Tag: JaQuae Jackson

JaQuae Jackson picked Rutgers football over Texas A&M, Michigan State and Colorado because of his NFL draft dreams

NFL experience helped draw JaQuae Jackson to Rutgers football.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — With one year of college eligibility left, JaQuae Jackson knew that he needed to provide a compelling senior year if his NFL dreams were to become a reality. The now Rutgers football wide receiver understood that his time at a Division II program for the past three years meant that he needed film that could attract the interest of NFL teams.

Rutgers, with two members of the staff who were wide receivers coaches in the NFL, became a very enticing landing spot for Jackson.

Rutgers (3-1, 1-1 Big Ten) has surprised many around college football with their strong start to the season, which includes two wins over Power Five opponents. But the coaching staff’s biggest win came this offseason when they landed Jackson.

A talented player at Division II Cal in Pennsylvania, Jackson was heavily recruited in the transfer portal. Rutgers won out from a crowded and deep field that included Texas A&M, Michigan State, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh and West Virginia among others.

With speed and a fluidness to his route running, Jackson is by all accounts a technician of the game. Speak with those around the program and he is described as unique, a unicorn even. He comes in with a humble disposition and a strong work ethic, both of which blend well with a program that has a chip on its collective back this year.

He chose Rutgers because of the chance to develop under two coaches with NFL experience in Dave Brock (wide receivers coach) and John Perry (senior analyst).

“Obviously, the proof is in the pudding,” Jackson said on Wednesday.

“You know, the NFL guys that they coached in the league – you know Sanu (Mohamed Sanu) – they just had guys that just came in this weekend, had in meetings…just sit around and just soaking in knowledge from them. Just little stuff like that. I know they could if they could develop them, they could develop me so I just keep going every day.”

Brock was most recently the wide receivers coach with the Atlanta Falcons where he worked with the likes of Sanu, a former Rutgers standout, as well as perennial All-Pro Julio Jones. As for Perry, he recently spent seven years in the NFL with the Houston Texans as their tight ends coach and wide receivers coach.

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And in Jackson, Rutgers has a wide receiver who is capable of breaking big plays.

 

Jackson has done everything asked of him in the offense this season as he is second on the team in receptions (8) and receiving yards (136). He has gone deep, connecting with quarterback Gavin Wimsatt on a deep go-route in a win over Temple.

And he’s gone over the middle, taking hard hits on slants out of the slot.

He has left an impression on head coach Greg Schiano and the staff with his potential and upside to be a contributor in this revamped offense.

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An offseason injury derailed the schedule to get Big Ten ready, but Schiano believes Jackson is set to continue his development and growth in the offense.

“JaQuae is getting better every week. Unfortunately, he had a little injury during training camp that slowed him down. I wish that he had had all those practice repetitions to get in the groove with the offense,” Schiano told reporters on Monday.

“He didn’t start here until the summer, midsummer, because of the portal and his recruitment. It’s not like he was here all spring where he got cumulative repetitions. So then we get to training camp and he’s doing well, and then he has — he’s forced to take a little break because of injury. And then that — you know, I don’t think we’re seeing yet the guy we are going to see in the next four weeks.

“I think he’s going to continue to get better and better which is good, I guess. But I would have liked to have had it earlier.”

JaQuae Jackson is primed to make an impact for Rutgers football

JaQuae Jackson is poised to be a big part of the Rutgers football offense.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — JaQuae Jackson showed in Saturday’s loss at No. 2 Michigan what can bring to the Rutgers football offense. He can be a playmaker for Rutgers, something this offense desperately needs.

On Saturday, Jackson had 37 receiving yards and three catches. Two weeks prior in a win over Temple, Jackson had four catches for 95 yards including a 61-yard catch in the second quarter.

He has speed and is elusive. Combined with his route-running ability it makes Jackson a complete wide receiver as Rutgers turns their attention to the Big Ten season.

