2026 getting to know Jaxon Kraus from Buena HS, Arizona

I was able to interview several players from this school last year and feel honor to get another interview this year.  

Name: Jaxon Kraus

School/town: Buena HS, Sierra Vista, Arizona

Positions played: Inside Linebacker

Class: 2027

Height and Weight: 6’0”—212 lbs.

Jersey Number: 44

Awards won or earned: All Region LB, All County LB, Media All Stars Linebacker, County Tackling Fuel Award, Team Captain, Blue Collar Gem Award, Multiple Player of the Week awards, Trophaeum Magazine Spotlight, 3 Gorilla Rating Who’s Up Next Show, 3 Star Rating Complete College Prospects, 2024 and 2025 Head Hunter All American Honorable Mention, Offense Defense All American Bowl Invite, Gauntlet All American, Core Athlete Spotlight, Coaches EJs Top 50 LBs in the Nation 2027, Top 2027 Inside Linebacker Arizona Prep Varsity

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/v/2TAhUN

Other sports played: Wrestling and track

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

Beating our rivals Cienega game one at their place with a goal line stand.

What makes you a good teammate?

Willing to do anything for them. Helping the younger players learn how to play linebacker and helping teach them. Being a leader and a captain, setting the bar, and leading by example

Tight end or linebacker. Which one do you feel you are best at?

Linebacker. I've been playing linebacker since I was 5 years old. I am moving back to fullback this year as well.

When the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense? Explain

Defense. I want to be on the field helping my team win the game.

What are your goals for the season?

I want to lead my team and region in tackles, be the regional DPOY, and make all state honors.

I feel like I am coming back this season way bigger, stronger, and faster and will be ready to dominate in both the run and pass games defensively.

As a middle linebacker, what is your biggest job?

Lead the defense. Get our calls in and communicate to make sure all 11 of us are on the same page. Ultimately stop the run and get pressure on the QB.

How would you describe your game to a college coach?

Physical. Sideline to sideline with high motor.

How do you get over a hard loss?

I hate to lose. I usually watch films and see what I could have done better to ensure I clean my game up for next week.

What are you going to miss from your teammates who graduate this year?

Everything. Been playing with them since we all were 5 years old. Lots of lifelong teammates and friends are going to college. The biggest thing will be my brother. He is headed to Iowa to play for Morningside. It will be hard not to be dominating the middle of the defense with him and not have him around all the time.

What do you believe to be one of your weaknesses, and what are you doing to improve it?

Man coverage. I've been working on my speed and doing one-on-one drills to help.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

Both my dad and brother. My dad is our LB coach and defensive coordinator, and I have learned everything from him. My brother has always been there to push me to get me to where I am today.

Describe your worst sports performance. What did you learn from this experience?

That was in wrestling. Got destroyed by an all-state wrestler in my first tournament. Learned I needed to work harder to improve on my technique and get stronger in the weight room.

Have you watched any of the UFL games?

Some games if I have time on the weekends

What are you doing for fun outside of sports?

I like to hang out with my girlfriend and friends, lift weights, go to the lake and fish, and play video games with my friends.

What is your favorite type of music?

I like all kinds of music. Anything that gets you pumped up to lift big.