Zaiden Jernigan might still be in the early stages of his high school career, but he's already making waves at Louisville High in Mississippi. With 32 varsity games under his belt and over 3,000 rushing yards, Jernigan is sitting comfortably at the top of the 2028 running back class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 195 pounds, Jernigan sees himself as a dynamic playmaker. "I pride myself in taking over games and just dominating for all four quarters," he shared.
His ambition is clear: he wants fans to expect explosive plays whenever he steps onto the field. This offseason, Jernigan is focused on refining his skills across the board-from blocking and running to mastering route running.
Speed is one of Jernigan's standout attributes. He's clocked a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and has a 100-meter track time of 11.25 seconds. These numbers underscore his athleticism and potential to make a significant impact at the next level.
The University of Colorado recently extended a scholarship offer to Jernigan, catching him by surprise. "I was shocked when I learned they were going to offer me," he said. The offer is part of Coach Deion "Prime" Sanders' vision for the program, and it came after the Buffaloes' staff reviewed his impressive game film.
Jernigan's talents haven't gone unnoticed by other major programs either. Schools like California, Florida State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame are all vying for his commitment.
As he considers his options, Jernigan is evaluating how each college utilizes their running backs, along with the overall trajectory and history of their programs. He's looking for a place that promises development both on and off the field.
As Jernigan continues to develop his game, the anticipation surrounding his future in college football only grows. Whether it's his explosive play style or his dedication to improvement, Jernigan is a name to watch in the coming years.