A transfer portal addition, Jackson could be a big part of a Rutgers offense that is looking balanced and efficient for the first time in nearly a decade.

“He’s still getting in, especially with training camp – him having to be out a little bit – I think he is growing confident by the day,” quarterback Gavin Wimsatt said on Tuesday.

“That’s going to help him a lot, especially with his route-running ability. Can’t wait.”

Jackson committed to Rutgers after he played three seasons at Califonia University (Pennsylvania), a Division II program. He was an All-American last season where he had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He committed to Rutgers after being offered by Texas A&M, Michigan Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.

A big part of his reason for committing to Rutgers was the presence of Dave Brock on the staff. A former wide receivers coach with the Atlanta Falcons, the presence of Brock was enticing for Jackson given his NFL ambitions.

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He came to Rutgers as a playmaker, something that head coach Greg Schiano will be seen in the coming week

“JaQuae is getting better every week. Unfortunately he had a little injury during training camp that slowed him down. I wish that he had had all those practice repetitions to get in the groove with the offense. He didn’t start here until the summer, midsummer, because of the portal and his recruitment. It’s not like he was here all spring where he got cumulative repetitions,” Schiano said on Monday.

“So then we get to training camp and he’s doing well, and then he has — he’s forced to take a little break because of injury. And then that — you know, I don’t think we’re seeing yet the guy we are going to see in the next four weeks. I think he’s going to continue to get better and better which is good, I guess. But I would have liked to have had it earlier.”

JaQuae Jackson turned down big programs and came to Rutgers football for moments like Saturday night

JaQuae Jackson had a monster first half for Rutgers football.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — This time last year, JaQuae Jackson was playing for California University of Pennsylvania in Division II. On Saturday night, Jackson led Rutgers in receptions and receiving yards, helping the Big Ten program to their second win of the season.

Jackson finished with four catches for 95 yards as Rutgers pulled away late from Temple in a 36-7 win.

Rutgers had to fend off some strong competition including Texas A&M, Michigan State, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh and West Virginia to land Jackson.

The reason for all the Power Five offers was seen last season for Cal where he had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a good route runner and explosive in the open field.

Jackson picked Rutgers in part because of [autotag]Dave Brock[/autotag], hired by Rutgers this offseason as their wide receivers coach. A former assistant coach in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Brock’s experience helped sell Jackson on Rutgers.

“I can’t say enough about coach Brock,” Jackson said.

“Coach Brock like is really taking my game and excelling my game every single day – help best prepare me just with everything

“Just a littlest detail, like the slightest littlest detail you know, helping me just grow every day as a player. I can’t thank him enough. And coach Perry (John Perry) too, as well as the receivers.”

In part, Jackson came to Rutgers for his final season of eligibility to test himself at the FBS level. On Saturday night under the lights, he certainly stepped up.

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Jackson looked dangerous every time he got the ball. He has created a good connection with quarterback Gavin Wimsat.

“It was a great environment. You notice it’s something I’ve been wanting to do, something I’ve been dreaming of since a kid you know,” Jackson said.

“So I’m just very blessed and humbled just to be here and be in this position.”

Last week in a win over Northwestern, Jackson had one catch for four yards. He certainly stepped up against Temple, including a big 61-yard connection in the second quarter.

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Following the game, head coach Greg Schiano singled out Jackson in his press conference. After taking his final question, which was not about Jackson, he began talking about the wide receiver’s impact.

“JaQuae Jackson, the performance that he had tonight, I’ve seen that coming but you guys have not been able to see that coming because he missed some of camp,” Schiano said.

“But I was really pleased with him. I think that that was something we needed. That was a shot in the arm we needed.”

 

What NFL teams are at the Rutgers football game against Norhwestern?

Four NFL teams are in attendance for Sunday’s Big Ten opener for Rutgers football and Norhwestern.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers football kicks off the 2023 season on Sunday at SHI Stadium when they host Northwestern. Four NFL teams have sent representation to be at the game.

