The Apprentice Becomes the Teacher: Jaylen Reed’s Journey as a Leader

Senior safety Jaylen Reed read the eyes of Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser and diagnosed an awry pass spiraling towards his left. Reed hurled his body forward to make a diving interception and signaled to his family in the Ford Field stands to celebrate. It was a full circle moment for the Detroit, Michigan, native who grew up mere miles from the stadium. 

Reed’s signature takeaway at the home of the Detroit Lions came 2.4 miles from where he attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School and in front of 33 of his closest family and friends. Reed’s love for football was birthed in Detroit and at Ford Field where he made a similar play as a kid. 

“I made an interception there when I was younger around the same yard line so it was a cool moment to have all my family there that have supported me while I chase my dream,” Reed said. 

One of those people in attendance was his mom LaToyia Johnson who Reed described as his “best friend.” Reed is an only child and said he’s built an unparalleled bond with his mom enhanced through football and a difficult experience in Detroit. 

Reed said his mom has always been his No. 1 supporter and shared, “when your parents support you in everything you do, they support you at every game, it means the world to me. I'm just waiting to repay her back for everything she did.” Reed’s unbreakable bond with his mom allowed the two to stay strong in turbulent times and taught him about perseverance through his upbringing. 

“It builds toughness,” Reed said of growing up in Detroit. “I went through a lot of adversity in Detroit. There were a lot of things I went through growing up, a lot of things that I saw. It wasn't always good. It wasn't always a green light at the end of the tunnel so when stuff happens here - and a lot of things have happened since I've been here - I just keep my head down and keep working.”

Reed emerged as one of the best safeties in the country at King High School where he was under the tutelage of former teammate and NFL All-Pro cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. Reed was two years younger than Gardner when the duo won a Michigan state championship in 2018 and he viewed the latter as a valuable mentor who “built me into the player I am today.” 

Reed is guided by Gardner and former Penn State teammates Jaquan Brisker and Ji’Ayir Brown, who are with the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers, respectively. Reed was challenged by Brisker and Brown in the film room and in the practice facility as the pair both saw the potential Reed possessed as an underclassman. 

Reed recalled moments Brisker called upon him in the film room to answer schematic related questions and diagnose coverages. Those moments forced Reed to be prepared and gave him the insight to see how an NFL safety prepares. Reed said how the leadership qualities the duo demonstrated gave him a foundation to become a leader himself.  

Those leadership qualities have come to the forefront for Reed in 2024 as he’s emulated the mentorship Brisker and Brown showed by taking an underclassman defensive back of his own under his wing. 

Sophomore cornerback A.J. Harris joined Reed on his trip to Houston to train during the offseason and their relationship grew beyond the realm of football. Harris expressed how he was nervous before his first collegiate start against West Virginia and said he shared a special conversation with Reed before the game that relaxed him. 

Harris said, “he’s definitely one of those teammates that you love to have and go to war with” and remarked how Reed will continue to shine as a leader. Reed said he deletes social media during the season to drown out the outside noise and focuses on being present with his teammates. Reed commands his teammates attention and is leading by letting his personality speak for itself. 

“When you just be yourself and you be your natural self, more people gravitate towards that than someone trying to be just a leader all the time,” Reed said. “I’m just being a leader by showing up to meetings on time, showing the younger guys how things get done, making plays on the field, talking to the new guys and making sure they feel welcomed to the brotherhood.”

Reed’s transition as a leader also mirrors his development as a premier versatile defender in a new position birthed by defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Tom Allen. The position is coined “the Lion” which is a mixture of a safety, nickel corner and outside linebacker blended together. 

Reed is tasked with playing traditional man coverage, supporting other corners in their matchups and dropping into the box as a linebacker. Reed said he thrives as a jack-of-all-trades defensive back in a position that permits him to showcase his elite level speed and ability to play in space. 

“The versatility that it brings to my game,” Reed said on what he enjoys most about playing the position. “I feel like that’s a huge thing in my game, being the most versatile safety out there and someone who can do multiple things. Not just labeling me at one position gives me an opportunity to present myself as something more than just a defensive back and more of a playmaker and a football player.” 

Reed has made 102 tackles over 36 games in his Penn State career and was recognized as a 2023 All-Big Ten honorable mention honoree after posting two interceptions - including the one at Ford Field - a season ago. 

Reed has been the catalyst to a myriad of game-changing plays during his tenure in Happy Valley as a forced fumble against Iowa in the 2023 Penn State White Out and a fumble recovery in the season opener against West Virginia graced his highlight reel. 

The Detroit product has a poster on his wall outlined with 10 words that act as a consistent reminder. Reed sees these words before he leaves his room every day and uses them as motivation to show that plays like the one against Michigan State are a commonality. 

“I just play with a huge chip on my shoulder,” Reed said. “I feel like I have something to prove every time I go out there. My main focus and the main quote on my wall is ‘make them feel you and never let them forget you.’ That quote has stuck with me forever and I just keep that going.”