The Southeast Raleigh senior has been one of the most consistent jumpers in the state over the last four years, and he's a team player, too.
I have to say, this is one of my favorite interviews of all time. Jaylon Holt, Southeast Raleigh jumper/hurdler, is an extremely well-spoken young man, and we could have easily talked for twice the length of this video. He gave me a lot of insight into things I wouldn't normally be able to see from my perspective covering meets: his serious attitude toward academics, the school and team cultures at Southeast Raleigh, and the difficult balance between football and track. On the one hand, we celebrate Jaylon's consistency in the jumps (he has been over 6' 6" since his freshman year, and has consistently contended in the triple jump in recent years); on the other hand, he is clearly frustrated at times by his lack of progress, and looking forward to reaching new heights in his college career. I can't think of a better example of a true student-athlete, as Jaylon approaches his jumping with the same analytical mind that has helped him to so much academic success. To top it all off, he puts the team's success ahead of his own, listing his team's state championship from his freshman year ahead of his individual title this winter when he speaks of his greatest accomplishments. Too often, talented athletes come along that lack something (motivation, academic ability, support at home) that keeps them from reaching their potential. Jaylon, however, is a coach's dream: he is the total package, and seems to truly vaule his role as a leader in the Bulldog's program. I hope you enjoy watching this as much as I did filming it.