Peevy shows true value as a force on the defensive line
Off-the-field storylines aside, Jayden Peevy’s flip to Texas A&M from Baylor figures to be a much better decision than had he stayed committed to the Bears.
Peevy, who Baylor had planned to mold into an offensive lineman, showed why he is such an asset as a defensive lineman in a Week 2 loss to Clear Falls on Saturday night.
Just standing straight up, he’s already six-and-a-half feet tall with a wingspan that rivals a single-engine airplane. He used every inch to close throwing windows at the line as well as lassoing in running backs simply looking for some space up the middle on trap plays.
Peevy only began his high school football career last year, but isn’t so green in the sport that he’s still learning the ropes. That’s not to say that his obvious physical advantages don’t make things easier for him.
“I feel like one of the things I do well is I squeeze the line so the ball comes to me instead of me having to go to the ball,” he said. “At any time the quarterback can draw on you and I had to learn that my first year playing last year, so this year is going to be a better season for me.”
IN HIS WORDS
On how he compares to current A&M DL stars Myles Garrett and Daylon Mack
“I can be better than them - I can be just like them,” he said. “They’re some great players, I just have to push myself to be better, but I can be just like them.”
Update on his current relationship with A&M coaches
“Everything’s going well. I stay in touch with the coaches every day,” he said. “I love them, and I’ll be there next year.”
RIVALS REACTION
Peevy didn’t get the chance to watch any of A&M’s win over UCLA on Saturday afternoon, he was at his school all afternoon ahead of his own game. He does plan on making a visit to College Station with his family next week to watch the Aggies likely roll against Prairie View A&M.
He said that although Florida, Michigan State and Oklahoma have yet to come through with offers, all three are staying in contact with him. Peevy added that should any of them choose to up the ante and pull the trigger, that wouldn’t mean a hasty change in his opinion of the Aggies.
“I’m just committed right now - they haven’t offered yet, so I’m sticking with Texas A&M,” he said. “I don’t know if I would even visit those schools if they offered, I’d have to discuss it with my family first.”