Rutgers football: What school almost landed JaQuae Jackson in 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.”
