‘A generational type of player.’ Jaylen Sneed ready for journey to Notre Dame
In his youth, Hilton Head Island senior Jaylen Sneed didn’t have Notre Dame football on his radar.
“When I was younger, never,” Sneed said Wednesday night. “I would follow the flashier college football teams like USC (Southern California), UCLA, Alabama and other schools like that. Things didn’t change for me later on, and I thought I could play someday at one of those types of schools.
“That was my dream.”
In mid-July, however, the Fighting’ Irish were prominently in his picture. He made his decision through a rather three-year circuitous route.
In July, Sneed announced he would attend the famed university, and he made it official during a signing ceremony at the high school Wednesday evening.
Sneed was contacted by Notre Dame in January and a three-year relationship between new coach Marcus Freeman helped seal the deal. Freeman was the former defensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati, and they were Sneed’s first offer his freshman year.
“Marcus and him had a relationship for four years,” Hilton Head Island coach B.J. Payne said. “When Marcus took the defensive coordinator job at Notre Dame in January, that’s when Jaylen was in the picture.”
Sneed believed fate may have been on his side.
“He (Freeman) got there at a really good time,” Sneed said. “(Notre Dame) was more of a Power Five school than Cincinnati, and he is coaching there. Also, competing to be in the College Football Playoff every year can make it the best of both worlds.”
Recently named South Carolina’s Mr. Football, Sneed concluded a season as an outside linebacker recording 101 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, eight quarterback pressures and 18 tackles for loss. He also blocked two punts.
Sneed took over at quarterback midway through the season and threw for 211 yards with a pair of touchdowns, and rushed for 815 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns.
Sneed also will play in the Under Armor game in Orlando Jan. 2.
Payne acknowledged Sneed had over 40 offers, and realized he had a rarity in his coaching career. He also coached current Seattle Seahawk defensive tackle Poona Ford at Hilton Head.
247Sports Composite ranks Sneed as the top prospect in SC for Class of 2022.
“He’s a generational type of player,” Payne said. “I have been pretty fortunate to have Poona Ford and now Jaylen. He is such a rare combination of playing ability and a great academic student. On the field, he is extremely fast, violent, and versatile out there. He has played about eight different positions for us through the course of his career.
“He set a goal to be the best outside linebacker in the country, and he did everything he could to do it. He had goals, Fortunately for him, it worked out.”
Seahawk athletic director Joe Monmonier also understood Sneed’s unique presence.
“I just came back from a conference with athletic directors across South Carolina, and they all want to know about Jaylen,” he said. “We all are really proud of him and what he has accomplished and his legacy here.”
Sneed’s initial visit of his four to Notre Dame left him with some lingering memories. His signing evening proved to be a surreal moment.
“It’s shocking to see things like the Golden Dome,” he said. “It gives you chills. It is just a great place to be, and everyone should see it.
“Looking back at freshman year, I never thought I would be here today. The hard work and determination paid off. The coaches and I went toe-toe every day and worked together to get me where I am today. This is a great feeling.”
Sneed credited Payne for laying the groundwork his freshman year.
“It was probably the fifth week of practice in my freshman year when coach Payne told me I would be a special player one day,” Sneed recalled. “I just took that and kept working.”
Sneed hopes to follow Ford on the path to the NFL. He plans to pursue a degree in health science to become a personal trainer.
“The Seahawk family has been great,” Sneed said. “I have learned a lot about decision making, respecting each other, and it has helped change me.”
This story was originally published December 16, 2021 at 6:00 AM.