2023 recruit Jayden Wayne returning to Tuscaloosa this weekend
2023 defensive lineman Jayden Wayne, the No. 67-ranked recruit in the initial On3 rankings for the junior class, plans to return to Alabama this weekend to see the Crimson Tide host Southern Miss. You may remember Wayne taking in the Capstone last June to work out for the staff.
He’s now looking forward to making his return, sharing his excitement with On3.
“I’m excited to meet with the coaches again,” Wayne said. “I’m bringing my mom with me and my dad this time. I want to see and feel the game-day environment. See how they coach the players. I’d like to meet some of the players. Will Anderson, too.”
Despite residing in Tacoma, Wash., Wayne has been watching Alabama games.
“I think they are exciting and very dominating,” he said. “I think they are the best team right now. A lot of players are getting playing time because of injuries. I can see myself playing there.”
Alabama wide receiver coach Holmon Wiggins has taken over recruiting duties on the West Coast. He, along with defensive line coach Freddie Roach, reach out to Wayne on a weekly basis now that coaches can contact 2023 recruits over Twitter or text.
“Come be legendary,” Wayne said of what Alabama tells him. “Come play with the best. Trust the process.”
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Wayne has 33 offers at this point still relatively early. With Alabama soon to have two visits in its pocket from the West Coast standout, you can rest assured the Crimson Tide is going to remain a constant going forward.
“Alabama is definitely one of my favorites.”
Bama has yet to add a 2023 commitment to its class. However, with a loaded group of in-state talent, as well as UA’s work out of state (Jayden Wayne being a good example) the Tide will almost certainly be in contention for the No. 1 spot come February 2023.
The Tide’s most recent additions from the West Coast were quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver Traeshon Holden in the class of 2020. Wiggins, a Los Angeles native, will be tasked with leading the efforts in the region, an area the Tide has certainly signed big-time talent from in recent years, the likes of Jonah Williams, Najee Harris, the aforementioned Young, and others. And it won’t be in just 2023. UA is working to flip On3 five-star USC cornerback pledge Domani Jackson from Mater Dei High School, On3 five-star defensive lineman Anthony Lucas from Arizona, and running back Jovantae Barnes, the No. 92 overall player in the On300, from Las Vegas.
