Holy Cross wide receiver Jalen Coker had a position-high 42.5-inch vertical, and 10-foot-8 broad at the NFL Combine. It was the continuation of an underrated career for Coker, who scored a single-season program-record 15 touchdowns this past season. NFL scouts are no longer sleeping on Coker heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
Coker recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about departing Holy Cross with an all-time program-high 2,715 receiving yards, his outstanding NFL Combine performance, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You leave Holy Cross as the program's all-time record holder in receiving yards (2,715) and touchdowns (31). You scored a single-season record 15 TDs this past season. What comes to mind when I read these accolades?
Jalen Coker: I think about all of the hard work and dedication that went into that. I was blessed enough to be placed in a situation where I was able to succeed as much as I did. It’s not about me. It’s about everyone that got me to this position. It’s a culmination of all those things that came to life on the football field.
JM: You also had your first 1,000-yard season in 2023. You got better every single year. What led to the uptick in production?
Jalen Coker: I just stuck with the process. Chasing that 1,000-yard season definitely helped. It pushed me to get better every single year. There’s some natural progression with that. Like you said, my numbers got better every season.
I was a smarter football player in 2023. I learned more about the game and I played with more confidence. All of that helped me become a better, more productive player.
JM: It was obvious on tape. You also checked a lot of boxes at the NFL Combine as well. You had a position-best 42.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad. How would you grade your overall performance?
Jalen Coker: I thought I did very well. I think I showed that I can compete with the biggest names in the 2024 NFL Draft. I know it’s a super stacked receiver class, but I’ve done my part. There’s definitely a place for me near the top of this class.
JM: Have you noticed an uptick in the attention you're receiving from NFL scouts since the NFL Combine?
Jalen Coker: Maybe a little bit. I feel like I did a lot of meetings with scouts at the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl. There’s probably been a bit more interaction with NFL teams recently.
JM: Does Jalen Coker have a favorite route to run?
Jalen Coker: I’d probably say a 10-yard “out” route. I ran a bunch of those routes at Holy Cross. I always found a way to get open. I got us a bunch of first downs on that route. It’s a certified chain mover. That’s definitely one of my favorite routes.
JM: Have you met with any teams recently, whether in person or virtually?
Jalen Coker: I met with all of the teams that are local to Holy Cross through local day workouts. I met with the New England Patriots as well. Because I’m from Virginia, I met with the Commanders and Ravens.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Jalen Coker going to make at the next level?
Jalen Coker: Hopefully I’m going to make a positive impact. I feel like I speak for all FCS players when I say we’re underrated. I’m hoping to shine a light on the FCS level, just like so many great FCS players that came before me.
I’m hoping to make a huge splash. Everyone is gonna remember who Jalen Coker is when I’m done.
