Westmoreland County football Q&A with Norwin’s Jayvon Thrift

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 | 6:12 PM

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Norwin opponents who get careless with the football can end up making unintentional donations to the Thrift store. Junior safety Jayvon Thrift has two forced fumbles and an interception and has helped Norwin (2-1) limit the opposition to one touchdown and 10 points.

Thrift’s defensive whereabouts are well known: the fast-rising prospect whose recruiting attention is unlike anything Norwin football has seen, maybe ever, has scholarship offers from Pitt, West Virginia, Syracuse, Temple, and Toledo, with more likely on the way.

“The Hitman” gets a glint in his eye when he talks defense.

But his offensive game is picking up steam. Last week, the 5-foot-10, 185-pounder ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a 54-7 win over Shaler.

Norwin coach Dave Brozeski can describe Thrift in one word: “Impactful.”

Norwin has depth at running back and in the defensive backfield, so Thrift isn’t at risk of overuse. But his importance is limitless for the Knights.

“We keep everybody fresh,” Brozeski said. “We also have Zach Begg and Dylan Kantz at safety and we have Tevin, Jay and Zeke Houser (at running back). It’s nice to be able to rest Jay when we can.”

The humble Thrift, who came to Norwin in fifth grade from Carrick, tries to lead by example and vocally, along with his cousin, Tevin Thrift, a senior running back.

“We’re the hype guys,” Jayvon said. “We’re the first to run through the tape and get everyone fired up.”

The Thrifts give Norwin options.

“Jay is one of the more physical runners we’ve had,” Brozeski said. “With Jay and Tevin we have two different-style runners. They both have the speed to outrun guys.”

Jayvon spent last week’s West Virginia game on the sidelines and has attended a Pitt game in the same manner. He said he also might attend games at Notre Dame, Ohio State, Syracuse and Rutgers.

Thrift took some time after a practice this week to talk football, and some other things:

Do you want to wait to make your college decision?

Yes. I want to experience the whole recruiting process. I want to visit places and see what feels right for me. I want to go with the flow.

What is the perfect scenario for college?

I don’t know exactly. I want to be able to be just far enough away, but just close enough.

What potential do you and Tevin have as backfield mates?

We can be a 1-2 combo. He can jet to the outside and I will pound it up the middle. We hope to get more yards.

Football must be pretty big in your family?

Yes. My dad (Jim) played at Penn Hills and Allderdice. My cousin, Brenon, plays at WVU. My other cousin, Shane, is a freshman at Seton LaSalle.

You seem to take a lot of pride in defense?

Yes, we love to play defense. We want to keep teams out of the end zone for a long period of time.

Any other talents?

I used to play the violin when I was in like third grade.

Could you pick up a violin now and play it?

Probably not.

How do you handle the pressure that comes with recruiting and representing Norwin?

I watch film, in slow motion, to see what I can do to get better. I know I have to live up to expectations.

What do college coaches like about you?

They like how I get to the ball and close down and tackle. Coach (Pat) Narduzzi said he liked my sweep-tackle.

Do you have a summer job?

I work at Kenny Ross (Chevrolet). I wash and help detail cars. My dad is a general manager there.

Any pregame rituals?

I pray.

What have been the bright spots for Norwin so far?

Our line has really been good. We’re getting holes. And (QB) Jack (Salopek) has been good too. He could be D-I too. A lot of our guys are hearing from (colleges).

Tags: Norwin