Get to know a 2023 SMU signee: Jaxson Lavender
SMU true freshman wide receiver Jaxson Lavender enrolled early on the Hilltop and went through spring football with Rhett Lashlee & Co. Get to know the Lucas (Tex.) Lovejoy product in our first “Get to Know” a 2023 signee Q&A.
Current height and weight… 5-9, 170.
How are things going school wise at SMU so far… “I did really well academically for my first year. Making good grades and setting myself up positively for my future in school.”
What are you working on the most now that you’re at SMU… “Always working on the basics never getting tired of the details and most importantly, becoming the best version of myself and player that I can be for the team this year.”
Favorite prospect in the 2023 class… “My favorite prospect is probably Keldric Luster, he’s different.”
Closest friend in the 2023 class… “My closest friends in 2023 class are probably Lonnie Johnson III or Alexander Kilgore.”
On what you’ll remember from playing during your high school days… “I’ll never forget the fans in the atmosphere on Friday nights in Lucas, Texas. The community and all the people in it that were all so supportive.”
A recruiting story you will remember most… “Part of what drives me is my recruiting story and how a lot of schools didn’t think I was big enough or good enough to play for them. I had some big schools constantly talk to me and recruit me, but never came to fruition because they thought of me as too small and not good enough, and basically told that to my face. I will never forget that.”
On being part of the 2023 SMU class… “I love it, I don’t think people realize how good and unrated we are, and I think he will be shocked to see the results we produce.”
Something that irked you about the recruiting process… “Peoples’ evaluation of me. Was always not to my standards, because I feel nowadays we don’t recruit enough football players, and that’s what I think. I am a real football player.”
Why SMU… “It’s always been my home. My great-grandfather went there. In a sense it was almost like why not SMU? Plus, there was a lot of upside to coming here in the fact they have some special things going on here.”
If not SMU… “If not, SMU, I don’t really know where I’ve gone. My dad went to Texas Tech so that made it option but after committing to SMU. I haven’t thought about another school like I have them. I’m very traditional and my dad wanted to make sure I go I plan to spend the next four years and be a part of that culture 100%.”
Goals at SMU and beyond… “To become a leader, on and off the field and in the community. To be one of the best receivers to come out of SMU. Along with being an inspiration to those who feel like they’re getting the short of the stick to keep working to keep grinding. God has a plan.”
Favorite movie… 300 or Elvis.
Favorite artist… Morgan Wallen.
Favorite celebrity… Don’t have one.
Favorite sport… Football.
Favorite pro team… Dallas Cowboys.
Favorite athlete… Cole Beasley and Dak Prescott.
Favorite food… Steak and brisket.
Something people don’t know about you… “I’m related to one of the 12 mighty orphans, who are Texas high school football legends.”
