Saleh Awwad  is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Mountain Pointe High School for AZPreps365.com 

 

Mountain Pointe sophomore linebacker Jaylyn Colter’s biggest passion is and always has been on the football field.

It’s in his DNA.

Jaylyn transferred to Mountain Pointe (5-3) after a season at Chaparral High School, where he started and led their varsity team in tackles as a freshman.

“The Pointe just feels like home to me,” Colter said. “My dad is an alumnus and still holds records to this day, that I’m coming for I might add.”

The record is a big one. Jaylyn’s father, Jesse Colter, was a defensive end for Mountain Pointe and recorded an absurd 11 sacks during the 2005-06 season with the team.

“Watching him battle on that field from the stands is a feeling of nostalgia, a feeling of pride!” Jesse said. “He’s a leader on and off the field, he sets the tone high for his younger seven siblings and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

After sitting out the first five games of the season due to AIA’s transfer rules, Jaylyn has shown nothing but dominance since getting back on the field. The South Phoenix native has compiled 36 total tackles, four sacks, six tackles for loss, and a blocked punt in just three games played with the Pride. The impact that he has made is evident.

"(He) always has a positive demeanor (and is) willing to take on any challenge,” said Mountain Pointe head coach Eric Lauer. “He’s one of those kids that helps you to enjoy coming to work.”

Colter didn’t let the missed games become a factor on his future play, he instead used it as motivation for the rest of the season.

“Now that I’m back on the field, I feel a different type of hunger in me, like a lion that hasn’t eaten in five weeks kind of hunger,” Jaylyn said.

Jaylyn started playing tackle football at seven years old and has not stopped. He knows the road to success on and off the field, emphasizing how mediocrity in the classroom and on the field is unacceptable to him. 

“My goal is to play football at the next level,” he  said. “I know it’s attainable so I plan to attain it.”

After his incredible freshman season with the Chaparral Firebirds, Jaylyn received five Division I offers, including offers from Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona State, which he stated he is more than grateful for. There is reason to believe he will receive more interest from schools at the next level as he continues to thrive.

“He is one of the hardest working, blue-collar, tough guys I’ve ever been around in over 30 years. He’s had a captain-like mentality in our program since day one,” Lauer said. “Someone is going to love him at the next level.”

Throughout his life, football has been the only sport Colter’s ever been passionate about. He’s showcased it on every team he’s been with. He’s been able to showcase it with the Pride this year, so much so he’s been named the team captain – as a sophomore, no less.

“I’m excited to be back and finish this year off strong with my brothers,” Jaylyn said. “I want to end this year looking like I never missed five games."