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Jarryd Hayne is hoping to secure a team to train with by the end of January. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
JARRYD Hayne has put the shutters up to fully focus on his NFL dream — but it’s not that Hayne doesn’t want you to know about his progression. Far from it.
The former rugby league star is just determined to make his switch to the NFL a resounding success and not a media circus.
It’s why you won’t be hearing from Hayne any time soon, because the former Test and Origin hero has decided to work hard as the clock ticks on his NFL mission.
Jarryd Hayne out and about in Los Angeles. Source: News Corp Australia
But make no mistake, Hayne’s deadline for success is rapidly Âapproaching. His goal is to secure a practice squad spot with an NFL team when the current season ends in January. Clubs expand their rosters from 50 to 90 in the off-season and then whittle it down again before the season proper.
But even a practice squad contract can be as short-lived as a few days, highlighting the need for Hayne to be both physically and mentally prepared from the moment he puts on a helmet.
So will he be ready?
The Daily Telegraph has tracked down the behind-the-scenes training program driving his NFL dream.
From one-on-one sessions with star quarterbacks through to hours of study from the playbook bible, Hayne is well and truly on track.
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THE SKILLS
Hayne has shown plenty of initiative by contacting well-known quarterbacks for one-on-one sessions.
They have provided the former league star with an invaluable chance to run routs and receive balls off the best in the business.
It’s understood Hayne has also approached retired or injured quarterbacks to pick their brains on set moves, which lines to run and specific plays.
Jarryd Hayne during a training session which included taking some catches with a Gridiron ball at Parramatta. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
This inside knowledge will be crucial for the former Parramatta fullback to practice, understand and master if he is going to make an impression in any club’s practice squad.
THE BODY
Hayne has always had a strong lower body, but has added bulk to this area since arriving in America less than two months ago.
It was originally assumed he would have to lose weight, but this isn’t the case if he wants to play as a running back or full-back. The running back position in the NFL Ârequires explosive power, so strong glute and quad muscles are needed for maximum performance.
It’s why Hayne has literally been working his butt off to add strength to his lower regions.
Jarryd Hayne breaks to score a match turning try for the Eels. Source: News Corp Australia
Unlike league. where repeat Âefforts were required, the running position in the NFL is all about one burst of power before a substantial rest. This is why Hayne has been training his muscles to deliver this type of performance.
THE STUDY
Hayne has been studying NFL playbooks for hours every day since Âarriving in the US in mid-October.
This isn’t your average sport playbook, they’re hundreds of pages long and Hayne has to know it all.
Throw in the fact a running position requires a lot of knowledge of team game plans and he certainly has a big job ahead of him.
THE BELIEF
Hayne is driven by the doubters, as he has had critics his entire life.
The same people who told him he’d never get out of Minto or play in the NRL.
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It’s why he has repeatedly proved people wrong throughout his football career and life. So the more people who say he can’t do it, the better.
Hayne also has an incredibly strong faith which is also fuelling his NFL dream.
The business
It’s understood Hayne has been Âinundated with approaches from agents and teams from his first day in America.
Despite these advances from franchises, including the Philadelphia ÂEagles, Hayne has preferred to focus on preparing his body and mind first.
It’s also why he took his time in selecting an agent.
Hayne was impressed by the private and football development Âapproach of Jack Bechta from the JBSPORTS agency.
Jarryd Hayne speaks to the media before leaving Australia to attempt to become an NFL player in the US. Picture: Luke Fuda Source: News Corp Australia
Bechta has signed 250 NFL contracts in a career spanning 24 years.
He tweeted this message about working with Hayne recently.
“Thanks for all the love from Down Under,†Bechta said.
“Lots of work here and no time for chats right now. The Hayne Plane, I’m sure, will appear soon.â€
Everyone back home in Australia is hoping so, too.
Originally published as Hayne’s private blueprint for NFL success