Jayden Williams is a senior who was born on April 28, 2008. He started playing in 1st grade at the age of 6 for the PYF (Pasco Youth Football) Bears. Jayden was inspired to start playing football because, as a kid, he always watched football and aspired to be like the players when he grew older. Now, at the age of 17, he is a varsity player for the Pasco High Football team. He wears jersey number 0 and plays as a running back, wide receiver, and linebacker. 

Jayden does play three positions, but is there another position he would like to play? 

“Probably safety; that’s something I’d like to play. But I was never able to.” 

As mentioned earlier, he plays three positions. So, what is the most challenging thing about football to him? 

“The most challenging thing about football is being strong mentally. If you’re not strong mentally, you’ll have downfalls and not good success.” 

He seems to have a good mentality about the sport, but how does he deal with a loss? 

“Going through it a lot now, I’ve got used to it, but I’m trying not to get used to it,” said Jayden. “But how do I deal with it? I’m not sure, I just get past it. Strive for 48 hours and get it out of my head.” 

The football team doesn’t always seem to lose, so how does he go about it when he and his team win? 

“I watch the film, and I celebrate with my teammates, and we just highlight the great plays and have a good time about it.” 

Jayden seems to have a good bond with his teammates; so, does he have any goals for his team this season?  

“We’re trying to strive for a better record and hopefully secure a playoff spot if we grind hard and work through the rest of the year.” 

Kent Neidhold is a coach to Jayden Williams, and he believes that Jayden deserves to be the athlete of the week because “Aside from our quarterback, he is one of the most important players on the team.” 

Though he does believe he deserves to be the athlete of the week, does he also believe Jayden deserves the position they’re in? 

“Yes, 100 percent. He has worked very hard to get to where he is right now.” 

Jayden seems to be a hard worker, so what’s something that sets him apart from the rest? 

“Personality-wise, he’s a leader; he’s a natural leader on the football team. On the football field, though, he is a finisher; he finishes his runs. He’s one of the best running backs in the league if not the state.” 

Does Jayden have qualities that Neidhold looks for to build a good team?  

“Respectful, hard worker, honest. He’s compassionate about his teammates, and he’s bought in completely.” 

What type of person does Neidhold see Jayden be during games and practice? 

“He’s a leader. He always wants to be out there. You have to pull him off the football field to make him stop playing. He’s just the kind of player you want on your team that balances out the good and bad.” 

Jayden seems to have a balance of good and evil, so what are his strengths and weaknesses that Neidhold notices? 

“Strengths: he’s a good leader, works hard, and is honest. Weaknesses? I don’t know if he has one; he probably doesn’t believe in himself enough.” 

Zlatan Moreno is a teammate to Jayden Williams, and he also believes that Jayden does deserve to be athlete of the week because, “Jayden has been going off for the past few weeks, he’s been giving it his all for the whole team. So, I do believe he should get athlete of the week because of his raw talent, his ability to score, and the all-around player he is.” 

What is something that sets Jayden apart from the rest? 

“His leadership is amazing. Other than that, he’s consistent, he runs the ball hard, and he’s never not giving his 100 percent. He’s always giving his 110 percent.” 

Jayden’s leadership seems to stand out, but does Zlatan believe Jayden deserves to be in the position they are in? 

“I do believe he deserves the position he is in. He’s a great running back; he is currently number 2 in the league. I do believe he deserves everything he has right now and more.” 

What type of person does Zlatan see Jayden be during games and practice? 

“During games, he is a very locked-in person. Very locked in the game. Very focused on winning the game. During practice, he pushes everyone to improve every day, and he just wants to see us do better. He’s like a motivator.” 

Is he a friend on and off the field? 

“He’s a very close friend, the amazing character he has, he’s a good person.” 

What did Zlatan notice Jayden do to get into the position he is in right now? 

“I’ve seen him since his sophomore year, and he was in the position he wanted to be in. I mean, I’ve seen him put in the work. Working hard himself, working on himself as a player, as a leader, putting in the hours, blood, sweat, and tears, I have really seen him put everything that he has for the team.” 

As mentioned in the beginning, Jayden Williams is in his senior year of high school. He has accomplished many things and will continue to accomplish many more throughout the rest of the season.  But it being his senior year of high school does mean it’s his final football season. So, will he continue playing after high school? 

“Yeah, hopefully I get an offer after this senior year. So, I’ll probably be playing in college somewhere. Stay tuned, you’ll know.”