Umatilla High senior Jayden Robertson is in the midst of a big year for the Bulldogs. He’s been one of the most productive and versatile player this season, leading the team in receiving while making a major impact on defense.

Jayden has 585 receiving yards, five touchdowns and averages 19.5 yards per catch. On the other side of the ball, he has recorded 52 tackles, a team-high three interceptions and two blocked field goals.

“It means a lot to be able to put on a show for the city on both sides of the ball,” Jayden says of playing for Umatilla.

Umatilla High Head Coach Eric Samuels has praised his senior’s character as much as his production.

“Jayden is a hardworking young man whose character stands out just as much as his passion for the game of football,” Samuels says. “He is respectful, dependable, coachable, and always willing to put in the work to improve himself and those around him. Jayden is a natural leader who leads by example, both through his actions and his play on the field. He is vocal, encouraging, and brings a positive energy to his teammates. His commitment, selflessness, and determination make him someone others can look up to and rely on.”

Samuels says watching Jayden develop has been rewarding.

“It’s been fun watching him grow,” the coach says. “Jayden has a high football IQ and an exceptional understanding of the game. His knowledge and ability to process the game allow us to move him around to multiple positions and put him in situations where he can make plays.”

Jayden says he fell in love with football early. His parents got him started in the sport when he was 4 years old.

“I have plenty of love for it and I’m super smart when it comes to football,” he says. What motivates him most, he added, are “my baby brother and my lil cousins looking up to me.”

His favorite memory this season came on a recent Friday night when he “head tapped two defenders.” Head tapping is when an offensive receiver or player leaps high into the air to catch a pass right over the top of a defender, so completely dominating them that the receiver practically looks like they are tapping the defender’s head from above.

After graduation, Jayden says he hopes to play Division I football and study law.

While the Bulldogs are a young team with only four seniors, Coach Samuels says coaching the group has required patience and a focus on fundamentals.

“We are an extremely young team, with only four seniors and a handful of juniors,” Samuels says. “At times, we’ve had to take a step back and go back to the basics, focusing on fundamentals and building a strong foundation. While that has presented some challenges, it has also given us an opportunity to develop our younger players and establish the right habits and expectations moving forward. I’m excited about the foundation we are building and what this group can become in the years ahead.”

Jayden says the team chemistry has been strong. “It’s been great playing with my brothers,” he says. “Football has made me understand life a little differently. It’s also taught me to go hard every play even when you think nobody is watching because somebody is always watching.”

Jayden’s advice to the young players is to “Go hard in the class. Match the class energy with the field energy and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

Photos provided by Umatilla High School