Ruston’s Jadon Mayfield seeks a physical change that may or may not come
There’s a bushel basket full of things people would like to change about themselves or their lives — grow more or thicker hair, overcome a complexion issue, develop the body of a certain athlete or have enough money to purchase the latest in fashion clothing.
Most of the changes we hope for don’t come easily, and some never do.
For Ruston linebacker Jadon Mayfield, the hoped for change certainly isn’t under something he can control.
“I’d like to change my height,” said the 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker who will knock your socks off anytime he’s given the opportunity.
Most folks would be happy with that size, but a couple more inches would probably put the Louisiana Tech commitment on the radar of SEC coaches. Never mind that Mayfield was a key component in the Bearcats’ run to the LHSAA Non-Select Division I state championship game last season.
Mayfield compiled 119 tackles, including 75 unassisted with 4.5 sacks, two interceptions with one returned for a score and two forced fumbles.
COMMITTED: Here’s why Ruston’s Jadon Mayfield decided to commit to Louisiana Tech
ELITE 11: Meet the Elite 11 — Shreveport area’s top college football prospects for Class of 2024
“I consider Jadon to be the quarterback of our defense,” Ruston coach Jerrod Baugh said. “He is able to see and communicate everything we need in order to get us lined up the way we need to versus different looks that an offense may give us. He is very versatile and allows us to align differently with the same personnel on the field. We ask him to do a lot and he accepts the challenges and excels.”
It's that kind of effort and continued progression that installs Mayfield as the No. 8 athlete on The Times list of Northwest Louisiana Elite 11 college football prospects.
With Mayfield controlling the defense, the Bearcats rattled off a 12-2 season and won District 2-5A with an unblemished record after defeating West Monroe, 35-17, for the first time since 1990.
Along with fellow Elite 8 athletes Ahmad Breaux and Geordan Guidry, Mayfield and crew give Ruston one of the top defenses in the state headed into this fall.
“All three kids are obviously very special and talented football players. They are also part of our Player Council and exhibit a lot of leadership qualities that help our football team,” Baugh said. “We will need and expect all of them to play well for us to be successful this season.”
Mayfield has visited Tech, ULL, Tulane, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Grambling State and TCU for camps in an effort to display his talents. The 2022 title game changed his perspective on his senior season.
“The state championship game is memorable because we lost — and it hurts the most,” Mayfield said. “I use that game as motivation.”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
Jadon Mayfield file
Secret asset: “I'm business savvy.”
What’s your greatest worry: “Being a failure in life.”
Preferred profession: Play football
Country he’d most like to visit: Bora Bora
Favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite food: Pasta
One person from history he’d like to dine with: Bill Gates
Favorite pro athlete: Fred Warner
Person he most admires: “God, because He works everything out for good no matter how it looks.”
Go-to app: YouTube
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Jadon Mayfield to lead Ruston defense as the quarterback
