It is Drake Relays week, meaning hundreds of the top prep athletes in the state of Iowa
will travel to Des Moines to compete in a myriad of events along with some of the best
collegiate and professional track and field competitors in the world. One of the Hawkeye
State’s biggest stars in the Class of 2028, Waverly-Shell Rock’s Jayden Stephens,
recently took some time out of his busy schedule and sat down with the Sports Guys
Iowa team. We discussed the Relays, his sophomore year thus far, and his football
recruitment.
Q. Jayden, thank you for making time for SGI and sports fans across the state of Iowa,
we really appreciate it. You dealt with some injuries during football season. What did the
injuries and time off the field teach you, if anything?
A. Being away from football really taught me not to take the game for granted because
it can really be over before you expect it. It also helped me to become a better leader by
being in more of a coaching position and trying to help my teammates learn while I can’t
physically be out there with them.
Q. After football came basketball, tell us a little more about how that season went for
you and your team. Can we expect to see you playing any AAU basketball this
summer?
A. The season didn’t end how we wanted to, we lost in the second round of the
substate to Xavier, but it was a good learning experience for me. No AAU for me this
summer just focusing on (football) camps and 7-on-7.
Q. You’ve had a great deal of success for someone your age in track and field, which
isn’t a surprise given your family’s history and ties to the sport. You’re going to be
competing at the Drake Relays this week. What events will you be competing in and
what are your expectations?
A. I’m in the long jump, shuttle hurdle, and the 4×1, and I expect to go down and
compete against the best and show people what I can do.
Q. I am excited to watch you compete. I’ve got to ask: if you were the coach, what
would be perfect schedule of events to compete in during a meet?
A. If I was a coach I would put myself in the long jump, 100-meter dash, 400-meter
hurdles, and the 4×100.
Q. I think you’re crazy for wanting to run the 400 lows, personally! But, that’s a tough
event and if it gives your team the best chance to earn points, kudos to you for wanting
to do it. Let’s talk about football recruitment. What visits have you taken so far? Any
scholarship offers?
A. I’ve taken visits to Iowa State, Ole Miss, Mizzou, Iowa, Penn State, Nebraska, and
Kansas State. With an offer from Iowa and a previous offer from Matt Campbell at ISU.
Q. That is quite the list, and I am sure it will grow as you progress through high
school. How, if at all, was your recruitment with Iowa State impacted with the coaching
change?
A. They’ve been slightly impacted, just with the new coaches coming in, but I’m
working to build relationships with the new staff over there.
Q. Has Matt Campbell and his staff remained in contact with you since he accepted
the Penn State job?
A. I’ve still been in contact with Coach Campbell and the previous staff at Iowa State.
I’ve taken one visit to go see them (last week) and plan on returning in the near future.
Q. What other camps or visits lined up at this time?
A. I’m taking a spring ball visit to Iowa State today (April 23) and my camp schedule is
not set yet.
Q. You’re a busy guy, very exciting times for you and your family. Congratulations on
all the success thus far, I believe you’re just scratching the surface of what you can
accomplish on and off the field. Best of luck with the Drake Relays this weekend and
beyond.
As always, we appreciate your comments and support.
