(@JohnsonJayden27)

Tri-Center Trojans are set to return a solid group of players from their championship season a year ago. One of those is junior Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB/TE Tri-Center | 2027 State IA , who quietly played a key defensive role and is the top returning tackler after recording 50.5 tackles, seven TFLs, three sacks, a fumble, and a 26-yard interception return for a TD. Johnson plays a versatile role on the Trojans’ defense, where we saw him play outside linebacker, inside linebacker, near the LOS as a stand-up EDGE rusher, a defensive end with his hand in the dirt, or lined up on WRs/TEs. Johnson is an effective playmaker at all levels of the field, showing he can apply pressure to opposing backfields/run defend while being able to drop back and play in space. Very sharp trigger that helps him break on the ball very well. Good job breaking down blocks on the perimeter to shut down any runs to the outside. Another part that stood out was Jayden’s football IQ and the leadership he showed as only a sophomore. Very promising linebacker from a great program!

(@JohnsonJayden27)

After claiming the Class A state championship, the Tri-Center Trojans look primed to run it back with a great core of returning players. One player who is set to take an even bigger step forward in 2025 is sophomore Jayden Johnson Jayden Johnson 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB/TE Tri-Center | 2027 State IA who tallied 50.5 tackles, seven TFLs, three sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception returned for a touchdown. The most impressive part of Jayden’s game is his versatility, possessing the size that fits the mold of a S/OLB hybrid, with the physicality to even step up near the line of scrimmage. Johnson’s football IQ also really stood out with his ability to call out adjustments and top-tier instincts when triggering pass/run. Jayden’s closing speed and tireless pursuit help him flow to the ball very naturally and put himself in a spot to make a play. Super high ceiling here with the upside of playing nearly anywhere on the defense.