Long Beach Poly high school football has long served as a gateway to the NFL, sending more players to the league than any school in history. Sports Illustrated named Poly, the athletic school of the century. Former Poly greats include Willie McGinest, Desean Jackson and Mark Carrier.
Senior hybrid linebacker Jayon Brown appears ready to carry on the proud Jackrabbit tradition in 2012. At 6-1 205, Brown has an instinctive nose for the ball and a knack for laying the wood on the opposition. Last season, Jayon compiled 65 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.
Jayon participated in the Cal-State All-Star Junior Combine where he clearly stood out as one of the top performers. Heading into the 2012 season, Brown and the Jackrabbits have lofty expectations and are determined to meet them.
Brown’s high football IQ and propensity to inflict damage on ball carriers has caught the eye of many programs around the country. Colorado has already offered Brown a scholarship while USC and UCLA have also shown interest.
CLA had the good fortune to catch up with Jayon to see how he’s preparing for the upcoming season.
“Building up my strength and speed. Just trying to get the right techniques down. Technique is everything. Trying to work on your hands to get people off you, and because you have to deal with linemen and things like that,” said Brown.
The LA Nike Camp experience proved rewarding for Brown.
“I learned to make sure to keep your head on a swivel in the zone coverages and in man coverage to not let people break your cushion.”
As it pertains to the recruiting process and his likely position at the college level, Brown offered his preference.
“Colorado…they’re recruiting me as a rover…like a hybrid linebacker/safety type. I like the position. That’s what I could see myself playing.”
“UCLA said ‘play hard this season.’ I’m going to see what I get out of it and maybe get an offer…and USC said the same thing.”
Brown has received prudent guidance from former Poly and USC star Willie McGinest.
“Don’t be afraid to make the big play. Go hard every play. Willie McGinest is a friend of the family. He’s like an uncle to me. That’s who I get most of my advice from. He played linebacker and d-end and he’s taught me so how to do my steps and work on my drops…stuff like that,” said Brown.
Jayon provided CLA with some insight on some fellow Jackrabbits to look out for this season.
“My boy Thomas Tucker at receiver, quick feet, he’ll shake you off the line. We have two returning starters at running back, .Gerard Wicks and Manusamoa Luuga and upcoming junior receiver John Smith.”
On defense, Poly appears to have a solid group of playmakers returning.
“David Price and our d-end Raymon Price. They’re both returning starters. We have returning d-end Jason Fao, an upcoming junior, he’s been starting since he was a freshman,” said Brown.
Considering the stockpile of talent coming back from a 10-2 campaign, Brown expects big things from the Jackrabbits this year.
“Our expectation is to win. Win CIF. This is my last year. We’re trying to go all-out and dominate. Be the toughest team on the field at all times and finish the game.”
CLA looks forward to following Jayon and the Jackrabbits as they embark on a potentially historic 2012 season.
