2025 Interview with Jayden (JJ) Shackleford from Licking Heights H/S
Jayden (JJ) Shackleford
Licking Heights H/S
QB/DB
2026
5’11, 163 163lbst
Jersey Number 7
Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.
With this coming season being your senior season, are you preparing differently than you have in the past? Explain
With this being my last ride as a high school football player, I’m taking my training and my health more seriously than ever to prepare for the next opportunity I have at the next level and remain healthy in every way possible.
What makes being a Licking Heights Hornet so special?
Being a Licking Heights Hornet is special because we are welcoming. Our culture on and off the team is diverse; we overcome things that are hard, and we stick together as a team.
What is the toughest part of being a student-athlete at Licking Heights?
The toughest part of being a student-athlete at Licking Heights is how colleges overlook us because of how small or not well known we are. We produce and have great talent every year, and I wish we would get more recognition.
Would you rather play your rival in week one or week ten? Explain
I’d rather play my rival week 10 due to the fact that I can watch film on them and prepare myself for everything and everyone on that team and not be surprised by what they have and can do.
What are your personal goals for the season?
My personal goals for this season are to mainly stay healthy, help my team improve, and also be better than the player I was last year.
How would you classify the type of quarterback you are?
I would say my play style as a QB is dual threat. I can run when I need to, escape the pocket, read the field, and also throw the football. I’m not limited to anything, and I’m always able to make something out of nothing.
What has been your biggest moment as a high school football player?
My biggest moment as a high school football player was when my team needed a QB, and I stepped up to that job. I’ve had experience at QB my whole life, so it wasn’t an issue for me. So when all of our QBs got hurt, I stepped up to the challenge and gave it my all and did well at it.
What is the strongest part of your game?
The strongest part of my game is how athletic I am. I can play both sides whenever and however a team needs me to be. I’m effective and do well on both sides and give it my all no matter the situation.
Which part of your game are you working on the most to be a better player?
The thing I’m working on the most to be a better player is being a leader. I’m a good leader, but I can be a better leader, and I know my team needs that from me, so that’s something I work on every day.
Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team he was on?
The person who challenges me on the field is my high school rival (Watkins Memorial), Jaden Rickets. We’ve faced and known eachher for the majority of our football careers.
What is the worst weather to play in?
The worst weather to play in is the snow.
If you are invited to play in any of the all-star games after the season, will you?
If I get invited to play in an all-star game, I will have to think about it due to the fact of keeping myself healthy for the next level as well as training and preparing for my next opportunity.
Where is the best local spot to grab a pizza?
I’m more of a cheeseburger guy, but if I had to choose a place to get a pizza from, I’ll get one from Flyers Pizza.
What is the one sport you cannot watch?
The one sport I can’t watch is tennis. Tennis to me is boring, and I just don’t prefer to watch it.
Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?
Outside of sports, I play the game and spend time with my loved ones. It’s important to me to spend time with the people I love, but I also enjoy playing the game.
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