Tackling Greatness: A Profile On Football Star, Jalyn Stanford
By: Goldie Krautheim
Every Friday the players go to the locker room, get padded up, and get out on the turf. But for Jalyn Stanford ,12, more goes onto the field than just him. He brings everything with him, a legacy.
Stanford is a well-known name throughout Jenks and many Division 1 colleges. During his high school career, he has received 7 major Division 1 football offers. You may think, “How did he receive so many?”...this is how.
Pic Creds: Abigail chow, September 23, 2022 VS Enid
First off in the 2021 season, Stanford had 594 rushing yards, 68 carries, and 66 tackles with 2 interceptions at his position, Safety. With these stats, you may think, “how is he still playing high school football?” and that is exactly what the team at the University of Houston thought. So on February 22, 2022, Stanford received an official offer from UH. After months of thought and over some visits, he decided to commit to UH. When asked Stanford why he chose The University of Houston he expressed how when he visited he immediately knew it was the place for him. The coaching staff and the players immediately turned Stanford’s heart to the college.
“They treated me well, treated my family well, just welcomed me and my family, told the truth about everything, and made me feel comfortable,” said Stanford.
Secondly, Stanford has a great reputation. Stanford is a well-respected and liked player by his coaches and teammates. During his time on Jenks football, he shared that one coach who has always been helping shape him into the best player that he could be was none-other than, Coach Adam Gaylor.
Stanford at 2022 Backyard bowl
“Jalyn is a tremendous young man.” said Gaylor, “My first year at Jenks, Jalyn was a freshman but you could see he had the chance to be a great football player. His biggest area of growth that I’ve seen from him is his focus on becoming a student of the game. He has become great at the mental side of the game.”
Gaylor continues to uplift Stanford’s gameplay and player quality.
“The modern game of football is not one for the unintelligent. Especially in Jalyn’s position of safety. Our safety is essentially the QB of the defense. They have to make strength calls, make checks based on defensive calls vs. certain formations and running back sets, etc…” said Gaylor.
But Stanford's teammates and coaches are not the only ones affected by his great works. His younger brother, Semaj Stanford. Being only a few years behind him he looks up to Stanford. Semaj said that seeing his brother become such a strong player makes him proud. But also having Stanford as an older brother always helps Semaj strive for greatness and keep pushing to be better.
Pic Creds: Abigail Chow 9/23/2022
Lastly, Stanford has a love and passion for football. He enjoys every second, except for the occasional early morning lift. Yet every time he gets knocked down he will always get up again and play harder and smarter.
“Jalyn has become an exceptional student of the game. He has an extremely high football IQ,” said Gaylor.
But to Stanford, it’s about the brotherhood, legacy, and focus. He strives to give his all out on the turf no matter what, being a game or a practice.
“I really just love the sport, love the bonding with my teammates,” said Stanford. “ Having the love of the game, just seeing that my dad and uncle did it, everybody in my family, just something I’ve always had a passion for.”
Stanford rushing down the field at Jenks vs Owasso.
Since he was little he had always looked up to Ed Reed, former Baltimore Ravens safety. Stanford would enjoy waking up on Sunday mornings to see him play throughout his whole life. As Stanford got older he ended up playing the same position on the field as him. Soon enough he began to model his gameplay after Reed and has been successful ever since.
Stanford's consistent drive and determination prove he is the great player you hear he is. He is always growing, practicing, and building skills. Currently, Stanford is playing on Friday nights, but next year he will be playing in Houston on Saturday afternoons; follow his journey to see a star in the making.