EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Perhaps Troy University should erect a replica of the Statue of Liberty in front of their football office. After all, few college teams have had as much success as the Trojans have in turning their program into the "land of opportunity" for those "tired, poor and unwanted" athletes that the bigger programs were foolish to pass on during recruiting days.
Troy's latest success story is Jerrell Marquis Jernigan, a 5:09 prep quarterback who jumped at the opportunity to play for head coach Larry Blakeney. During the Blakeney era, the school has produced 31 such National Football League stars, including early round draftees like linebacker DeMarcus Ware (Dallas), cornerback Leodis McKelvin (Buffalo), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (Giants), safety Sherrod Martin (Carolina) and defensive back Leonard Wheeler (Cincinnati).
Many talent evaluators feel that Jernigan will be the next Trojan to join that prestigious group of professionals. Regarded as one of the elite pass catchers eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft, Jernigan brings much more "to the table" than just his pass catching ability. He has proven to be quite an effective ball carrier, whether on the reverse or from "wildcat" formation, in addition to possessing a powerful arm as an option passer. He also has outstanding return skills, making him a jack-of-all-trades.
Jernigan went on to set school career records with 262 receptions for 3,128 yards and an average of 5.24 catches per game. He placed third all-time in Troy annals with 67 kickoff returns for 1,580 yards and is 12th on the school career-record list with 372 yards via punt returns. Those lofty totals helped he re-write the Trojans' all-time record with 5,972 all-purpose yards Perry Griggs (4,079; 1973-76) as the only players to gain over 4,000 all-purpose yards during their careers at Troy.
Jernigan closed out his tenure at Troy by setting new school season-records with 84 receptions and an average of 6.46 catches per game in 2010. He also ranks second on those lists with 77 catches and an average of 6.42 grabs per game during his sophomore campaign. His 39 kickoff returns for 897 yards in 2009 are also Troy annual marks. His 311 all-purpose yards vs. Arkansas State in 2010 set another school record, joining Demontray Carter (309 vs. Appalachian State in 2000) as the only Trojans to generate 300 yards in a contest.
Prior to his arrival at Troy, Jernigan was a dual threat quarterback for the Eufaula High School Tigers, where he guided the team to 14-1 and 11-1 records during his final two seasons, as the squad captured the Class 5A Region II titles both campaigns and the Class 5A state title in 2006. He received a three-star prospect rating and ranked 23rd on the Rivals.com 2007 Alabama Top 30 squad.
As a junior, Jernigan was named to the All-District and All-Area teams. In his final season, he was chosen All-Area, All-District and All-State first-team. In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, he also lettered with the Tigers' basketball and baseball teams. On October 23rd, 2006, he signed his letter-of-intent to attend Troy University.
Jernigan quickly adapted to his new duties after he was told by recruiter Shayne Wasden that the Trojans would use his quickness in the receiving unit, He started the team's final four games and also in the season opener vs. Arkansas. In his first career start, he set the school Division I game-record with eleven receptions vs. the Bulldogs. He would finish fourth on the team with 30 catches for 337 yards (11.23 ypc) and three touchdowns, adding 50 yards on 14 carries (3.57 ypc) and 23 yards on a pair of punt returns.
As a sophomore, Jernigan set the school season-record with 77 receptions (since broken), earning All-Sun Belt Conference first-team honors. He averaged 11.27 yards per catch and scored five times on those passes. He also threw a touchdown out of "wildcat" formation and ranked second on the squad with 254 yards and another score on 33 rushing attempts (7.7 ypc). He closed out the year with 1,215 all-purpose yards, finishing fourth in the league with an average of 101.5 yards per game.
In 2009, Jernigan received All-Sun Belt Conference first-team recognition as a receiver and all-purpose back, adding second-team accolades as a kickoff returner. He ranked 10th in the nation with an average of 174.15 all-purpose yards per game, amassing 2,264 total yards with 71 receptions for 1,101 yards (15.51 ypc) that included four scores, placing third on the squad with 40 carries for 266 yards and another score. He set school season-records with 897 yards on 39 kickoff returns (23.0 avg) while starting eleven contests.
Jernigan garnered All-American consideration and was again an All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection. He broke his own school record with 84 receptions, the fourth-best season total in league history. While averaging 9.79 yards per catch, he snared six throws for touchdowns, also completing 6-of-7 passes for 41 yards and a score.
