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Shadow Creek's Jaylen Addai
No. 1, BUT NEVER SATISFIED: Shadow Creek's Jaylen Addai embraces the spotlight while staying grounded
In a state where high school football is king and blue-chip prospects seem to emerge every Friday night, Addai sits at the top of the mountain.
But don't expect the ranking to change who he is. He understands the attention. He also understands the assumptions that come with carrying one of football's most recognizable last names.
His father, Joseph Addai, starred at Sharpstown High School before winning a national championship at LSU, becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick and later earning a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts.
Many people assume that kind of pedigree makes the journey easier. Addai says it's been quite the opposite.
"I know people think everything is given to me," he said. "That I don't have to work hard because of who my dad is. But it's actually the opposite."
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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When the rankings were released, he allowed himself a moment to appreciate the accomplishment. Then it was back to work.
"I was really excited," he said. "But they (rankings) really don't mean that much to me."
His perspective comes from watching players who weren't labeled as can't-miss prospects.
"One of my favorite players is Justin Jefferson," Addai said. "He was a three-star recruit and wasn't heavily recruited. He was amazing at LSU and now he's the best in the NFL. There are so many players like that."
That mentality has fueled one of the busiest calendars of any athlete in Texas.
Over the past eight months, Addai has barely had time to catch his breath. Football season transitioned into basketball season, where he helped lead Shadow Creek alongside standout BJ LaFell during a memorable run. From there, it was straight into football workouts, recruiting camps and earning recognition as the state's top prospect before heading back to the AAU basketball circuit.
There is hardly an offseason. And that's exactly how he likes it.
"I think college coaches like dual-sport athletes," he said. "But I really want an opportunity to play both sports in college."
As he prepares for his junior season, the expectations have never been higher. Every opponent knows his name. Every defense will have a plan to slow him down. The biggest expectations, however, come from within.
"I want to double my stats and do anything I can to help my team," he said with a smile. "I'm just so excited to get back out there with my brothers and perform."
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
For Addai, this is exactly where he dreamed of being.
"This is where I wanted to be ever since I was a little kid," he said. "I just need to remember to have fun. When it's not fun... it's over."
The rankings may say he's the best player in Texas.
Jaylen Addai is far more interested in becoming the best version of himself.
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