QB training?
Jaylen Myers: I think footwork is key with QB training. Good footwork will allow you to really do anything on the field. I think really working on your upper body in the weight room gives you the velocity and power in your throws on the field as well. Also endurance is key as well.
Joe Gaiter: What have you been doing to stay inshape during the off-season?
Jaylen Myers: I’ve been staying consistent. You see people working on camera but it’s what you do off camera. Always working on pushups and curls daily and working core as well. Always doing something whether it’s in the house, on the field, or even running the hill. Staying consistent is how you get there so that’s what I have to do to succeed and be where I want to be. I’m always working.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major and how do you plan on using it?
Jaylen Myers: My Major is Business Administration. I’ve really had that goal of making it to the league so I’ve kind of used school as the ticket to get there. Before I chose that major I looked into it and researched the benefits that came with getting that degree. Whether it was how much you could make a year, the job you could have, and could even run your own. I see myself as a football player but I’m definitely going to get that degree in business so I’ll be able to say once again “I made it”.
Joe Gaiter: What type of QB are you?
Jaylen Myers: I am a dual threat QB. I can run and throw the ball. I consider myself a pretty shifty QB who can throw the ball anywhere on the field. I can say some sleep on my throwing just because they see my feet more but when I throw I bet you it will be there on point with some heat. Elusiveness is key in my game.
Joe Gaiter: What are your expectations for the 2020 football season?
Jaylen Myers: This season I expect us to win the National Championship. Period.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like you have something to prove?
Jaylen Myers: I feel like I have to prove that I can be one of the best of the best. But I can just say it, I have to walk the walk and show that I can be Great. I feel like I’ve already proven that to some but I have to keep going and strive for greatness.
Joe Gaiter: What is life like for you off the field?
Jaylen Myers: It’s pretty cool off the field. I have a nice relationship with my family. I came up with my mom and pops in the household. I’m blessed to have them in my life and want to be able to give back to them for everything they’ve done for me.
Joe Gaiter: How can we support student athletes better?
Jaylen Myers: I think providing funds for every athlete. Because you never know the situation they could be in. We can be put into situations where they never have time for a job because we always at practice or last minute homework.
Joe Gaiter: How important is family to you?
Jaylen Myers: Family is very important to me. Having my mom and dad around showed me what love really means and that’s family. Whether it’s my mom’s side or my dad’s side everybody has love for each other we’d all do anything for one another and we all have that bond of togetherness. Also, with my teammates on the field we have to create that family bond that we all have that same goal , which is to be champions.
Joe Gaiter: What are you grateful for?
Jaylen Myers: I’m grateful to be in the position I’m in. I’m grateful for God giving me the athletic abilities to be able to do what I do. I am grateful to have a family who is behind me every step of the way. I am grateful to have been here these past 20 years to experience life.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Jaylen Myers: A God fearing man who wants to be remembered as the guy who never quit. Who always had that one goal that he had to reach and finally made it . Who saw what it took to get there and knew that It would come with obstacles easy and hard that could be beaten. A man who loves his family and will doing anything it takes to see them okay. A man who has to now show my son what it is to have that name he has, Jaylen Quinton Myers Jr. and be Great. He can continue on our great family tradition.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Jaylen Myers: A lot of people haven’t really seen what I am able to do. So my untold story is to show everyone what I can do be able to get on that stage so show the world what I’ve accomplished and will accomplish.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Jaylen Myers: Just want to let people know that don’t know my name now but WILL very soon. Cool, calm, and collected
Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?
Jaylen Myers:
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Shout to my mom and pops
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Shout out to my family
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Shout out to my bros
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Shout out to the haters
