Hotbed Middle School All-American Sidelined by Injury After Great Season


Jaylen Thompson is one of San Diego AYF conference’s most exciting 2021 players.  He was the first athlete to confirm his attendance at the 2015 Hotbed Middle School All-American game after receiving an invite.  After an incredible off-season, Thompson was looking forward to this weekend and his 12U team, the Balboa Raiders, running into No. 1 nationally ranked Inland Empire Ducks.

But it was not to be.

Earlier this week, at the AYF All-star tryouts, Thompson dove for a ball and separated his shoulder.  It’s an injury that will keep him out about 6-8 weeks but his father says he’s going to focus on rehab and preparing for next season.  It’s disappointing because Thompson was having an amazing year.  He and his teammates were one win away from the Q-Bowl.  He had already been named to Football Hotbed’s All American game, selected to FBU All-Star and was on his way to making a big impression on the coaches at the AYF All Star tryout before injury.

San Diego Hotbed Middle School All-American, Jaylen Thompson

San Diego Hotbed Middle School All-American, Jaylen Thompson

“You never really know what God has planned,” his dad Trey wrote on Facebook announcing the injury.

“All you can do is trust that his plan is perfect.”

Perfect describes the preparation and training this past off season.  Thompson ran track for the first time and was markedly faster as a 7th grader than as a 6th grade athlete.  He’s played QB, done some running and is a beast on defense.  We will have to wait another year to see Thompson in Florida but we look forward to seeing him at our Hotbed All-American West Coast Combine in the spring.  We know this young man will be one to watch for many years to come.

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