MHS - Football / May 13, 2024 By Kasey McDowell
Former Mulvane Wildcat standout Jayden Price (2018) has been making quite a few headlines lately as he has recently signed to continue his football career with the Atlanta Falcons, making him the first Mulvane Wildcat to ever make it to the NFL. There have been 126 Wildcats that have played at the collegiate level over the last 113 years, dating back to 1913 when Verne Jones was the first Mulvane native to play college football at Emporia University (ironically, 1 year before Mulvane even had a high school team). Price is the first Wildcat to make the next leap to the NFL.
HIGH SCHOOL
In 2014, Jayden earned the starting QB position for the Wildcats as a sophomore and he went on to have a fantastic season with 110 completions out of 197 attempts for 1560 yards and 17 TD passes. He also led the team with 846 rushing yards on 171 attempts and 11 rushing TDs. In his junior year, Price continued to put up strong numbers with 1551 yards passing on 100 completions and 18 passing TDs. He also doubled his rush yards with 1640 yards on 204 attempts and 23 rushing TDs. 
In his senior year, Jayden finished with 1425 yards passing on 80 completions and 16 passing TDs. On the ground he finished with 936 rushing yards on 134 attempts and 16 rushing TDs.
In his career, Jayden put up some impressive numbers for the Wildcats, setting several school records in the process. He finished with 4536 passing yards on 290 completions and 51 passing TDs. On the ground, he finished with 3422 rushing yards on 509 attempts and 50 rushing TDs.
Price etched his name in the Mulvane High School record books in several categories:
* Longest Rush TD - 97 Yds
* Most Career Points - 306
* Most Career Rush Yds - 3422
* Most Career Rush Att - 509
* Most Career Rush TD - 50
Jayden did not leave high school without some impressive awards either, in his high school career he has earned the following awards.
2015
* All League Honorable Mention
* All-Class 4A Honorable Mention (Wichita Eagle & Topeka CJ)
2016
* All League 1st Team
* AVCTL D4 Offense League MVP
* All Metro (Wichita Eagle)
* All State 2nd Team (Wichita Eagle)
* All State 4AD1 1st Team (Kpreps.com, Sports In Kansas, Wichita Eagle, and Topeka CJ)
2017
* All League 1st Team
* AVCTL D4 Offense League MVP
* All Class 4AD1 (KS Coaches Assn.)
* All Class 4AD1 - 1st Team (TCJ)
* All Class 4AD1 - Hon Mention (WE)
* Sports In Kansas top 100
* All League 2nd Team (DB)
* All Class 4AD1 Honorable Mention (DB - Wichita Eagle)
* Participated in the Blue-Grey All American Game
* Catchy Award Winner - Best Male Multi-Sport Athlete in the State of KS (Catchitkansas)
* Selected to the 2018 KS Shrine Bowl
COLLEGE
Jayden graduated from Mulvane in 2018 and signed with North Dakota State University where he redshirted the 2018-19 season. Price went on to have a phenomenal college career, playing for 6 total seasons (including a Covid super-senior season). During Jayden's career at NDSU, the Bison won the national championship 3 times (2018, 2019, and 2021) and were runner-up in 2022. 
Jayden was a cornerback for the Bison and a punt return specialist where he finished his career with 63 returns for 910 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Price earned several awards in his college career. In 2021 he earned 3rd Team Stats Perform All-American, Phil Steele All-American 4th Team, and All-MVFC 2nd Team for punt returner. In 2022 he earned All-MVFC Honorable Mention and he earned MVFC Honor Roll for 4 years (2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022).
NFL
Jayden signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent and will most likely focus on cornerback and special teams. His Relative Athletic Score ranked in the 85th percentile of cornerback prospects who have been tested since 1987. Price’s shuttle time (4.07), vertical leap (37.5 inches), and 40-yard dash time (4.45) all impressed scouts. And despite weighing in at just 185 pounds, he tied for fifth-most bench-press reps (14) in the cornerback class.
After finishing college at NDSU, Price moved to Nashville to train full-time for the draft. He said the Falcons were one of a handful of NFL teams who were in contact with him and his agent ahead of the draft, so it wasn’t a surprise when his agent told him he was headed to Atlanta.
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Some Q&A with Jayden Price before entering the NFL Draft.
School: North Dakota State University
Position: CB/RS
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
In my final collegiate season, I set goals to enhance my coverage and talking skills. I would say I achieved both, making impactful plays on the field.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
Coaches and teammates would describe me as a dedicated player with a strong work ethic and great character. I’m someone who leads vocally and by example, both in training and during games as I was a captain this past year.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film, I focus on understanding opponents’ tendencies, route running, and special teams schemes. It’s crucial for me to anticipate plays and make informed decisions on the field.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What sets me apart is my combination of agility, speed, and field awareness as well as overall football IQ. I have a knack for reading plays and disrupting passes, making me a versatile asset in both defensive and special teams roles.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan involves me training in Nashville at X3 Performance to enhance my physical attributes and refine my techniques. I’ll also focus on mental aspects, studying new strategies and staying updated on the latest trends in the game.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field, I bring a strong defensive presence and explosive return skills. Off the field, my leadership, discipline, and commitment to community engagement make me an asset to any team.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
To the NFL and other pro leagues, I offer a determined and adaptable player who is ready to contribute immediately. My commitment to excellence and continuous improvement makes me an investment worth considering for any team.
