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. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, on December 10, 2003, Jaylan is the youngest of three siblings. His brother, Jorge, also played college football at Virginia Tech. Jaylan's high school years were spent at St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, where he excelled in both football and track & field. He even made it to the national long jump competition. Later, he moved to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, he racked up impressive stats with 1, 850 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning a spot on the third-team all-state. His talent caught the eye of multiple colleges, and he eventually joined Villanova's 2022 recruiting class. At Villanova, he set a school record with 25. 6 receiving yards per catch as a sophomore.Jaylan's academic achievements are just as impressive. He earned spots on the AD’s Honor Roll and the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll in Spring 2024. In January 2025, he transferred to JMU, where he quickly became a standout player. As a senior, he posted 360 yards on 28 receptions and 1 touchdown, helping JMU secure the Sun Belt Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Jaylan's heritage is a big part of his identity. He is of Dominican American descent, with his parents speaking fluent Spanish. This shared heritage played a role in his decision to join JMU. During his visit, he met JMU receivers coach Justin Harper, who also shares his Dominican roots. Harper's significant other spoke Spanish, which made Jaylan's parents feel at home. Jaylan said, \"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. \" Jaylan's faith is another important aspect of his life. He is a devout Christian, often sharing his beliefs on social media. He credits God for his success and makes sure to attend church every Sunday to reset his mind and soul. His social media stories frequently highlight his faith, with a pinned story giving thanks to the Almighty.