NEW York Jets rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers is making a name for himself during training camp.
The Jets selected the cornerback in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, even though he didn’t play college football.
two
Stiggers, 22, saw his freshman season at Division II program Lane College canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The Georgia native put his career on hold after his father’s death in September of that year, working multiple jobs to support his family.
He eventually landed in the semi-professional indoor football league Fan Controlled Football, leading to a deal with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2023.
Stiggers finished the 2023 CFL season with Most Outstanding Rookie and East All-Star honors after recording 56 tackles and five interceptions in 16 games.
And he has continued to impress ever since.
Jets coach Robert Saleh recently said that Stiggers is “definitely” an NFL-caliber cornerback, according to the New York Post Office.
“Right now, we’re trying to figure out whether or not he’s a starter in the NFL,” Saleh added.
Stiggers may have a chance to showcase his talent in a game setting this Saturday when the Jets face the Washington Commanders in their first preseason matchup.
Most read in American football
“We’re pleased with him, for sure,” Saleh said of the rookie.
“I think he has a lot of patience at the line of scrimmage.
“He’s very smart. He’s not a book expert, but he’s very instinctive ahead of his years when it comes to recognizing routes and understanding concepts.
“He’s another one we’re all excited to see against other opponents because we think he has a chance to be really good.”
Stiggers said he loved his first three months as a Jet, praising Saleh’s coaching staff and labeling Garrett Wilson “the best receiver in the league.”
The 6-foot-2, 197-pound corner added that he is learning a lot from New York’s top two defenders, Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed.
Important NFL Dates
August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
August 8th – start of pre-season
August 27 – Deadline for 53-player rosters
September 1st – Last day of pre-season
September 5th – season opener – Baltimore Ravens x Kansas City Chiefs
November 5th – Negotiation deadline
January 5th – Week 18 of the regular season
January 11th – start of playoffs
February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
“Honestly, these guys are like our teachers,” he said of Gardner and Reed.
“Like DJ is sitting here [on my left]The sauce is good here [on my right].
“I sit right in the middle. Whatever they ask, I’m writing it down and asking [them] questions.”
After facing the Commanders at MetLife Stadium, the Jets will face the Carolina Panthers on the road a week later.
They will close out the preseason with a matchup against the New York Giants.
The Jets open the 2024 NFL season with a tough Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
