Awards
3x National Champion
2022 All-MVFC Honorable Mention (RS)
2021 Stats Perform All-America Third Team (PR)
2021 Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team (PR)
2021 All-MVFC Second Team (RS)
2018, 2020-21, 2021 MVFC Honor Roll
In his time at North Dakota State, Jayden Price has been a starting cornerback, an All-American return man and a three-time national champion. Now, he returns in an even bigger leadership role after key departures in the secondary including Michael Tutsie, Dawson Weber, Destin Talbert, Dom Jones, Courtney Eubanks and Marques Sigle.
Why did you decide to come back? And how quickly did you know that that was the decision you wanted to make?
This is a place where I grew into a man. I moved here when I was 18, fresh out of high school. It just shaped me into who I am today. And I have gotten two degrees on top of that, instead of just one, by coming back. That was a big part of it, too. But also, I’m going to play football for as long as I can and I don’t know what exactly I’m going to do after that so I’d rather stay in college for six years, and just be around the guys that I love. That was pretty much the reason why. I just love football and I just didn’t want to stop playing. And I love this place.
I knew going into the season that I was going to come back. I didn’t want to go into the year not knowing whether or not it would be my last year. So, I made a decision before I went into the season that I was going to come back and it was pretty easy.
What do you love about the game?
Just everything really. I love the camaraderie of the game. I love that it is a team game. I just love being able to go out there and just flip a switch and be in a different mindset. I love playing fast and playing with my brothers. This is a space for me where I can just go out there and just shut everything else off.
Is it difficult having a lot of the guys you’ve been around in your position group hitting the transfer portal?
It has definitely been very difficult. I have all love for those guys. I think I’m the oldest one, but since they’ve been here, I’ve been super tight with all of them. So, I wish them nothing but the best. I understand they have to do what they think is best for them. I don’t have any beef or hate or anything like that. Those guys are part of the reason why I’m here and part of the reason I am who I am today, so it’s definitely difficult just being so close with those guys and having them leave.
Can you tell me more about how you were different when you came here compared to how you are now?
I was just a kid when I got here, fresh out of high school. I was young and I didn’t really know how things operated here or how college football works. I didn’t really know how to put work in, but I’ve really learned that here and it has made me into the player I am today.
Do you prefer man or zone coverage?
Either for sure. It doesn’t matter to me. There are perks to run both, but it doesn’t matter to me.
What are your goals for the season?
I haven’t really given it too much thought since we just got done with this last season. But I definitely want to be an all-conference player and definitely want to win the conference, and I definitely want to get back to Frisco.
I also just want to have a bigger role and a bigger impact on the defense this year and just be one of the leaders.
Do you see it as an opportunity with the room kind of clearing out a bit?
Absolutely, but every season brings new opportunities, right? So you just got to make the most of those.
How are you feeling after the SDSU game?
Pissed off, ready to get back to work. That left a bad taste in my mouth. A lot of guys don’t ever want to feel and taste that again. We’re definitely going to have to bounce back and put in the offseason work that we have to, to go out and beat those guys next year.
Is there anything else you want to say to the fans and readers?
I appreciate your support and I can’t wait for next season.