He rushed 45 times for 322 yards (7.16 ypc) and three touchdowns, adding 306 yards with a touchdown on 23 punt returns and 630 yards with a score on 25 kickoff returns. The senior ranked ninth in the nation with an average of 160.0 all-purpose yards per game and was the only Division I player to record a touchdown receiving, rushing, passing, on punt returns and kickoff returns in 2010.
At the conclusion of his senior season, Jernigan was invited to play in the Senior Bowl, but due to a left ankle sprain that he suffered in the New Orleans Bowl, he was unable to compete. Still, the receiver was excited about his selection and attended the week's practices.
CAREER NOTES
In 50 games at Troy, Jernigan started 37 contests…Caught 262 passes for 3,128 yards (11.94 ypc) and eighteen touchdowns…Carried the ball 132 times for 892 yards (6.76 ypc) and five scores…Completed 7-of-10 passes (70.0%) for 43 yards and two touchdowns… Returned 67 kickoffs for 1,580 yards (23.58 avg) and one score, adding 372 yards on 29 punt returns (12.83 avg) that included another touchdown…Recorded three solo tackles…
Amassed 5,972 all-purpose yards and totaled 25 touchdowns on 490 attempts (119.44 ypg)…Broke the previous school career-records of 215 receptions for 2,907 yards by Danny Grant (1966-69)…His 84 catches as a senior broke his own Troy season-record of 77 grabs from the 2008 campaign, as his 71 catches in 2009 rank fourth on the school annual record chart…Jernigan also broke the previous Sun Belt Conference all-time records of 229 catches by Casey Fitzgerald of North Texas (2005-08) and 2,718 yards by Johnny Quinn of North Texas (2003-06)…His average of 5.24 receptions per game during his career and 6.46 receptions per game in 2010 also established new Trojans records…
Became the fourth player in school history to gain over 1,000 yards receiving in a season, as his 1,101 yards in 2009 rank second in school annals and fifth on the conference record list…His eighteen scoring grabs placed fourth on the Troy career-record chart and are seventh all-time in league history…Finished third in Troy annals with 67 kickoff returns for 1,580 yards, setting the Trojans season-records with 39 runbacks for 897 yards in 2009…
His 306 punt return yards in 2010 is the ninth-highest season total at Troy…Holds the school career-record with 5,972 all-purpose yards, joining Perry Griggs (4,079; 1973-76) as the only players to gain over 4,000 all-purpose yards during their careers at Troy…He also set a new Sun Belt Conference record with his all-purpose yardage, as only Tyrell Fenroy of Louisiana-Lafayette (5,231 yards; 2005-2008) and Patrick Cobbs of North Texas (5,222; 2001-05) reached the 5,000-yard level in conference annals…Became the only player in Sun Belt Conference history to gain over 2,000 all-purpose yards twice in a career, as his 2,264 yards in 2009 set the league and school season-records…His 2,080 all-purpose yards in 2010 rank second in Troy annals and fourth in Sun Belt history behind his 2009 record performance, 2,163 yards by T.Y. Hilton of Florida International in 2008 and 2,101 yards by Bobby Rainey of Western Kentucky in 2009…Set the school game-record with 350 all-purpose yards vs. Central Michigan in the 2009 New Orleans Bowl…His 311 all-purpose yards rank second and his 209 aerial yards rank third on the school game-record list, both coming in the 2010 Arkansas State clash…The only other Trojan to gain over 300 all-purpose yards in a contest was Demontray Carter (309 vs. Appalachian State in 2000)… Ranks fourth among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision active players for career receptions, receiving yards, all-purpose yards and average all-purpose yards per play (12.19).
2010 SEASON
All-American third-team choice as an all-purpose back by The NFL Draft Report…Added All-Sun Belt Conference first-team honors as a receiver and all-purpose runner, as he also received second-team recognition as a kickoff returner…Was named league Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Oklahoma State and Louisiana-Lafayette and was the SBC's Offensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Arkansas State…Saw action in quite a few different capacities - quarterback, H-Back, split end, slot receiver, punt returner and kick returner, as he started 11-of-13 games…Set the school season-record with 84 catches, good for 822 yards (9.79 ypc) and six touchdowns…Established another Troy annual mark with an average of 6.46 receptions per game, leading the league while ranking 18th nationally in that category…finished fourth on the squad with 45 carries for 322 yards (7.16 ypc) and three scores…Led the Sub Belt and ranked 14th in the nation with an average of 13.3 yards on 23 punt returns for 306 yards and a touchdown…Finished fourth in the conference with 25 kickoff returns for 630 yards (25.2 avg) and a school record 100-yard touchdown…Scored 68 points and recorded two solo tackles…Became the first player in school history to record back-to-back 2,000 all-purpose yard seasons, as he samassed 2,080 yards on 177 touches, ranking sixth in the country and second in the Sun Belt with an average of 160.0 yards per game…Turned the ball over twice on six fumbles, but was credited with 37 first-down receptions, as he had 30 plays that gained at least 20 yards during the season (four punt returns, 14 kickoff returns, nine receptions, four carries).