Scouts from the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders are all in attendance for what is the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Notably, Terry Bradway, the former New York Jets general manager who is now working for the Carolina Panthers, is present at the game.

Rutgers have several players with NFL draft potential. Defensive end [autotag]Aaron Lewis[/autotag], who made a splash at Big Ten Media Days, leads a group on defense that is athletic and talented. Lewis is looking to build on a strong 2022 season and cement himself as a top 100 selection in next spring’s draft.

Also very much in the mix on the defensive side of the ball to make the NFL are defensive back [autotag]Max Melton[/autotag] and linebackers [autotag]Tyreem Powell [/autotag]and [autotag]Mo Toure.[/autotag]

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On offense, left tackle [autotag]Hollin Pierce[/autotag] as well as wide receivers [autotag]Naseim Brantley [/autotag]as well as [autotag]JaQuae Jackson[/autotag] should all register strong NFL interest.

For Jaquae Jackson, Rutgers decision was about the NFL, not NIL

Jaquae Jackson believes that Rutgers football can help with his NFL draft ambitions.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Goals, and not money, is what led Jaquae Jackson to Rutgers football. The wide receiver, who joined the Scarlet Knights this offseason out of the transfer portal, is looking to take the next step toward his NFL ambitions.

Quick and with good hands, Jackson has all the tools to be an explosive playmaker for Rutgers. He has shiftiness in the open field and if Rutgers can get him the ball, he should be able to stretch the field consistently.

Coming off an All-American season with Division II program Cal (Pennsylvania), Jackson had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022. Coming out of the transfer portal, he held offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh and West Virginia in addition to Michigan State, Texas A&M 

All of which makes Jackson’s mindset truly unique. He didn’t chase the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) money when picking Rutgers. Instead, he saw an opportunity to take the next step in what are his NFL ambitions.

At Rutgers, there is a good blend of the opportunity for playing time and a coaching staff that can help him play on Sundays.

“No, not at all – you know, I’m here to play football,” Jackson said on Thursday when asked about how NIL factored into his Rutgers decision.

“That’s been my main goal. This whole thing you know, I’m not worried about NIL, no money or anything. I’m here to play football you know, I’m here to get to the next level. It has always been my dream – a goal of mine so I’m (going to) achieve it here.”

Part of the selling point for Jackson on picking Rutgers was the coaching staff in place. He highlighted the NFL experience of head coach Greg Schiano, who spent two seasons in the league as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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He also talked about wide receivers coach Dave Brock, who most recently was the wide receivers coach with the Atlanta Falcons.

When evaluating his other offers, having Brock’s NFL experience factored into Jackson’s eventual decision.

“It factored a lot, you know, like he coached for the Falcons so he coached Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones you know, Mohamed Sanu all great guys,” Jackson said.

“You know (players) that are in the NFL and produced at a very high level. So you know, what, him being my coach, he’s going to critique every single little thing that helped me get to the next level and help me just get better every single day.”

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Rutgers football: What school almost landed JaQuae Jackson in the transfer portal?

Jaquae Jackson breaks down his commitment to Rutgers out of the transfer portal.

There is no doubt that Rutgers football landed a good player out of the transfer portal in wide receiver Jaquae Jackson, one who could be a difference-maker on offense.

An All-American at Division II program Cal (Pennsylvania), Jackson is a playmaker. Last fall, he had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns.

When he entered the transfer portal in the spring, Jackson instantly was in demand. He took visits to Colorado, Miami, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Texas A&M and West Virginia.

But in a recent podcast appearance, Jackson was asked which program made a run and almost nabbed him.

“I’m going to say Miami definitely almost had me, coach Cristobal. Some cool cats man, some cool cats, they was a great staff,” Jackson said in the interview on ‘Life and Football.’

“Texas A&M almost had me too. I like coach Craig (quarterbacks coach Dameyune Craig) – I had a great relationship with him, still have a great relationship with him. Not going to lie, my city almost had me too…Pitt. I’m from Pittsburgh. Having a lot of guys that I grew up with playing for Pitt. Going to Pitt games, a lot of people where I’m from Pitt is big.

