Inside the Facemask: 2022 Underrated DL Jireh Mays

Ryne Hammer

September 29, 2020 @ 05:26 PM

[player_tooltip player_id="20908" first="Jireh" last="Mays"] is a 2022 DL prospect who has a ton of potential at the next level. He is an athletic interior impact player who can both make a difference in the pass and run games. With football being pushed back to the Spring, how are you going to approach the Fall? “With football being pushed back, I am approaching fall as a way to get more work and to get stronger, faster, everything for the spring.” What aspects of your game have you continued to work on throughout the Summer? “I’ve continued working on my explosiveness, footwork, and my handwork as well.” How would you describe your game? “I would describe it as explosive and aggressive.” Who do you most mirror your game after? “I mirror my game after Warren Sapp, because of his wicked fast get-off, his handwork, his quick feet, and his explosiveness.” Do you feel you are better equipped for a specific scheme? “Yes I do, my coaches always have me/us prepared for various schemes (3-4) or (4-3).” What areas of your game do you take the most pride in? “Mostly I take pride in my get-off, footwork, handwork, and my explosiveness. Those are all effective to get off a block.” What are your team goals for the upcoming season at East St. Louis? “Well our team goals are to win back to back state titles, and to be recognized as the best in the country.” Individual Goals for the season? “My individual goals are to become a good teammate, all-time sack leader in the school, a state sack leader, and to be recognized as one of the best DL in the country.” As a top 2022 DL prospect in IL, what is the most important thing you’re looking for, as you look at schools? “My family and coaches tell me this is a 40-year decision. I need to understand how the school helps players in my situation move to the next level, what are my chances of getting of the field, and how is the school preparing us players for life after football.”