Recruiting Interview: QB Hayden Mallory, St. Amant High School
by Jace LeJeune
St. Amant High School QB Hayden Mallory is one of the most underrated QB’s in the entire state. He plays against some pretty tough competition and he has a very strong arm maybe the strongest in the state but if you don’t take my word for it, then take Lee Brecheen’s take on the senior quarterback. “Hayden has the best arm in the state for a qb. He is a tough leader and competitior. He is the best quarterback in the Baton Rouge area. If he is a little bigger, then, all the D-1 schools will be going after him but I still think Hayden will be a D-1 quarterback,” Lee Brecheen said. Hayden Mallory impressed many people by setting single season records at St. Amant High School and now he has the chance to impress people even more. Meet Hayden in today’s recruiting interview!
Hayden Mallory audibles at the line of scrimmage.
LAFM: What is your name, age, and position?
My name is Hayden Mallory. I’m 17 years old and I play quarterback for St. Amant High School.
LAFM: What is your 40 yard time, bench press max, and squat max?
My 40 yard time is 4.86. I can bench press 215 and squat 415.
LAFM: Lee Brecheen says that you may have the strongest arm in the state. If you had to scale your arm 1 to 10 with 1 being weak and 10 being very strong, where would you rank your arm strength?
I appreciate the compliment. I would rate my arm as an 8. I feel very confident in my abilities but there’s always room for improvement.
LAFM: What were your stats last year?
I threw for 2,645 yards and 30 touchdowns.
LAFM: What did the team do last year? How does the team’s expectation this year differ from last year?
We finished with a 9-3 record and advanced to the 2nd round of 5-A playoffs. We have another year of experience and we are looking to advance further into the playoffs.
LAFM: You play in a district that is very tough. You play against teams such as Catholic High who won state last year, Dutchtown, East Ascension, etc. Which one of those teams do you want to play the most?
Our district is extremely tough and all are very well coached. I would include McKinley and Broadmoor, who are both talented, well coached and play with lots of heart. Outside of our district, we play Live Oak, who had a great playoff run last season and Lutcher, who won a state championship in 3-A. I look forward to playing them all.
LAFM: What is your favorite football memory?
The joy of giving the community of St. Amant its first playoff game in a decade by beating Covington in Week 1 of the playoffs.
LAFM: What was your best game at St. Amant?
Although statistically, my best performance was Higgins, my favorite games were against Covington and Dutchtown.
LAFM: What QB (college or pro) do you study in order to get better? Why do you study him?
I study several QBs but the two that come to mind are Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Brady (Michigan and New England) for his competitive drive, leadership and attention to detail. Brees (at Purdue) for his tenacity, determination and strong work ethic.
LAFM: What is your favorite play as a QB?
My favorite play would probably have to be our corner-snag concept.
LAFM: If there are three things that a QB must have in order to succeed, what are they in your opinion?
Leadership, composure and toughness.
LAFM: Do you have any offers? If so, from where?
I do not have any offers.
LAFM: Last year, you set school passing records in a single season at St. Amant. How does that feel when you look at the history of St. Amant football that your name is on top of the record books?
I am honored and humbled to be mentioned amongst the names of those that have come before me at St. Amant, one of which is my Offensive Coordinator Seth Babin. He has been a great role model for me throughout my time at St. Amant. His younger brother, Brian, has left quite a footprint at St. Amant as well, and remains close to the program.
LAFM: What are your strengths as a QB?
Leadership, work ethic and being selfless.
LAFM: What are areas that you need to improve on?
I always work on improving my footwork.
LAFM: What is your favorite school subject?
World History.
LAFM: What is something interesting that people don’t know about you?
Friday nights are unmatched but I really love to practice Monday through Thursday.
LAFM: How has the recruiting process been for you?
The process has been exciting thus far, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
LAFM: What advice would you give to a teammate that has to deal with the recruiting process next year?
Stay humble and patient. Always focus on your own game. Regardless of how you’re measured at camps, your Friday night performance is what matters most.
LAFM: Is there anybody your family that has played high school, college, or even pro football? If so, who and where?
Both of my grandfathers played football in high school. One for St. James High and the other for Jena High School.
LAFM: If a coach asks you what makes you different from any other quarterback, what would you tell him?
My work ethic and mental stability are two characteristics that separate me from many QBs. Through preparation, I make sure that any scenario that arises in a game situation has already been played in my head.
