JAMES MAYDEN'S NEWS

MSU ties for 2014 prospect

With his uncle being a former All-SEC basketball standout at Mississippi State, Sachse (Texas) High School's James Mayden has heard plenty about Mississippi State athletics. This past weekend, the 2014 receiver/cornerback prospect got to see a lot of the Bulldogs' gridiron program in person.

Mayden's uncle is former MSU center Tyrone Washington and Mayden attended Super Bulldawg Weekend along with his mom and Washington. Last Friday the 6-foot-2 and 175-pound Mayden stopped by MSU's final spring session on the practice fields before playing last Saturday's spring game.

"I liked it a lot at practice," said Mayden. "I got to see how they run the offense and see the types of drills they like to do. Then I learned a lot sitting in their receiver and cornerback meetings, things I didn't know that were real helpful to me. All of the coaches were excited to see me and gave me nothing but positive words."

Mayden also noted of the friendly atmosphere on MSU's campus.

"I've here there before with my uncle but we just drove around campus and didn't talk to anyone before," said Mayden. "I really liked the campus and I like the environment there. Everyone is friendly and people saw the tag I was wearing that had Mississippi State football on it. They would stop me and say they hoped to see me playing there in a few years.

"I also felt blessed knowing my uncle played basketball there and it was good to see all the banners hanging that he helped to put there."

Although yet to open his junior season of high school, the talented Mayden is already getting his early share of interest. And he noted that while he plays both corner and receiver, he prefers the offensive side of the football.

"I am getting letters from Texas Tech, Mississippi State, Alabama and TCU," Mayden said. "I like playing corner a lot but receiver seems to come natural to me. I am just ready for this season to start up. I was at a private school but now I am back with the friends I've known since the fifth grade. It will be great to play with them and I think we can go far this year."

Mayden said he is already making preparations for his junior season and will have a few camps to attend this summer, including a return trip to Mississippi State. Mayden will also continue his sessions as a member of the 2014 Team USA squad, a honor he received earlier this year.

"This offseason I am trying to stay consistent with my workouts," said Mayden. "I don't want to have a real big workout one day and then relax. I am working with a trainer to get better at corner and receiver. I like to learn every day and watch film so I can see how to improve. I want to get better with my route running and my separation in my routes and the whole nine yards.

"I am also going to a few camps and I know I am coming back for a Mississippi State camp. Then I have my Team USA stuff again this summer and then I am going to a prodigy camp in Florida on July 25-28th."

~ Paul Jones is the publisher of Bulldawgs247

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