2010 GAME ANALYSIS
Bowling Green…In the season opener, Jernigan ran for 58 yards and a touchdown on five carries, as he caught six balls for 40 yards, completed a short pass for a 4-yard gain, returned three punts for 34 yards and picked up 61 yards on a pair of kickoff returns…His first touchdown for his final campaign came on a 49-yard scamper in the third quarter to begin a 21-point rally for a 30-27 Troy decision…Record Watch-Jernigan had 193 all-purpose yards in the game to set a new school career record, as he surpassed the mark of 4,079 set by Perry Griggs from 1973-76.
Oklahoma State…The senior piled up 277 all-purpose yards, grabbing ten passes for 87 yards, as he returned three kickoffs for 171 yards, one punt return for 11 yards and carried twice for 8 yards, scoring twice in a 41-30 loss…Despite that impressive yardage total, he also turned the ball over near the OSU goal line late in the third quarter, thwarting one Troy scoring chance…In the second quarter, QB Corey Robinson lobbed a 10-yard scoring pass to Jernigan and with 2:11 left in the first half, the wide-out raced 100 yards with a kickoff return for a touchdown…Jernigan would fumble three times during the contest, with two resulting in turnovers.
Alabama-Birmingham…The offense struggled again in a 33-31 loss, as Jernigan was limited to five catches for 48 yards and one carry for a 2-yard gain.
Arkansas State…Jernigan bounced out of his "mini slump" with 311 all-purpose yards to lead Troy to a 35-28 decision, as he caught ten passes for 209 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown on the game's opening drive…He also carried five times for 31 yards, returned three kickoffs for 61 yards and added 10 yards on a punt return…On the Trojans' first possession, QB Corey Robinson uncorked a 70-yard touchdown bomb to the receiver. "What a great call on the first play of the drive," head coach Larry Blakeney said. "We threw the little shallow route to Jerrel and gave him a chance, knowing they were going to be playing off trying to defend the deep balls. We caught him underneath and he makes the most out of every one of his chances. He really got it almost into field goal range on one play and then stepped out of bounds to stop the clock."…Jernigan, who had a career day for the Trojans, chimed in, "As soon as (Arkansas State) scored, I told the offense to get ready. We had plenty of time. We have 50 seconds, and we do the two-minute drill every day at practice. I knew we were ready for it. I told Corey and all the other receivers and skill positions that big-time players make big-time plays. That's what we did. We went out there and made some plays and got the ball down the field."…Following the 30-yard completion to Jernigan, Robinson hit Jason Bruce for a 10-yard gain and followed up with another pass to Jernigan for 10 yards to the ASU 17. After throwing the ball away on first down from there, Robinson rolled to his right and hit Shawn Southward for the game-winning 17-yard touchdown with 0:44 left in the contest…Record Watch-The game marked the fourth time in his career that the receiver had at least ten catches in a contest…His 209 receiving yards rank third on the school game-record list and was the second time in his career that he gained over 200 receiving yards vs. an opponent (203 vs. Louisiana-Monroe in 2009).
Middle Tennessee…Jernigan caught four passes for 40 yards, scoring on a 3-yard lob from Jamie Hampton on the team's first drive…He also completed both pass attempts for 19 yards out of "wildcat" formation and rushed three times for 17 yards.
Louisiana-Lafayette…The senior receiver returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown and had another runback for 12 yards, adding 17 yards on a kickoff return and 77 yards on six catches, including a 12-yard touchdown that ended a 7-play, 53-yard series with 4:43 remaining in the game.
Louisiana-Monroe…Jernigan rushed five times for 35 yards, scoring on a 16-yard reverse to conclude an 80-yard, 5-play second quarter possession, but he also fumbled twice while catching three passes for 27 yards.
