Spring Tour: Checking in on Madison star Travis Jay, more

Madison County coach Mike Coe, who led the Cowboys to the Class 1A state championship this past season, said he could see Jay's play-making ability as an eighth-grader. But it wasn't until he saw Jay's drive and determination that he realized how special the young player could be.

"He's a special athlete, game-breaker, but also a special kid," Coe said. "He hates to lose in anything, and I hate to lose, so that immediately caught my attention. Travis has tremendous instincts on the football field that are just natural."

While some players lead by example and others are more vocal, Madison County's players and coaches say Jay is effective with both methods. Teammates say he is all business when it comes to preparation and games, but he also likes to keep things loose when the time is right for that.

"He's a guy that has that infectious attitude you want to be around," 2020 offensive lineman Zane Herring said. "I love bragging about Travis because he's a tremendous player, but a great person. He's always going to be there for you, but you would also never know that he's a top recruit. He's just one of the guys."

Despite holding offers from FSU, Georgia, Clemson, Alabama, Miami and others, Jay said he sees himself as just one piece of his high school team.

"I'm no different than anyone else," he said. "I treat everyone the same way. But I also push my teammates. We've got a lot of dogs here in Madison, and I'm proud of that. I talk a lot, but I do it to show them no player means more than the other here at Madison."