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It was just a few days ago that Mississippi State earned a commitment from a highly touted 4 star quarterback. It seems like just about everybody has covered every angle of the story of the commitment of Jalen Mayden, a 6-2 and 196 pound dual threat star hailing from Sachse, Texas.
I'm proud to announce my commitment to... pic.twitter.com/qopNhHLmBz
— Moose (@mayden_5) May 24, 2017
He is highly coveted by many universities and Dan Mullen earned a crucial commitment out from Baylor’s backyard and kept him away from the like of Tennessee, Utah, Nebraska, and even Georgia and Ohio State. But that’s not the most important aspect of Mayden’s recruitment or commitment.
Mayden actually did something far more important than just committing to a school, even if it is one that I’m kind of fond of. Mayden used his platform as a way to raise just shy of 700 pounds of food for a local food bank.
You see, Jalen Mayden actually has a charity set up and he’s not even 18 yet. The young football player isn’t old enough to vote, but he’s already doing more to impact his community in a positive way than most ever will.
icymi, Jalen Mayden's charity collected nearly 700 lbs of food on day of his commitment to Mississippi State. https://t.co/e4XV5rHw8J
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) May 26, 2017
Mayden’s See Me Beyond charity brought in food donations for the Life Message Center, a non-profit organization based out of Rowlett, Texas that provides a food pantry and clothing center.
All invited, so come watch, eat, & bring a food donation 4 Jalen's "See Me Beyond" charity 4 Life Message Center. https://t.co/BxYhw3G9rZ pic.twitter.com/WXsGyxYSx0
— TexasKat (@MommaMayden) May 17, 2017
@MommaMayden Thank you for letting us be part of Jalen's big night! We are truly honored! pic.twitter.com/HVxyJCwz7M
— Life Message (@lifemessage) May 24, 2017
And this is far from the first time that Mayden has done this! In December of 2015, before Mayden was swarmed with the recruiting coverage that he has been, he brought in over 1000 pounds of food to be donated.
2018 Sachse HS QB- Jalen Mayden's "See Me Beyond" Charity donated 1063lbs of food for December! #ActionsoftheHeart pic.twitter.com/PUKeEOPdaR
— TexasKat (@MommaMayden) December 24, 2015
If we’re doing the math right, that’s somewhere over 1700 pounds of food in these two instances alone. And, he’s likely raised well over a literal ton of food for those in need as it looks like he’s been doing this for just about the entirety of his high school career.
Sachse TX I'm coming your way! This Saturday I will be at Sachse HS at the Jalen Mayden "See Beyond" Food drive!! Come by from 3-5pm!!
— Marquale Pierson (@_MrPierson) August 6, 2015
As it turns out, he’s been doing this once a month dating back to his freshman year of high school and it doesn’t look like he intends to stop any time soon. He was even featured on his local news for his selfless acts of giving and service.
So, Jalen, thank you. Not necessarily for picking Mississippi State. I mean, that’s cool and all, but thank you for using your platform to help others. Thank you for seeing a need in your community and doing what you can to address it.