Jaylan Sanchez: A Star Athlete's Journey and Roots

Jaylan Sanchez is making waves in college football, especially as a key player for JMU's Sun Belt Championship team. But who is he beyond the football field? Let's dive into his background, family, and what makes him tick.

Early Life and High School Career

• Born: North Bergen, New Jersey, December 10, 2003
• Siblings: Youngest of three; brother Jorge played college football at Virginia Tech
• High School: St. Peter’s Prep, New Jersey
• Excelled in football and track & field
• National long jump competition participant
• Later High School: St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Stats: 1,850 yards and 21 touchdowns
• Honors: Third-team all-state

College Career

• Recruiting: Joined Villanova's 2022 recruiting class
• Villanova Achievements:
• Set school record with 25.6 receiving yards per catch as a sophomore
• Academic Honors:
• AD’s Honor Roll
• CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll (Spring 2024)
• Transfer to JMU: January 2025
• Senior Season:
• 360 yards on 28 receptions and 1 touchdown
• Helped JMU secure Sun Belt Championship and College Football Playoff spot

Heritage and Family

• Background: Dominican American descent
• Parents: Speak fluent Spanish
• JMU Decision:
• Met JMU receivers coach Justin Harper, who shares Dominican roots
• Harper's significant other spoke Spanish, making Jaylan's parents feel at home
• Jaylan's quote: "She has the same ethnicity as my parents. His significant other spoke Spanish, so he was like, 'Oh, wow, this is going to be perfect.' It was a great thing. When I saw the smile on my mom’s face, it was kind of a closed deal for me."

Faith and Personal Life

• Religion: Devout Christian
• Social Media: Frequently shares his beliefs
• Church: Attends every Sunday to reset his mind and soul
• Gratitude: Pinned story giving thanks to the Almighty