Jaden Wuerth had a historical freshman season where he led his team with 139 tackles, 36 tackles for a loss, and 14 sacks. Those jaw-dropping stats earned Wuerth All-State honors by the AJC and helped his team to a Region Championship in 2023.
The year has turned over, the 2023 football season is in the rearview mirror, and we are in the heart of the offseason. Even though Wuerth’s stats were gaudy as a freshman, the 2027 defender has been driven to continue to improve.
“My main focus this offseason has been getting bigger and trying to put weight on while getting faster as well,” Wuerth said about his offseason focus.
He is already 14 lbs. heavier than last fall, and just a muffin over 240 lbs. This week the newly turned 15-year-old posted weightlifting maxes of 345 lbs. on the bench press and 505 lbs. on his squat.
That would be considered elite for an upperclassman, for a freshman it is staggering. Considering his frame, and age, I’m not sure I have seen a freshman athlete this strong over the last 9-10 years scouting the state of Georgia.
There is little doubt in his productivity on the field; it is on another level for a player his age. That is also reiterated by his trainer, coach Bret Shugarts.
“Never seen a 14-year-old with this type of work ethic and drive to compete,” Shugarts messaged earlier this offseason.
So far Wuerth has taken visits from North Carolina, Auburn, and Georgia Tech while Miami has also shown interest. With the college camp season up ahead this summer, Wuerth has several programs he wants to showcase his skill level.
“I’m planning on attending Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech for camps,” he said.
Considering his age and size, there will be some debate on how Wuerth continues to develop physically, and where the best fit will be in college.
“If he’s an inside guy vs an outside guy. His Mom is 6’ tall so I think he might be 6’4″ or so,” Shugarts theorized about Wuerth.
Whether he grows into a defensive tackle, stays home at defensive end, or even an outside linebacker playing more in space, Wuerth is the type of ’27 player with all the right ingredients to turn into a national recruit. He plays with an elite motor with quick hands at the point of attack and genuinely seems to be ultra-focused on improving every single day.
That is the recipe for greatness, and if Wuerth continues this current progression arch, he will be chasing records from the state’s all-time greats.
