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    2020 NFL Draft: St John’s QB Jackson Erdmann is battle tested

    Being selected in the 2020 NFL Draft is a longshot for any Division III football player. For St. John's quarterback Jackson Erdmann, it would be miraculous.

    Mono e mono

    By now, you’ve probably heard of infectious mononucleosis (mono). If you’ve never had it, you’ve known someone who has. After Erdmann’s junior football season, he’d become ill. The diagnosis? Mono.

    No big deal, however. Most people get well within a week or so. For Erdmann, it wasn’t that simple. The virus had progressed into something else entirely. After sudden inflammation of his cerebellum, Erdmann was left unable to walk at times. Simple tasks became rather challenging. Sitting up straight or getting to his feet frequently resulted in falling.

    “Honestly, Shane, after my junior season, I didn’t know if I was going to play football again. So that was kind of scary.”

    Erdmann was eventually diagnosed with acute cerebellar ataxia. Because this ailment primarily affects the cerebellum, those diagnosed with it lose muscle control. Without control of his voluntary movements, Erdmann was unable to command a summer job, let alone a huddle.

    The effects lasted a couple of months before Erdmann’s motor skills returned. However, your brain has to sort of connect the dots again. Erdmann pushed himself through rehab, having to nearly learn to walk all over again. Not until then could he begin to throw.

    “Thankfully, you know, I was fortunate. I was able to get healthy and be able to throw the football with some accuracy again. And that was the summer before my senior season. So I was very, very fortunate and blessed to be able to play this game again, to be honest.”

    When it was all said and done, Rosemount’s senior quarterback managed to lead the Irish to the state tournament and an undefeated season. For the first time, his health posed a threat to his promising football career. And in his first encounter, he’d persevere.

    One battle does not win a war

    After breaking his fibula early in the state tournament, Erdmann’s high school career was all but over. As discussed already, he’d play through the injury proving his grit and heart. It’s no secret that Erdmann has a warrior mentality.

    Unfortunately, his resolve wasn’t enough to fully overcome his recent health concerns. Yes, his leg would heal, but the acute cerebellar ataxia will stay with him forever. Once affected, Erdmann may be susceptible to recurring bouts of the sickness.

    Because of this, the big schools were terrified to commit. Despite being a finalist for both Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year and Minnesota’s Mr. Football, Erdmann wouldn’t receive a single scholarship for Divisions I or II.

    Iowa State was the only Division I college to reach out to Erdmann concerning a preferred walk-on position. Knowing this exists, Erdmann began doing his due diligence. He’d start with a field of study and then look for the better programs in the country. Penn State happened to meet the criteria, and Erdmann reached out.

    After visiting, Erdmann was sold. For the Penn State staff, the feeling was mutual. He’d receive and accept their preferred walk-on invitation.

    Jackson Erdmann stood up to ataxia, played through a ridiculous injury and with no big schools respecting his production, still managed to be playing college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

    Fight on State of Minnesota

    Photo by Sean Fitz, 247Sports

    Erdmann was officially in football heaven. The Penn State program was an enormous upgrade, even for someone coming from a respectable 6A high school program. He was training and studying tape with the likes of Christian Hackenberg and Trace McSorley. Both quarterbacks would eventually be selected in future NFL Drafts.

    After an abysmal year in which Erdmann redshirted, Penn State made necessary changes to its coaching staff. Hackenberg had been drafted, and the offense evolved to accommodate McSorley’s talents. Erdmann did not share McSorely’s athleticism. So he no longer was a fit for Penn State’s new offense.

    With the writing on the wall, Erdmann began another college search. Besides, he no longer was happy with his major. So at that point, there wasn’t any reason to remain in Pennsylvania.

    Back home, Erdmann had spoken with St. John’s coaches about playing for the Johnnies before committing to Penn State. St. John’s University head coach, Gary Fasching, had told Erdmann his door would remain open for him if he ever changed his mind. After reaching out and setting up a visit, Erdmann never contacted another school.

    Since transferring from Penn State, Erdmann is on his way to becoming one of the most proficient quarterbacks in Division III history. With his final season inching closer, the fifth-year senior is expected to build upon his award-winning junior year. If so, he could end up becoming only the second player ever to win the Gagliardi Trophy twice.

    Again his impact on the field has been immeasurable to his teammates and coaches. Likewise, their success in 2019 will hinge considerably on whether Erdmann remains healthy and continues to play the way he’s capable. But reflecting on the Gagliardi Trophy once more, we must further emphasize the community aspect of the honor. Winning this award has as much to do with that than anything else.

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