BJ Payne knew he had something special when he first saw Jaylen Sneed hit the gridiron. Now, his Hilton Head Island High star is up for a prestigious national honor.
After a sensational senior campaign, Sneed was recognized as one of six finalists Monday for the High School Butkus Award. Established in 1985, the award is given to the nation’s best linebacker at the high school, college, and professional levels who also demonstrates service to his community. Since 2008, the High School Butkus Award has been given annually to the country’s most outstanding linebacker.
Sneed showcased his elite athleticism in the heart of the Seahawk defense in 2021, recording 101 tackles (11.2 per game) with eight tackles for loss, one sack, eight quarterback pressures, two interceptions, and a pass breakup. His motor and acceleration off the snap is unmatched for a linebacker, and he has developed an exceptionally versatile skill set with his abilities to rush the quarterback and deliver strong pass coverage downfield.
He also doubled as the starting quarterback midway through the season, using his explosiveness and quick legs to rush for 815 yards and 11 touchdowns on 117 carries alongside a pair of touchdown passes. Sneed committed to the University of Notre Dame in July, and is expected to officially sign his letter of intent to join the Fighting Irish in December.
The Seahawk standout was also named as a finalist for South Carolina’s Mr. Football award, honoring the state’s most outstanding high school player. Sneed has maintained a 3.6 grade point average in the classroom while volunteering at his church and performing numerous community service roles across the Lowco.
“It’s a tremendous honor for him,” Payne said. “He has worked so hard for recognition like this. We truly believe he’s the best linebacker in the country, no question. As a program, it’s great for our school and all of Beaufort County to continue to find success that puts eyes on our small part of the country for all of our schools and athletes.”
Sneed wasn’t the only Notre Dame recruit to earn a nomination, as future teammate Joshua Burnham (Traverse City Central, Michigan) was also named as a finalist. The Fighting Irish duo is joined by Jalon Walker (Salisbury, North Carolina), C.J. Hicks (Archbishop Alter, Ohio), Harold Perkins (Cypress Park, Texas), and Shawn Murphy (Unity Reed, Virginia). The winner of the award will be announced on or before December 7.
By Wes Kerr
Some local sports content that is not sponsored is now available only to LowcoSports.com’s Patreon supporters. Pledge your monthly support here for as little as $1 per month to ensure you have access to all of our grassroots LOCAL sports coverage!