North Texas…Lining up at H-back, Jernigan generated 240 all-purpose yards, coming up with four receptions for 57 yards, six carries for 89 yards, two kickoff returns for 66 yards and three punt returns for 28 yards…He also completed both pass attempts for 19 yards, including a game-winning 19-yard touchdown to Donnie Crosby that capped a 9-play, 78-yard drive in the fourth quarter…Jernigan also had the big play on a second half scoring drive, keeping the ball on a third-&-1 run for 55 yards to the UNT two. The run moved Jernigan past former Louisiana-Lafayette Tyrell Fenroy into first place on the all-time Sun Belt Conference list for all-purpose yards. D.J. Taylor finished off the drive with a two-yard scoring run, pushing the Troy lead to 34-21 with 6:46 left in the third. "Every week he [Jernigan] is always there," QB Corey Robinson said. "He's a big threat. Even though they scheme for him, they still can't handle him. He's obviously a very good football player and he's very fast. He makes plays for us when we need him. That's what a team leader does."…Troy found the end zone once more as the Trojans pulled a play out of their bag of tricks. Jernigan came in for what the Mean Green assumed would be a "Wildcat" run, but the senior from Eufaula instead completed his scoring strike to Donnie Crosby. The touchdown pass was the second of Jernigan's career and first since his sophomore season. It was the first touchdown of Crosby's career…"I thought our guys played well and Jerrel played great," head coach Larry Blakeney said. "Those running backs of ours, including DuJuan (Harris), who has been hurt pretty bad, ran the ball awfully hard. I was proud of them. The offensive line protected well. We made enough plays to win the game."… "Before the week even started coach told us it was going to be a battle," Jernigan said. "They just came off of a win over Western Kentucky. We had to come in and continue to make plays. The defensive had to come up with a big stop."…Record Watch-Jernigan finished his evening with 240 all-purpose yards, giving him 5,293 yards in his career, topping the previous Sun Belt Conference all-time record of 5,231 by Tyrell Fenroy of Louisiana-Lafayette (2005-2008).
Florida International…The senior followed with ten catches, but managed just 32 yards, as he added 19 yards on three carries, 81 yards on four kickoff returns and 42 yards on a trio of punt returns.
South Carolina…Jernigan was tackled for a 1-yard loss on his only rushing attempt and limited to 30 yards on six catches, but one was a 14-yard touchdown toss from QB Corey Robinson in the third quarter…He also returned four kickoffs for 72 yards and three punts for 42 yards, finishing the day with 143 all-purpose yards.
Western Kentucky…Jernigan added 152 all-purpose yards, as he made six catches for 89 yards, carried six times for 49 yards and had a kickoff and punt return for 7 yards each in a 28-14 triumph…"I'm feeling great," Jernigan said. "Anytime after you win you're going to feel great. After last week, to come back and get a win was big for us."
Florida Atlantic…The receiver finished the regular season with seven receptions for 38 yards, a 30-yard kickoff return and 52 yards on two punt returns.
Ohio University (New Orleans Bowl)…Jernigan scored twice while leading the Trojans to a 48-21 victory in his final college game, but it came at a cost, as he suffered a left ankle sprain that would force him to miss the 2011 Senior Bowl and also played the game while battling the flu…The receiver carried three times for 16 yards and 12-yard touchdown to cap a 12-play, 78-yard game-opening drive… He added 48 yards on seven catches, hooking up with QB Corey Robinson on a 16-yard scoring strike in the second frame…He also had two kickoff returns for 30 yards and a 5-yard punt return…After the game, the team's star performer said, "What more can you ask for. Four years, Four rings. I'll miss the whole community, the whole Troy nation of fans."
2009 SEASON
All-Sun Belt Conference first-team choice as a receiver and all-purpose back…Added second-team All-SBC honors as a return specialist…Played in thirteen games, starting eleven contests…Led the conference in receptions per game (6.46 rpg), ranking 18th in the nation…Led the team with 71 receptions, the fourth-best season total by a Troy player, as his 1,101 receiving yards (15.51 ypc) ranks second on the Troy annual record chart and marked the fourth time a player gained over 1,000 yards receiving in a season for the Trojans…Also set school annual marks with 39 kickoff returns for 897 yards (23.0 avg), as he finished third on the team with 40 carries for 266 yards (6.65 ypc) and a touchdown…
Recorded one solo tackle vs. Bowling Green…Generated 2,264 all-purpose yards, ranking second in the Sun Belt and tenth in the nation with an average of 174.15 yards per game…
Turned the ball over three times on five fumbles.
