By Tiffany Williams –
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker caught 89 passes for 1,622 yards and 18 touchdowns in high school. At Holy Cross, Coker set a school record with 31 career receiving touchdowns, 2,715 receiving yards. This past weekend, Coker, in his rookie season with the Panthers on Sunday, caught a 15-yard toss from Bryce Young in the fourth quarter to register his first NFL career touchdown.
The Panthers unfortunately lost Sunday, 28-14 to the Denver Broncos, but for Coker, who finished with four catches for a career-high 78 receiving yards, it was definitely his best game yet, and a statement game for the undrafted rookie.
Bryce Young following Sunday’s game was asked about Jalen Coker, and said, “How consistent he is on the field, how hard of a worker he is. From getting into very, very limited reps throughout the offseason and then practice squad and being so consistent throughout that. Then being the same person when being put into a role like he was today, and just him off the field. A great person, someone who’s wants to learn is asking questions, is a humble guy with a great approach to the game. I think all that just plays a factor and speaks to the bright future.”
On Tuesday, East Coast Sports Hub talked with Coker about Sunday’s game and his first NFL career touchdown, and Coker said, “It was just a go route. With time ticking away we needed to get to the end zone so I just ran my route to win and the ball was perfectly thrown and I made a play on it! Obviously an awesome moment for me but I wanted to get out of there with a W. But still super surreal moment that I’m hoping to repeat this season!”
Following Sunday’s game Coker says he’s received “A lot of great support from the guys and coaching staff.”
Some the things his teammates are telling him Coker said include “congratulations”, “just a matter of time”, and “you earned it”.
Chris Trapasso at CBS Sports has ranked Coker as the best player on a practice squad around the league.
Sports Insider Daily 