The Jets saw enough out of two neophytes during rookie minicamp to add them to their offseason 90-man roster.
One of those rookies was former Washington State wide receiver Calvin Jackson Jr., who turns out to have a unique connection to New York through one of his classmates. Jackson Jr. also has the talent to make a push for a spot in a crowded Jets wide receiver room.
Let’s get to know Gang Green’s newest pass catcher.
Last Chance U reunion
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Jackson Jr.’s arrival in New York marks a reunion with one of his former “Last Chance U” co-stars. Jackson Jr. and Jermaine Johnson II suited up together at Independence Community College and appeared on the third season of the hit Netflix series.
Stealing the show
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Jackson Jr. wasn’t just a personality Netflix decided to prominently feature while he was at Independence Community College — he was one of the program’s best players. Jackson Jr. caught 49 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman at Independence before hauling in 25 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore. Jackson Jr. was a big reason why Independence went 9-2 and won its first bowl game in program history in 2017.
Football family
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Jackson Jr.’s NFL bloodlines run deep. His father, Calvin, played six seasons with the Dolphins as a defensive back and concluded his career with 240 tackles and five interception. Jackson Jr.’s cousin is Cardinals wide receiver Hollywood Brown.
COVID year success
Jackson Jr.’s decision to take advantage of the COVID year afforded by the NCAA and return to Washington State in 2021 was one that paid off in spades. Jackson Jr. finished the year with a career-high 66 receptions for 987 yards and seven touchdowns.