Wide receiver Jauan Jennings and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley neither joined nor left the University of Tennessee at the same time. The two overlapped for three seasons though from 2015 through 2017, and in that time developed a close friendship. So close, in fact, Moseley was nearly brought to tears when San Francisco selected Jennings in the seventh round of this year’s draft.
“I was so happy we drafted him I almost cried,” Moseley said via Matt Barrows of the Athletic.
Jennings arrived in Knoxville one season after Moseley. They played together for three seasons before Moseley left to sign with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
The wide receiver was equally excited after getting drafted by San Francisco where his former college teammates Moseley and wide receiver Jalen Hurd were already stationed.
“I can’t wait to see my bro, E-man,” Jennings said in his post-draft interview. “It’s been forever. Definitely a lot of excitement there.”
Jennings is hoping to follow a similar path to Moseley, who found his way into a starting role during his second season after sifting through some more highly-drafted talent and battling on special teams before earning a starting job late in the team’s postseason run.
The receiver may not have to do as much special teams work though to carve out a role. Injuries to Deebo Samuel, Richie James Jr. and Hurd, along with an opt out from Travis Benjamin, have opened the door for a player like Jennings to push his way onto the roster. His big frame, physicality and tackle-breaking ability after the catch make it easy to envision his fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
If Jennings does make the 53-man roster, there may not be anyone more excited than Moseley.