By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Jayson Little has all the attributes to be an outstanding captain for Natick High’s football team this year.

First of all, he’s paid his dues. The 18-year-old senior started his high school career on the freshman team, then moved to the jayvees as a sophomore before starting at safety and wide receiver as a junior on last year’s Redhawks squad that finished 5-0 and won the Bay State Conference championship.

A BSC all-star who also was selected to the Metrowest Daily News and Boston Globe all-division teams, Little was pleased to achieve those accolades after turning in stellar efforts on offense and defense. But, those honors aren’t as important to Little as being named a captain.

“My teammates choose the captains and I’m humbled that the players voted for me,’’ Little said. “To earn the respect of teammates means a lot.’’

Little plans to lead by example and by being vocal and supportive. “I want my teammates to know they can rely on me,’’ he said. “And, I also want to lead on and off the field.’’

Little’s team goals and his personal objectives speak volumes about his team-first attitude and his penchant for leadership. 

“I want us to repeat as division champions, qualify for the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl crown,’’ he emphasized. “My individual goals are to keep improving at safety and wide receiver and to strive for all-star recognition again. If I’m contributing like an all-star, then that’s a positive impact on our team.’’

Last year, Little played superbly at safety, compiling three interceptions and 32 tackles in the abbreviated, covid-19 season. At wideout, he had 9 receptions for 114 yards.

Natick coach Mark Mortarelli likes what the 6-foot-1, 175-pounder brings to the table.

“Jayson was more of a defensive player last year,’’ Mortarelli said. “He’s an exceptional leader. I’d call him a ‘glue guy’ because he keeps everything together. He’s long and fast, but he also has great hands and good instincts. A very physical player, Jayson leads by consistently putting the team first.’’

Little is also a versatile athlete — he’s played one varsity season of baseball in right field and he’ll be a candidate in basketball as a guard-forward. Football, however, remains his favorite sport.

“I enjoy playing both safety and wide receiver,’’ Little noted. “The key to success at both positions is preparation and a strong work ethic. What I like about being a receiver is having the chance to turn in a big play by outworking a cornerback. At safety, there’s lots of freedom and you can dictate your style.’’

A native of Natick, Little’s style is basically one of finesse with reliance on a high football IQ and an instinctive nature. He also possesses strong hands, is athletic and is  extremely coachable.

Those assets were front and center in games last year against Framingham and Milton. 

“I had two interceptions against Framingham in a 41-6 victory,’’ Little recalled. “Against Milton, I had one interception and four receptions for 70 yards. The interception came in the second half and gave us some breathing room in a back-and-forth game that we won, 48-26.’’

There’s no back and forth when Little talks about his coach and the Redhawks other senior captains. He’s quick to direct praise in their direction.

“Coach Mortarelli is a great guy and a knowledgeable coach,’’ he said. “He’s not only a big part of Natick’s winning culture, but he’s also a genius at devising game plans. Our other captains are Jake Adelman (linebacker, running back), Aaron Becker (linebacker, guard), and Jacob Snoeyink (tackle). They lead by example and by being vocal, they know how to win and they’re physical players who can dominate on both sides of the ball.’’

Little knows a thing or two about domination. He’s a National Honor Society student who has a 3.5 GPA. He’s also the senior class treasurer and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Club. “I plan on majoring in business in college,’’ he said, “and if the opportunity arrives, I hope to continue playing football, likely at a Division 2 or 3 school.’’

Calling his parents (Matt and Alyssa) role models for their support and encouragement, Little relies on an athletic philosophy that focuses on daily improvement. “It’s also important to have fun, enjoy sports and to reach your potential,’’ he emphasized. If all those things occur, then winning will follow.’’

 Above: Natick High’s Jayson Little (13) is an adept safety on the defensive side of the ball. 

Left: Little’s 3.5 GPA also makes him an all-star in the classroom. 

Photos Courtesy of ROFGANT PHOTOGRAPHY 

Acutely aware that sports, specifically football, teach valuable life lessons, Little says he’s learned to take advantage of new opportunities that lead to improvement. “The improvement can be in athletics, academics or within one’s family,’’ he said. “Sports have also helped me to be a better teammate, a leader, and how to handle and overcome adversity.’’

“The players all know they can count on Jayson,’’ Mortarelli said. “He’s a very positive presence and an all-around great kid. We’ll lean on him a lot to replace the talent we had at wide receiver last year. He’s the type of player any coach would want to work with. He never has excuses; he just works his tail off.’’  

The personable Little enjoys watching Justin Herbert work for the Los Angeles Chargers. The quarterback is his favorite pro player. “He’s got a cool style,’’ Little offered.

Jayson Little’s demeanor is cool, too, and it’ll be on display when Natick kicks off its 2021 season at Needham on Sept. 10.