Red Flags
What would a scouting process be without highlighting the problem areas of a prospect? If you’ve followed the three-part series to this point, you’re fully aware of Jackson Erdmann’s health concerns. Even in his final game of 2018, he’d separate his non-throwing shoulder. But in typical Erdmann fashion, he’d finish the game.
Quarterbacks get banged up from time to time. Injuries are inevitable. What will squarely place scouts on the fence with Erdmann is once again his previous run-in with acute cerebellar ataxia. A shot to the head could not only spell concussion symptoms but open the door to the disorder that has plagued him since his junior year of high school.
Another mountain to climb will be the stigma of competing against Division III talent. A lot of stock goes into the strength of schedule for Division I athletes. So for a player who didn’t receive a scholarship, to begin with, it’s more difficult to trust his production.
Not that Erdmann is worried about the naysayers. He’s routinely fought an uphill battle regarding his football career. More importantly, he continues to defeat the odds.
What you’re getting
One thing’s for sure, St. John’s quarterback Jackson Erdmann is resilient. He exudes competitive toughness and the mental fortitude necessary to excel at the next level. With his team-first mentality, Erdmann’s a consummate leader and a man of high character.
At the very least, an NFL team should call him in as an undrafted free agent. If he can dominate the lower level competition for a second straight year, the NFL draft community will take notice.
And that’s all Erdmann would need. If given even a sliver of an opportunity, like St. John’s did by leaving their door open, this guy will make the best of it. And that’s all anyone could ever ask for–someone’s best.
As my interview with Jackson Erdmann was ending, I asked why any scout, coach, or team front office should take a chance on him.
I’m a fighter and I do anything and everything I can do to win. Going back to high school when I went through the acute cerebellar ataxia, I fought my butt off just to be able to walk again.”
With St. John’s quarterback Jackson Erdmann you’re getting an elite work ethic. He’s equipped with characteristics you cannot teach in a football classroom. But he’s also loaded with foundational traits worth developing.
Erdmann’s football life may not end after college. With the proper fit on the right team, his fantastic story would become even more extraordinary. But regardless of whether football’s in his future, I’m sure “the process” will continue to play itself out.
As Thomas Carlyle says, “Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”
Whether in football or life, Jackson Erdmann stands to make a difference.
Arrive late? You can still read the first two articles: Part I & Part II
Shane G. Tyler is the film room content director for Pro Football Network. You can follow him @SugaShane15 on Twitter.