High School Football

Jensen returning home to lead Rams

By Dennis Silva II, Sports Editor
Posted 3/10/21

J Jensen is going back home. Again.

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High School Football

Jensen returning home to lead Rams

Posted

J Jensen is going back home. Again.

The former Mayde Creek Ram, Class of 1998, and former assistant football coach at Mayde Creek, 2005-2010, was named the Rams’ newest head football coach/campus athletic coordinator on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s a dream come true,” Jensen said. “I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a little kid. Getting to go do it is awesome.”

Because it’s for the Rams, it means more for Jensen than the typical first head coaching job.

“It definitely does,” Jensen said. “To me, it’s huge. I have a lot of pride in the community and the people that still live in the community. To be able to go back and try and enhance and raise Mayde Creek and battle, it’s huge for me. I’m anxious to get over there and get working with the kids.”

Jensen, the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Taylor the last seven years, succeeds Brian Randle, who left last month to take over Lamar Consolidated ISD’s newest high school, Randle High, named after Brian’s father.

“Coach Jensen is passionate, committed and has a vision to lead the Mayde Creek Rams to the next level,” Katy ISD athletics director Debbie Decker said. “We look forward to the expertise and mentorship he will bring to the team experience.”

Colleagues, players and peers of Jensen’s raved about the move on social media.

>> Nolan Hay, Taylor junior offensive lineman: “It’s been an honor to play for you coach. The Rams are getting a hell of a coach and an even better person. I love you. I’m gonna miss you.”

>> Blair Ary, Taylor head girls basketball coach: “Absolutely LOVE this guy!!! Mayde Creek you are blessed!! Congrats Coach Jensen!!”

>> Bryce Foster, Taylor senior offensive lineman: “Thank you for helping me change my life by getting me to the next level. You are the best man. Good luck!!”

>> Adeyemi Timilehin, Taylor senior defensive lineman: “One of the best coaches I’ve ever had.”

>> Jim Jolley, Taylor linebackers coach/special teams coordinator: “Congrats Coach, well deserved. I have so much respect for you and the way you treat people. You will do well.”

>> Matthew Brayton, Taylor head boys basketball coach: “Mayde Creek athletics is in good hands. He is an outstanding coach and a better person. He makes everyone around him better.”

>> Rashad Lee, Taylor receivers coach: “Being able to come work with Coach Jensen every day was truly a privilege and I have become a better man and coach because of it.”

>> Nick Goedde, Taylor junior linebacker: “Coach, thank you for everything and pushing me every day to be the me I could be.”

>> Trevor Woods, Taylor senior safety: “One of the best coaches I’ve ever had and I can’t think of anyone more deserving for a head coaching job!”

>> Chad Simmons, Taylor head football coach: “I can’t say enough good about this guy as a man and as a coach. Congratulations! Well deserved!”

Jensen was a standout offensive lineman for the Rams, where he was part of one of the program’s best seasons in 1997, and starred at Eastern New Mexico University, where he was an all-conference and all-region guard in 1999. Jensen helped Eastern New Mexico to two Lone Star South conference championships.

He has distinct plans for the football program and other athletic programs at Mayde Creek. Schematically, he will run a 4-3 defense and a multiple offense that aligns to the skills of his athletes.

“I’m going to battle to get more kids involved in all the athletic teams,” Jensen said. “I’m going to be in the hallway, talking to kids. I’m going to be at the junior highs, keeping those kids excited. Being at the elementary schools, talking to kids. Just trying to increase numbers that gets more kids and families involved with the school and give them a bigger reason to stay eligible and take care of all the little stuff.

“I want to be there,” Jensen added. “I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to be at Mayde Creek High School and giving those kids the best of everything.”

Jensen started his coaching career at Morton Ranch Junior High. He was there two years before returning to Mayde Creek as offensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator from 2005-2010, helping the Rams to consecutive playoff appearances in 2008 and 2009. From there, Jensen went to Alief Taylor for four years as offensive line coach and eventually became co-offensive coordinator and special teams coordinator. The Lions made the playoffs all four years Jensen was there.

He went to Taylor in 2014, where he switched to coaching the defensive side of the ball, specializing in the defensive line and mentoring players like Max Wright (Texas A&M), Otito Ogbonnia (UCLA), Braedon Mowry (Texas A&M) and Treviance Bronson (Lamar).

The Mustangs made the playoffs in five of six seasons Jensen was there, including a state semifinals appearance in 2019 and regional semifinals appearance last season.

“It’s about building relationships and letting kids know that what I say is what I’m going to do,” Jensen said. “It’s about the buy-in and letting that community know I’m here for them. Getting to know people and building that tight bond so that everyone will have that mutual accountability and trust. It’s not just about one player, it’s not about me. There is no superstar. It’s about ‘we’ and us doing this together.”

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