Rutgers wide receiver JaQuae Jackson proved he could play at a higher level this past season after transferring to the program from D-II. Jackson was a 1,000-yard receiver at California PA. Since performing at Rutgers, he’s impressed teams at Pro Day by running a 6.85 3-cone.
Jackson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his decision to transfer to Rutgers, his favorite routes to run, his Pro Day performance, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You dominated the D-II level at California PA before transferring to Rutgers for your 2023 senior season. You had 1,000-yard seasons. Was proving you could compete at a higher level behind the move to Rutgers?
JaQuae Jackson: Yeah, it definitely was. You don’t have the best resources at your disposal when you’re playing at the D-II level. I never want to leave scouts with questions. I didn’t want them to say we only saw Jaquae Jackson play against D-II competition throughout this process.
The level of competition was definitely a thing for me. I always had that mindset. I knew I was a D-I talent before I got to Cal PA. I knew I could play at the highest levels of college and professional football. I wanted to prove that I’m one of those guys.
JM: How would you reflect on your lone season at Rutgers? You recorded 22 catches for 361 yards and one touchdown.
JaQuae Jackson: I feel like it was a great season. I learned a lot from my teammates and coaching staff. We had a ton of coaches with NFL coaching experience. They know what it takes to reach the next level. They instilled those qualities in me.
I loved every second at Rutgers. It was a great experience. They definitely knew how to prepare us players for what comes next.
JM: That’s great to hear. Does JaQuae Jackson have a favorite route to run?
JaQuae Jackson: Whatever coach wants me to run, that’s what I’m going to run (laughs). I never had a favorite route, to be honest with you. I like them all. I can run the entire route tree. If the coach says run a slant, I’m running a slant. If I need to run a go, I’m running a go. I can run every route.
JM: You posted great numbers at Pro Day. You ran a 6.85 3-cone and your first 40 attempt was in the 4.4s. Were you satisfied with the performance?
JaQuae Jackson: I was. I had a good solid day. As an athlete, I always want to do better than I did. Getting those numbers back, I wanted to be the best I could be. I rewatched everything and I’m always searching for areas of improvement.
Overall, I’m happy with the performance I put forth. I put up some good numbers. I’m excited for the next move.
JM: Have you been in contact with any teams lately, whether through in-person visits or virtual meetings?
JaQuae Jackson: I have been. It’s been crazy. It almost feels like the recruiting process all over again (laughs). I feel like I’m in the transfer portal again. I’ve spoken with about 15, maybe 16 teams.
I have a few visits lined up. I participated in local days with the Giants and Jets. I’m going up to Philadelphia on the 17th for a local day thing with them. The Bills took me to dinner before my Pro Day. That went very well. Damar Hamlin is a friend of mine. I grew up with Dane Jackson as well, who used to play for them. I’m trying to keep that Pittsburgh to Buffalo pipeline going (laughs).
I’ve had a bunch of virtual meetings as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m enjoying the process.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Jaquae Jackson?
JaQuae Jackson: I’m a very competitive guy. I can handle whatever you put on my plate. I’m a little guy from a D-II program, California PA. I’ve worked my way up to put myself in this position. I’m humble. I want to be the best. I’m willing to put the work in. I’ve put in endless hours of work. I love the game. I’m going to absorb knowledge to be the best I can be.
I’ve beaten adversity my entire life. I’ve never taken no for an answer. Every team should want a guy like that.
