FORT PIERCE – Jaylyn Monds had a big decision to make last night (Nov. 1).
The Fort Pierce Westwood 2024 defensive back ended his recruiting process by choosing Eastern Michigan as his college football destination for the next several years ahead.
Monds spoke on what led him to Eastern Michigan.
“Eastern Michigan was a great place when I visited,” Monds said of his official visit experience, which took place from June 11-13.
“The coaches showed real love, the players showed like they’re family, and everyone made me feel like I am at Fort Pierce Westwood,” Monds continued. “They weren’t fake telling me what I wanna hear. They were telling me stuff I needed to hear, which was, “Come here and compete for a starting spot. You are at the top of our list, but if it’s not for you, go to where you feel the best at.” And my choice was EMU. Go Eagles.”
Monds received his offer from Eastern Michigan on February 7, meaning that the relationships were organically building up over an almost nine-month long period.
With that said, the 6-foot, 175-pound athlete has posted the following statistics in nine games played this season:
•20 tackles
•12 pass breakups
•3 interceptions
•1 touchdown
The best three games this season for Monds came against Inlet Grove (12-7 win in Week 3), Moore Haven (22-20 loss in Week 7, and Fort Pierce Central (20-13 win in Week 9). Here are his key statistics from those three games:
•Week 3 against Inlet Grove: 2 interceptions, including one that sealed Westwood’s 12-7 win with less than 45 seconds left in the game
•Week 7 against Moore Haven: 2 pass breakups, 1 interception
•Week 9 against Fort Pierce Central: 1 touchdown catch off a fade pass
Monds on how his senior season has gone to date at Fort Pierce Westwood:
“I can say that I am proud of my senior season,” Monds said. “I feel like this year is getting me ready for college year in and year out. I’m ready to play at the next level and try to win a national championship next year.”
Before Monds can do that, he and his fellow Panthers team still have at least one more game to play this season. In Week 11, Fort Pierce Westwood (6-3; Class 3S; No. 4-ranked team on the Treasure Coast) will be hosting Boca Raton (6-3; Class 4M; No. 10-ranked team in Palm Beach County) tomorrow night (Nov. 3, 7 p.m. kickoff) for Senior Night at Lawnwood Stadium.
Monds on what his expectations are for Senior Night:
“My on-field performance will be phenomenal as this is my last home game at Lawnwood ever,” Monds said. “I will have at least one pick and try for a touchdown, and also a return touchdown on a punt or a kick return. Off the field, it will be high in emotions for me. I might cry, but I will be excited because it means it’s a step to start my career and let the world know my name.”
Monds (No. 15-ranked overall player on the Treasure Coast; 2024 class) has been an integral part of Fort Pierce Westwood’s suddenly rising program for the past few years. He credits Panthers head coach Chris Kokell and defensive coordinator Ryan Williams for how his recruiting process and high school football has turned out to date.
“They are just all-around good coaches,” Monds said. “They don’t just care about the program. They care about the kids also. You don’t find that in a lot of high school coaches.”
With a win tomorrow night over the Bobcats, the Panthers will almost certainly clinch a spot in the Class 3S playoffs next week. But even if they do not win this one, a playoff berth is at least probable.
Monds on what it would mean for Fort Pierce Westwood to reach the Class 3S postseason:
“I feel like us being in the playoffs next week will make us play harder this week as a team because we feel like this is a statement game,” Monds said. “We’re gonna play with style and finish what we started by doing it with swag. I feel like it will be a big chance to put all the players on the map and for coaches especially. It’s a big chance for the small names at Westwood to make their names even bigger.”
PHOTO CREDITS: 614 Edits, Thomas Allen, Critical Productions, Fort Pierce Westwood Football, and GGTB.Products
