Jerrel Jernigan Scouting Report

Jerrel Jernigan is the Sun Belt's all-time leader in all-purpose yards. The 5-9 receiver is a little undersized for a traditional receiver in the NFL, but he has proven that he can make plays against bigger corners and make plays as a runner and a returnman. Even as a freshman in 2007 Jernigan started to show his promise. He caught 30 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came against then 10th ranked Georgia. In 2008 Jernigan went from roleplayer to superstar. He broke a 40-year-old Troy record by catching 77 passes. He also led the team with 868 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions. Jernigan was even second on the team in rushing yards and threw a touchdown pass.

Jernigan got even better as a junior. He caught 71 passes for 1,101 yards and four touchdowns and added 266 yards on the ground. Jernigan also started returning more kickoffs and averaged 23.0 yards per return. Jernigan already has a vast majority of the all-time receiving records at Troy and could add some more in 2010. With a bowl game left on the slate, Jernigan is just four catches away from breaking his own school record in receptions in a season. On top of his five receiving touchdowns, Jernigan has two more on the ground, another on a pass attempt and one each on a punt return and a kickoff return.

Jernigan's amazing speed will turn some heads to those who have not been paying attention to the Troy Trojans over the last four years. He is also a smart football player who can make a big play every time he touches the ball. The NFL should not let him get past the second or third round.