Alabama football has been in the headlines a lot the past few days.
Here is a Crimson Tide piece of news without a bit of controversy: Cayden Jones ‘24 has as high a ceiling as any boy who has ever played football for Christ School.
Hard work, friends and relationships, and decision-making were some of the possible topics that Cayden threw around for his Senior Speech. Goal-setting is what won out in the end. Asheville area TV station WLOS had a camera Tuesday in St. Joseph’s Chapel to record Cayden’s speech, followed by the presentation of his Under Armour Next All-American Game jersey from coach Chad Walker.
“Goals can be a great source of motivation and they can help build your character,” Cayden said.
“Goals can help with your time-management, measuring your progress, and decision-making. It is crucial to remember though that the type of goals you create and how you approach them are important. Setting realistic and meaningful goals, breaking them down into achievable steps, and being adaptable to change, are all important to goal-setting success. I’m blessed to have been able to attend Christ School which has made my personal goals much more attainable.”
Cayden is the first All-American in the 108-year history of the Greenie football program and has verbally committed to Southeastern Conference champion Alabama. The Crimson Tide are part of this year’s four-team College Football Playoffs, which has stirred up endless debate nationally since the selections were announced Sunday.
Alabama plays Michigan on Jan. 1, two days before Cayden gets a chance to show what he can do in the Under Armour game, which will be shown from Orlando by ESPN.
Cayden is a fifth-year senior from Asheville.
He was the Western Football Conference Athlete of the Year for the 2023 season and had 283 career tackles. In his final season, Cayden made 78 tackles (11 for a loss) and four sacks. He did whatever was asked on the other side of the ball, too. For example, Cayden caught and passed for a touchdown in his final home game (a 46-0 win over Charlotte Country Day on Nov. 3).
Cayden was a three-time all-state and all-conference player.