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Jaden Platt has taken flight this spring; schools are noticing

Jaden Platt excelled at Stanford's camp Wednesday and earned an offer.
Jaden Platt excelled at Stanford's camp Wednesday and earned an offer.

Stanford offered 6-5 Texas playmaker Jaden Platt Wednesday after a strong performance working with tight ends coach Morgan Turner at the Cardinal's camp.

Platt is a rising junior and that's a true statement in more ways than one; a quick visit to his Twitter page reveals something interesting: "Aerospace Engineer-Pilot".

Platt is the rare high-major prospect who played junior varsity for all but the playoffs of his sophomore season. He has earned offers from Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Iowa State because of camps, and also was offered by Florida State recently.

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What did you think of the tour after the camp? And what’s the reason for "aerospace engineer-pilot" in your Twitter bio?

"I really enjoyed the tour, the campus is unlike any other, it’s very beautiful and learning about the history of each building and the meaning behind them was a great experience. The meaning behind the “aerospace-pilot” was a 2 interest career path, I want to be a pilot or an aerospace engineer. I have a strong interest for both!"

What inspired that goal?

"The inspiration comes from my dad and him being in the Air Force. Growing up I learned about different airplanes, and everything surrounding that topic has always been my interest, and with the aerospace there’s always something to learn.

"My parents are Julian and Stephanie Platt, my dad is retired now and works in the Federal Government. When he was in the Air Force he was an Acquisitions (Program Manager) Officer. Right now, I am in an aviation academy funded by my school, and we will actually be able to graduate with our pilots license, so I will be able to get experience flying and possibly even working on planes."

Am I right in assuming that math is a favorite subject for you? What type of classes do you take at the academy? It seems academic opportunities in college are going to be important for you. Have you researched the programs Stanford can offer you?

"Yes, math and science are usually always my favorite subjects. The classes in the academy are progression classes: freshman year is principles of aviation, sophomore year is intro to aircraft technology and it just goes on junior and senior year.

Academic opportunities is one of my main priorities when it comes to finding colleges, and going into the Stanford camp I knew that Stanford offered one of the best aeronautics and astronautics programs in the country and that was very, very impressive to me."

What's next in the academy progression for junior year?

"I’m not exactly sure what is the next class, if I remember correctly, though, it is a dual credit course and a two period course. And then senior year we will actually be at TCC (Tarrant County College), where we will have class, as well as flying at a nearby airport to complete the pilots license.

Back to football, what has it been like for to compete in camps recently and earn offers? And I read you did not play varsity last season. Is that right?

"To be able to compete at camps and earn these offers is a blessing and an overall unreal experience. Yes, last year I played JV for the whole year, and suited up for playoff games."

How would you describe your progress since you started last season on JV? I think you were an unknown heading into camps this year. Do you agree?

"I think i’ve grown a lot, mentally and physically, from my JV year. And heading to camps my mindset was I’m gonna go and try to dominate, and no matter the outcome, I was gonna get back to work after."

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