2009 GAME ANALYSIS
Bowling Green…Jernigan opened the season with four carries for 33 yards, two kickoff returns for 66 yards and five receptions for 37 yards, scoring on a second quarter 12-yard toss from QB Levi Brown.
Florida International…The junior piled up 142 all-purpose yards, as he snared five throws for 97 yards, carried three times for 25 yards and returned a kickoff 20 yards…He ended a 6-play, 80-yard second quarter possession by connecting with QB Levi Brown on a 40-yard slant.
Louisiana-Monroe…Jernigan was named Sun Belt Conference player of the Week, as he produced 268 all-purpose yards…He had a 5-yard carry and two kickoff returns for 60 yards, but made his impact as a receiver, as he hauled in a career-best thirteen passes for 203 yards ands a touchdown, scoring on a 41-yard toss from Levi Brown late in the third quarter…Record Watch-Jernigan's thirteen catches were the most by a Trojan in Division I competition and were the most by a Troy player since Danny Grant caught sixteen balls vs. McNeese State in 1968…He also became the first Trojan to gain over 200 yards receiving in a game since Grant's 225 yards in the 1968 McNeese State contest.
Arkansas…The junior fumbled once, but he generated 188 all-purpose yards, as he rushed four times for 28 yards, caught five passes for 43 yards and gained 117 yards on five kick-off returns.
Florida Atlantic…Jernigan's fumble was recovered by FAU, as the receiver finished with 252 all-purpose yards…He had two kickoff returns for 54 yards and totaled 147 yards on six receptions, adding 51 yards on six carries that included a 2-yard scoring plunge.
Louisiana-Lafayette…Fumbling continued, as Jernigan turned the ball over once, but he also generated 265 all-purpose yards with five receptions for 142 yards, four kickoff returns for 100 yards and four carries for 23 yards…He also scored the go-ahead touch-down on a late fourth quarter 26-yard pass from Levi Brown with 4:37 left to play in a 48-31 victory.
Central Michigan (New Orleans Bowl)…Despite setting the school and bowl game record with 350 all-purpose yards, Jernigan fumbled twice, turning the ball over once…He did collected 39 yards on six carries, 157 yards on seven kickoff returns and 154 yards on nine receptions in a tough 44-41 loss.
Other Notable Performances…The Alabama-Birmingham clash saw Jernigan gain 141 yards on five carries for 54 yards, two catches for 37 yards and two kickoff returns for 50 yards…Added 45 yards on four grabs and 90 yards on five kickoff returns vs. Arkansas State…Made six grabs for 32 yards vs. Middle Tennessee…Had five receptions for 83 yards and two kickoff returns for 46 yards, but was tackled for a 6-yard loss on a reverse vs. North Texas…Added 81 yards on six catches, 54 yards on two kickoff returns and totaled 135 all-purpose yards in the Western Kentucky contest.
2008 SEASON
All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection as a receiver…Started 10-of-12 games at split end and slot receiver, sitting out the Louisiana-Monroe clash with a knee sprain…Still managed to set the school season-record (Jernigan broke his own mark in 2010) with 77 receptions for 868 yards (11.27 ypc) and five touchdowns…Carried 33 times for 254 yards (7.7 ypc) and one score…Completed 1-of-2 passes for a 2-yard touchdown…Also saw brief action on special teams, as he returned three kickoffs for 53 yards (17.67 avg) and four punts for 43 yards (10.75 avg)…Ranked fourth in the conference with an average of 101.42 all-purpose yards per game, amassing 1,218 yards…Turned the ball over twice on fumbles…The sophomore produced fifteen plays for 20 yards or longer (two rushes, 11 receptions, two kickoff returns).
2008 GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Alcorn State…Jernigan produced eight catches for 94 yards and had a 9-yard punt return…He scored the team's first touchdown in a 65-0 route when QB Jamie Hampton fired a 10-yarder to the sophomore in the corner of the end zone to finish a 4-play, 63-yard possession.
Ohio State…Jernigan followed with another eight grabs, gaining 66 yards while also picking up 3 yards on a reverse…In the second quarter, he beat All-American cornerback
Malcolm Jenkins on a pass play that resulted in a 45-yard touchdown with 1:49 left in the first half.
