Brown embraces hometown Aztecs

By Nick Pellegrino

LA MESA – Jaiden Brown, another in a long line of standout defensive backs out of Helix High School to go on to a four-year university, officially joined the list by accepting an NCAA Division I scholarship, remaining in his hometown to play football for San Diego State.

Brown, who played at 6-foot-1,175 pounds during his junior year. was instrumental in the Highlanders’ roll to a near-perfect 9-1 slate (the lone setback came in overtime). Playing against an unbeaten Steele Canyon squad on the final day of the regular season, Brown clinched the 35-23 victory with an interception on the final play of the contest to claim the Grossmont Hills League championship.

The Scotties eventually earned the CIFSDS championship by stopping Carlsbad, 28-21,  and advanced to the CIF Southern California regional playoffs behind a host of defensive stalwarts.

The versatile Brown could end up getiong looks at both corner and safety with the Aztecs.

The magic 8 ball, @J8iden1k, says yes, and has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Aztec Football Family!!!!! #Paradise21 #WIN22 pic.twitter.com/2SjEm2zdAH

— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) December 16, 2020

Several schools were looking at Brown, most notably Fresno State, along with New Mexico, and UNLV, but since Brown was unable to visit the school because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he kept it simple and elected to stay at home; his mother is also an SDSU alum.

❤️🖤@AztecFB @Helix_FAM pic.twitter.com/JajD8isjxQ

— JB ❽🎸 (@j8iden1k) August 24, 2020

“There were a lot of reasons why I chose San Diego State,” said Brown. “I’m a San Diego kid and have been on the SDSU campus a number of times. It’s a place I’m very familiar with and have a great comfort level there.”

He also noted his growing relationship with SDSU defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix and corners coach Demetrius Sumler.

“San Diego State has a great coaching staff with a history of developing defensive backs. They have a top-five defense so I know I’ll be competing at a high level and I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of something special.”

Along with Brown, the Helix defense featured linebackers John Carroll, the defensive player of the year on the All-East County team, and Jeremiah Fletcher, now at the University of Arizona; lineman Anthony Lombardo; defensive back Delshawn Traylor. All, except Brown, were seniors.