Skip to main content

Lincoln High School (Washington) five-star edge-rusher Jayden Wayne isn't just one of the top prospects on the West Coast.

He's one of the most coveted players in America.

On Friday, the battle to land his commitment turned into a six-team race, as Wayne trimmed his contenders from 11 to 6.

Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan State and Oregon made the cu, while previous contenders Auburn, Florida, Texas, USC and Washington were eliminated. 

Four of those top six were pretty much decided when Wayne set his official visit schedule, which included trips to Georgia (May 20), LSU (June 10), Miami (June 17) and Oregon (June 24). 

That leaves Alabama and Michigan State as the truly newsworthy additions to his top six, while the elimination of the in-state Washington Huskies is sure to raise eyebrows locally. 

>>> Analysis: Why has Washington struggled with top in-state targets? 

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive prospect is rated the nation's No. 28 overall prospect and No. 3 edge-rusher by 247Sports, which had this to say about him, in part, as a prospect:

"Good 1st step and burst off the ball. Gains ground and causes the tackle to be immediately stressed by his penetration. Very good pad level which gives the defender little area to strike as he is rushing the passer or playing the run. Shows a good motor and want-to in chasing plays with nice lateral movement. Good agility and quickness, he is light on his feet and is a smooth effortless player. Rips off of blocks and does a good job in pursuit. With added strength and technique improvement he has all the tools you want in an elite defensive lineman. You are exposed to how good an overall athlete he is when you watch him play wide receiver." 

Junior season highlights