Thomson senior offensive lineman Jaylin Ryals has been a multi-year starter who is playing his best football to date. Last week against Laney, the 6’3″ 375 lbs. lineman was great blocking guys off the ball and sandwiching them to the turf.
His stellar play earned him a spot on the Week 10 Bully Squad and was later voted the Offensive Lineman of the Week. Rightfully so, Ryals’ blocks were the most devastating and reflective of a Class 2A All-State caliber offensive lineman.
“My senior year as been going excellent,” Ryals confirmed.
If he continues his excellent play, Ryals will be in contention for All-State. Although the powerful blocker didn’t know his stats offhand, the highlight against Laney alone is littered with pancake blocks. The senior is more just focused on getting better each week while enjoying the season; he loves the game of football.
Over the last 12 months, Ryals has been going through the process, getting better each week, and refining his game. That’s evident in his SR film, and he talked about his biggest improvement.
“Definitely pass pro. That’s because our coach doesn’t allow 2-point stances so I had to learn and develop coming out of my stance quicker without giving away the play by being light on my hand.”
Even though Ryals plays offensive tackle for Thomson, he is an offensive guard all the way in college. At 6’3″ and 375 lbs., he is one of the widest football players in the state but remains agile, showing light feet, and a mauler once engaged with a defender. On the defensive side of the football, his quickness is even more surprising, and makes several nice tackles outside the box. Perhaps that side of the football could be Ryals best path at the next level? Keen college scouts will have their plate full when evaluating his senior film.
The 2025 prospect is a consistent team player whose impact on both sides drives the team to victories. Whether he lines up across the ball or next to it, Ryals’ mindset on the field is unyielding.
“Put my body on the line, do whatever I have to do at all cost to come out victorious, and keep my teammates hyped but also with their head on right,” he said about his mindset.
Ryals helped the program to a state title in 2022 as a sophomore, so he is well-experienced and among the most seasoned of any players at Thomson. The Laney victory catapults the 5-2 Bulldogs into the Class 2A rankings for the first time all season, and they will look to make noise come playoff time.
Of course, coinciding with the season’s conclusion is the recruiting process, which is winding down between December and February. Althought FBS recruiting is the most often reported, for most college recruits, they will be committing during that timeframe. Ryals said that he is hearing from Reinhardt, Shorter, and Limestone as of now.
The senior said that his goals for the remainder of the season are to be a state champion, All-State and All-Region. Check all those boxes off, and Ryals will certainly cap off his great senior year, and that should only attract even more college programs, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear the latest on the senior and athletes all across the state.
He is the epitome of hard work and he has his goals in order …..