“They definitely were right there, not going to lie as far as staying home. But at the same time, where I went to school – Cal U – was about  30 to 40 minutes from Pittsburgh and the inner city. I’m like, let me try something else.”

Rutgers lost their top three wide receivers from last year to graduation and the NFL draft process. In Jackson and Naseim Brantley, who 53 catches for 909 yards with nine touchdowns last year at Western Illinois, Rutgers has added two players who have the potential to put up some big yards.

“I always knew what I was going to do, I always got the mindset of knowing what I’m going to do, what I’m going to bring to the table,” Jackson said.

“I already knew that I was due for those great years and I’m even due for a bigger one this year.”

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JaQuae Jackson breaks down his decision to go to Rutgers football out of the transfer portal

JaQuae Jackson details his outlook for transferring to the Power Five level.

Rutgers football certainly won quite the recruiting battle in the transfer portal to land Jaquae Jackson. The wide receiver, who comes to Rutgers with an impressive resume at the Division II level, is an electric playmaker with plenty of speed.

Jackson spent the previous three seasons at Califonia University (Pennsylvania), a Division II program. where he was an All-American in 2022.

There was no shortage of teams after Jackson when he entered the transfer portal. He counts a total of six visits, all at the Power Five level, prior to committing to Rutgers on May 17.

In an interview this week with Johnathan Price, Jackson detailed for the first time where he took visits. It is an indication of just how strongly he was being recruited at the Power Five level.

“I took four official and two unofficial. I didn’t take all my five (official visits),” Jackson told Price.

“I went to Rutgers, I went to Miami, I went to Pitt, I went to West Virginia, I went to Colorado…Texas A&M. Texas A&M too.”

Why all the fuss about Jackson? His production last year at Cal (he had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns) certainly speaks for itself. Along with fellow transfer Naseim Brantley (53 catches for 909 yards with nine touchdowns last year at Western Illinois), Rutgers now has two veteran wide receivers.

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He believes Rutgers and the Big Ten level is a chance at validation as he looks to take the next step and be featured in an offense at the NFL level.

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At Rutgers, Jackson will have no shortage of NFL experience. Head coach Greg Schiano spent two years in the NFL as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His wide receivers coach is Dave Brock, who was most recently the wide receivers coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

And offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca has produced dozens of NFL players during his two decades of college coaching. Included in that list is Kenny Britt, who was a first round pick in the NFL draft out of Rutgers.

“I always knew what I was going to do, I always got the mindset of knowing what I’m going to do, what I’m going to bring to the table,” Jackson said.

“I already knew that I was due for those great years and I’m even due for a bigger one this year.”

The decision to make the jump to Power Five competition is one that has been on Jackson’s mind for some time. Ending up at a program like Rutgers, he said, is where he always thought he should be.

“Actually last season, I hit the portal as well. I had some issues going on but I ended up coming back,” Jackson said.

“I always had in the back of my head, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to go up and play at that level. I always knew where I belonged and where I can play at. Always had that in the back of my mind for sure.”

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In the transfer portal, Rutgers football’s Greg Schiano believes he landed a “really good wide receiver” in JaQuae Jackson

The addition of Jaquae Jackson is an important one for Rutgers football.

BEDMINSTER, N.J. — In late May, Rutgers football grabbed a commitment out of the transfer portal from JaQuae Jackson. In the Division II wide receiver, head coach Greg Schiano believes there is the potential to be a strong fit in the Rutgers offense.

Jackson, along with Naseim Brantley (who committed in January out of the transfer portal), add experience and a playmaking skillset to an offense that desperately needs more dynamic players at the wide receiver position.

Last season for California University (Pennsylvania), Jackson had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was an All-American in 2022.

