Senior DL Jaxon Player Athlete+ Question & Answer

Defensive lineman Jaxon Player answers questions from Athlete+ members ahead of the start of spring practice this week. Interested in Athlete+? Learn more.

Athlete+: What's the biggest difference between Baylor and Tulsa?

Jaxon Player: I’d say the biggest difference between Baylor and Tulsa is structure and time commitment of the program. At Tulsa we were kind of a loose structure and after we got done with the work for that day we could go home. Here at Baylor we are pretty much doing something at the facility or school from 8 am to 5 or 6 pm.

Athlete+: What about Baylor's defensive scheme stood out to you as the main reason for choosing Baylor over other schools?

Jaxon Player: The main thing that stood out about the defensive scheme was how well the defense played when the d-line was productive and hitting all the right stunts. The react attack front is the complete opposite of what I’ve played the last four years.

Athlete+: How excited are you to play alongside (with no offense intended to your teammates at Tulsa) better players on the DL like Siaki Ika?

Jaxon Player: I’m really excited to get to play with guys like Apu. I had some pretty good fellow d-line men at Tulsa but I think this group brings a different flare and style of play.

Athlete+: What do you hope to accomplish in spring practice?

Jaxon Player: This spring I just want to work on my craft and get better with learning the different blitzes and stunts.

Athlete+: Favorite food spot in Waco so far?

Jaxon Player: My favorite restaurant just depends what I’m the mood for, but for the most part its either Ichiban or Guess Family BBQ

Athlete+: How has your perception of Baylor evolved from the time you grew up in Waco to now?

Jaxon Player: I grew up a big Baylor fan and always looking at those guys as like fictional characters and celebrities. Now after being a college athlete the guys are just normal everyday people that happen to be larger than your everyday person.

Athlete+: People talk about your lack of height as a negative, but are there ways it helps? How?

Jaxon Player: My stature helps me with having great leverage and keeps me low to the ground. Which if you ask some of the people I’ve played against that’s why its hard to block me.

Athlete+: How much of a difference do you think NIL makes in the commitment decision of the average D1 football player?

Jaxon Player: I think it will be a game changer. The amount of money being thrown around is life changing and can also help people out. I’m personally a big fan of NIL and if done the right way it’ll be a great addition to college athletics.

Athlete+: How was your experience pitching in Midway's Junior League? A little backstory, Jaxon played catcher and we needed pitchers. So we ended up putting him on the pitching mound and to our surprise he dominated.

Jaxon Player: I loved pitching. Baseball was my first love and I was always good at hitting home runs and playing 3rd base. So when they asked me to pitch and catch I was hesitant but I grew to love pitching more than any other position.

Athlete+: What's the difference in being recruited out of high school vs out of the transfer portal?

Jaxon Player: Out of high school the argument could be you don’t really know what you’re getting. You’re hoping for a kid to develop and contribute and be able to handle all the changes college has vs. high school. The transfer portal on the other hand allows you to pick players that have experience. That have shown tape and grades and other reports about how they will be.

Athlete+: What would you tell yourself when you were in high school that you wished you would have known? Can relate to anything.

Jaxon Player: The one thing I’d tell myself is be patient. Don’t rush anything because you never know what God has planned for you.

Athlete+: How many sacks per game will you have this year?

Jaxon Player: The goal this year is 1.0 sack per game and a few TFLs.

Athlete+: What is your signature move to get by the o-Line?

Jaxon Player: My favorite is probably the bull jerk. I like to use my strength whenever I can.

Athlete+: What's the difference between the Baylor staff and all other staffs that recruited you?

Jaxon Player: The staff here at Baylor made me feel wanted and that I was something they were missing. They made me feel like I could make all my dreams come true while also helping me develop into a better player.

Athlete+: What's the biggest adjustment you had to make transferring in? How has that gone overall?

Jaxon Player: The biggest adjustment I’d say is the class workload and time commitment to the program. Like I said earlier, pretty much most of my day I’m either in class or at the facility.

Athlete+: How did being from Central Texas make the adjustment/transition easier?

Jaxon Player: This being home already made the transition super smooth. Having my mom and my support system five minutes away is a great help.

Athlete+: What is your favorite fast food to eat occasionally?

Jaxon Player: My favorite fast food has became either Hawks Hot Chicken or Mods Pizza. Those are my go to cheat meals.

Athlete+: What was it like growing up/living around Waco and hearing/seeing the growth of Baylor football over time?

Jaxon Player: It’s crazy to see how far Baylor has came. I have pictures of me going to games at Floyd Casey. Now being able to play at McLane is amazing.

Athlete+: Do you know any other Big 12 linemen (or even O Line Units) you are excited to face on opposing teams in the Big 12? Excited to see you challenge them!

Jaxon Player: I’ve played against Oklahoma State the last three years so that’s been fun. It’ll be great to get after them again and I’m also looking forward to playing my high school teammate Katori at Kansas State.

Athlete+: Have you picked up any new DL techniques at Baylor? What's the most difficult player that you have played against in your career?

Jaxon Player: I’ve picked up a few new techniques. And I’d say the most difficult players I’ve played against were James Hudson from Cincinnati and Tyler Smith my teammate at Tulsa.

Athlete+: Do you think you'll be playing DE more than NT?

Jaxon Player: Right now I think I’ll be playing both. But we will see when it’s closer to season time.

Athlete+: What do you think the split is likely to be between those two?

Jaxon Player: I think it’ll be a pretty even split if anything it’ll be a heavier lean towards end

Athlete+: Have you told Dillon Doyle that you're going to grab the goal line fullback position from him?

Jaxon Player: I have not got to discuss that with him yet. It’s coming though once season gets closer. I’m gonna try to put that bird in coach Aranda’s ear for sure.