Last Chance U standout Calvin Jackson Jr. gets NFL shot
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (BVM) – The hit Netflix series “Last Chance U” has seen success in recent seasons with a handful of once-featured athletes landing on NFL rosters. Following the New York Jets’ recent addition, Calvin Jackson Jr. is hoping to add his name to the growing list.
The standout wideout was once a top receiving threat at Independence Community College where he teamed up with embattled quarterback Malik Henry in the show’s third season. While appearing sparingly in the series, Jackson Jr. found most of his success on the field itself, catching 49 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns in his freshman campaign before finishing his sophomore season with 25 receptions for 381 yards and four touchdowns.
After his two years at Independence, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native transferred to Washington State to play in Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense. After compiling just three touchdowns throughout his first three seasons, Jackson Jr. would enjoy a return to form during the 2021 campaign. The Cougars’ graduate wide receiver got back on the field last season after battling injuries throughout the years prior, compiling 66 catches for 978 yards and seven touchdowns.
With an up-and-down start to his Division I career, his former coach spoke of what it would take for Jackson Jr. to make it to the NFL level during the opening months of last year.
“You can tell he is an NFL talent and there’s no question about it,” Independence Community College coach Jason Brown told The Spokesman-Review before during last season. “He’s just gotta get out there and never leave the field. He can’t get hurt, he can’t get injured. He’s just gotta stay focused and he’ll be fine.”
Even with the breakout final season, Jackson Jr. would go undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-8, 193-pound wideout would try out with the Jets during the team’s rookie minicamp, appearing in both wide receiver positional drills and return work. After impressing during the period, Jackson Jr. would sign with the Jets as the team fills out its upcoming roster.
Proud to be a NY JET 💚 pic.twitter.com/vgccgmZCII
— Calvin Jackson Jr (@PrimetimeCeej) May 9, 2022
Jackson Jr. was scheduled to try out for his late father’s former team, the Miami Dolphins, later this week, but will instead look to turn heads at Jets’ practices with OTA’s and training camp nearing. He will also join former Independence teammate Jermaine Johnson, who the Jets selected in the first round with the No. 26 overall selection.
Jermaine Johnson showing love to his former teammate, Calvin Jackson Jr… Both played at Independence Community College… Jets fans are fired up‼️ Much love @ii_jermaine @PrimetimeCeej #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/0PPEVV5jEc
— JG (@JG_Jets) May 9, 2022
With some momentum heading into his rookie campaign, Jackson Jr.’s continued perseverance will be on full display throughout the upcoming periods as he looks to land on the team’s 53-man roster. With roster spots at the position remaining, look for Jackson Jr. to shake things up as the offseason heats up.