Speaking to the media during the Greg Schiano Charity Golf Classic, the Rutgers head coach was impressed with not just Jackson’s abilities on the field but also his work ethic.

“I think he is a really good receiver….when we go into the portal not only do they have to fit a need, and they have to be really good player, but there has to be a cultural fit. And he’s an incredible worker,” Schiano said.

“He loves football. He’s been just really so aggressively attacking learning the scheme, learning the techniques training in our training. So excited. I think he can bring a really good element to our offense and he was an important get as I told you at one point, we were going to try – we ended up with two receivers from the portal – one (Brantley) early in the process and then at the end here.

“So I think between those two guys adding them to what is a really talented young receiving corps think it’s a good mix a good bridge. So I’m excited about that.”

Schiano’s annual golf outing benefited Chop4Change, Athletes in Action and the Robert E. “Bob” Mulcahy Football Scholarship Fund. It was held at Fiddler’s Elbow.

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In terms of Jackson, he is a good route runner who has some top-end speed in the open field. At California, he proved to be elusive and able to stretch the field, whether in the slot or outside.

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Rutgers football: 2023 transfer wide receiver JaQuae Jackson has star potential

Rutgers football received a big splash as wide receiver JaQuae Jackson joined the Scarlet Knights via the transfer portal.

Rutgers football received a big splash as wide receiver JaQuae Jackson joined the Scarlet Knights via the transfer portal. Jackson was a highly-rated player in the transfer portal, receiving offers from Miami, Texas A&M, and Colorado before committing to Rutgers football.

According to 247Sports, Rutgers’ new offensive coaching staff, under offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca and wide receiver coach Dave Brock, is the main focal point in Jackson’s decision, as he felt Rutgers had the right combination to help him become a professional receiver.

Jackson has played for California University (PA) for three years. Last season at the Division 2 level, Jackson logged 77 catches for 1178 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also added two rushing touchdowns to his stat sheet.

The Pennsylvania native from Mckeesport, PA, has the potential to be the top wide receiver by the beginning of the 2023 season.

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Film Assessment

The 6-foot-3, 175 pounds wide receiver has excellent hands and athletic ability. He is an All-PSAC, All-Region, and All-American player at the Division 2 level. He can run multiple route combinations and line up anywhere on the field. Jackson causes a ton of mismatches, beating defenders in all types of coverages. He has an excellent vertical, out-jumping defender for the football. Jackson’s speed makes it difficult for defenders to cover him man-to-man. Jackson can add another level to the running game, providing sweeps around the outside.

Now that Jackson is an official Scarlet Knight, he needs to start studying the playbook and play catch up. If he can learn Ciarrocca’s playbook in time for the 2023 season, Jackson might find himself on the top of the receiver’s depth chart.

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Rutgers football lands impact wide receiver JaQuae Jackson

JaQuae Jackson commits to Rutgers football.

JaQuae Jackson has committed to Rutgers football out of the transfer portal, the Scarlet Knights now landing one of the most coveted players on the open market on a Big Ten roster that very much needs his skillset.

He comes to Rutgers having played three seasons at Califonia University (Pennsylvania), a Division II program. He was an All-American last season.

Earlier in the month, Jackson visited Texas A&M. He also pulled in an offer from Michigan State late last week.

His list included Power Five offers from Colorado, Georgia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh and West Virginia in addition to Michigan State, Texas A&M and, of course, Rutgers.

Last season for Cal he had 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. He posted his decision to commit to Rutgers on Wednesday night:

 

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A post shared by JaQuae Jackson (@quaeriddd)

The recruiting victory is not insignificant for Rutgers and marks the second big win over Texas A&M within the span of a week. Last Monday, Rutgers landed Matthew Ogunniyi, a Maryland tight end who was offered by Texas A&M in the spring.

The addition of Jackson represents a second transfer portal addition on offense this offseason for Rutgers. In January, Rutgers landed Naseim Brantley, a prolific wide receiver at the FCS level last year for Western Illinois.

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