Player Profiles: Jafus Gaines

By Marisa Ross
Sports Editor

At the beginning of this football season, wide receiver Jafus Gaines set some personal goals as well as some key goals for the team.

Jafus Gaines: Well, I always have goals coming into the season. (E)very athlete’s personal goal is to have goals, and my goal is to have at least 1,000 yards before the end of the season. So far I have like two-something, which is not bad but I feel like I should have more. As long as the team is winning then I don’t care. As far as touchdowns, I was just happy with getting two touchdowns. I got four already so that’s a big relief on my part. Just us playing well and us playing together that’s been my biggest goal: us coming together as a team. Like us having chemistry because if you have chemistry it’s hard to beat you.

Gaines, a junior from Houston recognizes the improvements and changes he needs to make to elevate his game.

JG: It always starts in the offseason. I start working on the little things. I feel I should get better at my footwork, doing lateral drills, being able to run routes while I’m tired and still have the same technique while I run my routes, running a little bit after practice to stay in shape.”

Gaines has also been asked to become more of a leader.

JG: That’s what my coach wanted me to be, even if I’m not in to make sure that everybody (is) doing what they’re supposed to do, and making sure all the receivers know what they’re doing and what route they have and what position and stuff like that. If I’m not doing good that day and somebody else (is) doing good, I go encourage them (and) let them know that “you’re doing good, keep up the great work.” It’s all a team thing.

Gaines has some rituals he does to help him prepare before games.

JG: The whole time, from the day before all the way up to the game I pray. I pray like a hundred times before the game because I’m always nervous about getting hurt so I’ll always pray. Asking God to help me play to the best of my ability, let me take advantage of my opportunities and let me stay safe and keep my team safe and keep the other team safe as well. The fact that I come out healthy and I’m okay, I always give God thanks. Then on top of that my other ritual is I always shower before a game so I can feel fresh. So I feel fresh, I play fresh, I’m not tired.”

Despite some tough losses, Gaines maintains a positive outlook on the rest of the football season.

JG: I’m thinking our expectations are still high ‘cause we still have a long season to go… Our mentality is don’t lose anymore games.

A fun fact some people may not know about Gaines is he enjoys listening to a variety of music like classical and country to help him study and get ready on game day.