2025 Interview with Jaylen Bender Valley High School (Lucasville, OH)


 

Jaylen Bender

Valley High School (Lucasville, OH)

Kicker/Punter

2026

5'10⁣ & 170

Jersey Number:

#6

Awards Won/Earned: Division 6 All-District Kicker, Division 6 Honorable Mention All-State Kicker

HUDL Link: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15452450/66e087584456c6d7768830ca

Small recap of last season with personal highlights,amp; big moments, andamp; memories (GWFG, bus ride, or anything that was special)

Last season was great despite our record. I broke the school record with a 44-yard kick against Coal Grove. Later in the season I beat that record with a game-winning field goal from 47 yards out against Northwest Mohawks, securing our first win of the season. After all the celebration when the game was over, the only thing that was on my mind was, "I've got to get some sleep because I have to work out first thing in the morning." Overall, spending time bonding with teammates is something that is extremely special to me.

How did you get into kicking and punting?

I got into kicking and punting my freshman year. In middle school I had messed around with it, and I really enjoyed it even though we didn't kick. Heading into my first year of high school, we had football all throughout the summer. I was looking forward to kicking, and after a few weeks of giving it a try, I fell in love with it!

How long have you been kicking and punting?

I've been kicking since freshman year but didn't really start punting till the start of my junior season.

Have you had a game-winning field goal?

I had a game-winning field goal with a 47-yard kick with no time on the clock, being tied up at 35-35, turning it to 38-35.

What has been your longest field goal in practice?

The longest field goal I've hit in practice with a live operation is 55 yards.

What has been your longest punt in the game?

I have yet to punt in a game.

What has been your longest field goal in a game?

My longest in a game is 47 yards.

Have you been to any kicking camps this off-season?

I have been to several camps in this off-season. I'm doing my best to improve my craft and compete with other kickers from around the nation.

How much kicking and counting do you get to do during practice?

It depends on the day and what we have planned for that day's practice, but I can kick on my own outside of team sessions with however many reps I feel necessary for the week and target what needs to be improved.

How often do you practice on-side kicks?

Every Thursday during team kickoff and kickoff return.

What are the toughest conditions to kick and punt in?

The toughest conditions to kick and punt in are muddy fields.

If you are invited to play in any of the after-season all-star games, will you?

Absolutely, I would love any opportunity along those lines.

What is your favorite class or subject?

My favorite subject in school is math because I love to solve puzzles, and that's what math feels like to me.

What are your favorite and least favorite NFL teams?

My favorite and least favorite NFL teams are the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns.

What scares you?

It's really more of a paranoia than a fear. I'm constantly paranoid that someone, somewhere is outworking me. I consider it a gift. It drives me to work even harder to be the best that I can be.


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