As the Scituate High Varsity football team steps off the field after taking the title of Patriot Fisher League Champions, the seniors reminisce on their final moments. But for the freshman starter, his journey has just begun.
Jaylen Cromwell, #11, a prospect for the future of the team, started almost every game this season and his defensive talent was essential to each victory. Cromwell is the Defensive Back/Slot Receiver for the team. As the youngest on the team, Cromwell earned praise from coaches, spectators, teammates, and was even mentioned in the Scituate Mariner on multiple occasions.
Summertime gives teens a chance to escape all the stress of school and activities and relax on the beach with friends. Instead of wasting such valuable time, Cromwell focused on his football career. “I spent most of my summer working out in the gym with the varsity team and did personal workouts with my trainers, so coming in wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be,” said Cromwell. His performances this season show that the hard work paid off.
No matter how much time and effort he put in, Cromwell still faced obstacles along the way. He admitted it was challenging being so undersized during games and in practice. “You’re always the youngest on the field and weigh the least, so you get pushed around a lot by the opponent,” said Cromwell. Despite this, teammate Tanios Abi-Saad recognizes his skills and said, “for a kid his size, he hits hard. He has no fear.”
From the remarks of the team regarding Cromwell both on and off the field, it’s clear that they were a family. Quarterback Christian Brady professed nothing but positive words for his teammate and said, “I love him like a brother.” Cromwell announced deep appreciation for his friends. The team’s chemistry was obvious from the start.
The list of goals for this freshman shows his genuine passion for the game. “Coach always told us we had a chance to do something special,” he said. He hopes to break all records for Scituate High and play at any college of his choosing. Without a doubt, Cromwell says his childhood dream has always been to be able to play in the NFL.
For the rest of the year, the freshman said he will continue time to his studies and is excited to enter a new basketball season. Jaylen Cromwell’s intense devotion can be valued to motivate any freshmen or incoming high-school athletes who are serious about their preferred sport and wish to play at the varsity level.