4 things to know about new Jets CB Brandin Echols
Kentucky’s Brandin Echols was one of three cornerbacks the Jets picked on the final day of the 2021 NFL draft.
Echols played in 24 career games, including 22 starts, at Kentucky and recorded 108 total tackles, 11 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one interception and one sack. He’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, but he makes it up with his speed. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash time at his pro day.
Given Echols’ size and speed, he’ll ideally be able to play in dime packages with the Jets.
For now, though, let’s take a look at some things to know about Gang Green’s newest cornerback.
Played multiple sports in high school
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Echols was more than just a football player when he was in high school. He was on the Southaven High School basketball team and ran track as a senior. Echols earned a spot on the Clarion-Ledger’s All-State boys’ track team after winning the state championship in the long jump.
Junior college
(AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Echols didn't start out playing Division I football coming out of high school. He went to Northwest Mississippi Community College as a receiver but later switched to a defensive back in 2017. The following year, Echols earned NJCAA second-team All-America honors and was named first-team All-MACJC and All-Region 23 NJCAA. Echols ranked second in the NJCAA with six interceptions to go along with 49 total tackles, 12 pass defenses, one forced fumble and one blocked kick.
Strong academics
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Echols was a good student during his time at Kentucky. He arrived at Lexington in Spring 2019 and made the Dean's list as a mid-year enrollee. In Fall 2019, he was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll and the First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll. Echols graduated from Kentucky in December 2020 with a degree in community and leadership development. He wants to get involved in community service work after his football career is over.
Played multiple positions in high school
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Echols played on offense, defense and special teams at Southaven. As a receiver in his senior season, Echols caught 29 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, as a running back, Echols ran for 906 yards and eight touchdowns. On special teams as a returner, Echols had 604 return yards and four touchdowns. While playing on defense as a defensive back, Echols had 11 total tackles, two sacks and an interception.
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