2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jaylin White, DB, UC Davis

• Name: Jaylin White
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 185 lbs.
• Position: CB
• College: UC Davis
• Twitter: JaayChristopher
• Instagram: jaay_christopher

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I’m an African American Studies major with a minor in Communication and in Education. I participated in a River City Bank internship. I’ve also been involved with Campus Ministry with Athletes in Action and Black Christian Ministries. I’m also active with the Black Student Union as well as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My best quality is my speed. My teammates know that is something that they can count on.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
When I first got here, I played outside corner, but lately I have been playing inside at nickel. I have enjoyed that position because it allows me to get closer to the action. Special teams has been a huge part of my game. I’ve done work as a gunner, a return specialist and everything else in between. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Keylon Stokes from Tulsa is probably the best receiver that I have played against. I studied him a lot this past season. He runs very well after the catch, pretty much turning into a RB when he gets the ball. He pushed me to be my best.

I’ve competed against Rashid Shaheed at Weber State ever since my youth. He’s a burner and a deep threat.

Eastern Washington had the most complete receiving core with very talented players. They had bigger targets that they utilized very well.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
When I first got to UC Davis, Isiah Olave took me under his wing. He’s the older brother of Ohio State’s Chris Olave. He taught me a lot about college football. Jordan Perryman is another former teammate that was very impressive. We fed off of one another and learned a lot from each other. I’m sad to see him go, but I know he will do great things at the University of Washington.

Ulonzo Gilliam is a current teammate that is very impressive. He works his butt off and studies a lot of film. McCallan Castles transferred in and worked his way into being one of the top college tight-ends. He’s always been a team first guy and has never had a big head.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My sophomore year in 2018, I suffered a freak accident which essentially shut down my season. Going up for a pass, I lost consciousness in the air and was knocked out for a couple minutes. It was a scary time. Maybe it was due to a previous play, but nothing was ever confirmed. I just remember opening up my eyes and being surrounded by everyone. Because it was such a bad concussion, everyone thought it was best that I used a redshirt for that year. My patience was tested during that time as I saw my team become Big Sky Champions as I was on the sidelines. I’ve always been involved in sports and never truly had an injury that held me back. My rehab was different, riding a bike, doing neck exercises, testing my balance and equilibrium. I was able to get through that time with a great support system. My parents, friends, teammates and coaches always checked up on me and gave me encouragement. Thankfully, I have moved on from that incident and have been healthy ever since.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Track. We had a great team in high school, and I even ran track at UC Davis my freshman year. We ran the 4×100 and got 3rd in State’s. I like jumping and did very well in the long and triple jump. Some of my personal bests include 10.94 in the 100m, 23’10” in the long jump and 45′ in the triple jump.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud that we were able to beat Weber State this past season. Not only were they a highly ranked team, but that was the first time that our staff was able to get the win. My biggest personal achievement was being named All-Conference this past season. It shows that some of my hard work is paying off.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable play was against Weber State in 2019. With our first time getting the ball, I took a kick return the distance for 100 yards and the touchdown. It was an exciting time for me. It helped spark things in the game and gave people more confidence in my abilities.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Tyrann Mathieu is one of my favorite current players. I enjoy watching him play. I love his work ethic. I watch his film study which shows how he goes about things. He plays with a lot of passion and gives it his all on every play.

As a DB, you have to look at one of the all-time greats in Deion Sanders. He had such natural talent, but also the work ethic and focus that made him so good. I also enjoy listening to podcasts with him.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Drake and AudemarTell are two of my top artists. Before games, I usually just listen to calming or relaxing music. That consists of my brother Martell Irby’s music, really helps me remember where I came from and focus. Nothing too crazy. I like to chill before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My grandma makes soul food that I really love. Fried Chicken, candied yams, collard greens, banana pudding and sweet potato pie. My favorite snack food is Hot Cheetos.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
One of my favorite movies is Creed. Michael B. Jordan is one of my favorite actors. Stranger Things is a TV show that I like to watch.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I really enjoy cooking. My dad coaches high school football, and I help him coach when I can. I also help train my little sister in playing basketball.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I’m a big family guy. On several occasions, my sister has mentioned me as her role model, and I’m humbled to be that for her. I come from an athletic family with my dad as a former player at Colorado State and my mom running track at Bakersfield. They’ve always had my back and never missed a game. I’ve also had a close-knit group of friends that I call my brothers. All of us have played football. It is easy to be motivated when you have a great support system that understands your situation, and I’m truly grateful.