The 2026 NFL Draft is nearly here and every year, a ton of very talented players go under the radar. Former SMU and Weber State wide receiver Jayleen Record is taking action to make his presence known.
Record showed up to the Dallas Cowboys facility at The Star in Frisco on Friday with his cleats and a sign that displayed some of his impressive Pro Day stats.
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Record’s sign read “I’ll run my 40 right now,” while also claiming a blistering top speed of 22.8 MPH. Record, a Dallas native, spent three years at Weber State after spending his first season at SMU, struggling to get much playing time.
After he transferred, he became a two-time team captain for the Wildcats while recording 72 receptions for 873 yards and 10 touchdowns over his three seasons.
Record boasts explosive athleticism and recorded a 41-inch vertical leap in his Pro Day outing. I got a chance to speak to Record in an interview for Ball Exclusives and he spoke about why he decided to camp out in front of the Cowboys’ facility.
“It was to get some exposure on my numbers and get my numbers out there to show that I’m willing to take it however far I need to take it to chase my dreams,” Record said. “And I’m a community guy. I was showing the kids to chase their dreams in any way, form, or fashion.”
As he makes his case to his hometown team and to the rest of the NFL, Record is also grateful for his time at Weber State and how it impacted him.
“It impacted me a bunch, because not only did I go over there for a new opportunity in football, but it also brought me closer to God and it brought me to different people and a different culture. As a football player, I learned a new way of thinking,” Record said. “It was always ‘grind hard, grind hard’, but when I got down there it was a little bit more strategic. You know, playing smart.”
Record’s journey has been a difficult one. He’s battled homelessness and lost his father to cancer, who he says is his biggest role model in life.
“My late father is definitely my biggest role model. He taught me the game. Not only did he teach me the game, but he got up every day at 4 o’clock in the morning every day and went to work, and I mean every day,” Record said. “He showed me what it takes to get up and work hard. And I actually couldn’t beat him until he was 50, and that’s when he got sick.”
Jayleen Record possesses elite athleticism and he wants NFL teams to know it. Photo by Joe Nicholson — IMAGN IMAGES
Coming in at 5’8″ and 170 pounds, Record doesn’t have a huge frame. But he makes up for it with high-level athleticism and route running.
“I’m a speedster guy, but I’m not just a speedster guy,” he said. “I can run routes. I can move around and I’m just explosive. Whether I’m running the field, blocking or being a decoy, I’m explosive in whatever I do.”
Record’s play-style makes him a player that can utilize his speed and agility to be a solid depth receiver.
He knows he hasn’t been a highly-discussed prospect in mock drafts, but he’s eager to get just one tryout or workout with an NFL team. When I spoke to Record on Friday, his message to the league was clear.
“I’m that guy who’s got the grit, who’s got the hard work, who’s not gonna be outworked, no matter the climate or the situation. I can compete with the top guys in the league, I can compete at the highest level. It’s on my film. … Whoever picks me up, it’s a steal and they won’t regret it.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