Oklahoma State…The sophomore turned the ball over on a fumble, but also pulled down six passes for 58 yards and gained 47 yards on three carries…Cowboys cornerback Perrish Cox bit on Jernigan's head fake, as the receiver broke off route to snare a 12-yard bubble screen from Jamie Hampton for a touchdown that capped an 11-play, 80-yard second quarter possession.
Florida International…Jernigan was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week after he compiled 219 all-purpose yards on ten carries for 88 yards, threw a short 2-yard pass for a score from a direct snap and caught five passes for 131 yards, including an 86-yard scoring strike from QB Levi Brown in the first quarter.
North Texas…Jernigan made nine catches for 123 yards, as seven of his grabs resulted in first downs…He concluded an 8-play, 65-yard second quarter series by pulling in Levi Brown's 6-yard touchdown lob.
Other Notable Performances…Jernigan gained 132 all-purpose yards in the season opener vs. Middle Tennessee, but turned the ball over once on a fumble, making up for that miscue as he ran for a 2-yard gain, caught six passes for 43 yards, returned three kickoffs for 53 yards and had 34 yards on three punt returns…Rushed seven times for 50 yards, with six receptions for 63 yards vs. Florida Atlantic…Collected 88 yards on six catches vs. Western Kentucky and followed with a season-best ten grabs for 63 yards vs. Louisiana State…Totaled 111 all-purpose yards behind five carries for 42 yards and three catches for 69 yards vs. Arkansas State.
2007 SEASON
Appeared in twelve games, starting vs. Georgia and in the team's final four contests… Finished third on the team with 30 receptions for 337 yards (11.23 ypc) and three touch-downs…Gained 50 yards on 14 carries (3.57 ypc) and returned two punts for 23 yards, as he collected 410 all-purpose yards, an average of 34.17 yards per game…Turned the ball over once on two fumbles.
2007 GAME HIGHLIGHTS
North Texas…Jernigan returned a punt 16 yards and made a pair of catches for 45 yards, scoring his first career touchdown on a 46-yard bomb from QB Omar Haugabook late in the second quarter.
Arkansas State…Saw extensive action, grabbing five passes for 61 yards, including a 41-yarder that set up a 1-yard touchdown keeper by QB Omar Haugabook in the first quarter.
Georgia…In his first career start, Jernigan responded with eleven receptions for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns…He scored the Trojans' first touchdown of the game by taking a slant pass 32 yards into the end zone to cap a 4-play, 80-yard first quarter drive…His next scoring grab was a 5-yard lob from Omar Haugabook with 0:05 left in the contest…Record Watch-Jernigan's eleven receptions were the most by a Trojan since Troy joined the Division I ranks.
Other Notable Performances…Jernigan made his collegiate debut with a 6-yard grab vs. Arkansas and gained 18 yards on three carries from the "wildcat" formation vs. Florida… Pulled down two more throws for 16 yards vs. Oklahoma State, but was tackled for a 13-yard loss on a reverse vs. Louisiana-Lafayette…Held to a 7-yard catch vs. Louisiana-Monroe and his first career punt return gained 7 yards vs. Florida International…Rushed three times for 11 yards and had a 17-yard grab vs. Western Kentucky…Collected five throws for 74 yards and rushed twice for 22 yards in the Middle Tennessee clash.
INJURY REPORT
2008 Season…Sat out the Louisiana-Monroe game (11/01) with a knee sprain.
2010 Season…Suffered a left ankle sprain vs. Ohio University (12/18) in the New Orleans Bowl…The injury prevented Jernigan from participating in the 2011 Senior Bowl.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Eufaula (Ala.) High School, playing football for Tigers head coach Dan Klages…The dual threat quarterback guided the team to 14-1 and 11-1 records during his final two seasons, as the squad captured the Class 5A Region II titles both campaigns and the Class 5A state title in 2006…Received a three-star prospect rating and ranked 23rd on the Rivals.com 2007 Alabama Top 30 squad…As a junior, Jernigan was named to the All-District and All-Area teams…In his final season, he was chosen All-Area, All-District and All-State first-team…Also lettered with the Tigers' basketball and baseball teams.
PERSONAL
Criminal Justice major…One of four children (three sisters) of Virginia and Stanley Jernigan…Born Jerrel Marquis Jernigan on 6/14/89…Resides in Eufaula, Alabama.
