[Editor’s Note: PFN originally ran this story on June 12, 2019. Since then, Jackson Erdmann has thrown for 4,698 yards, 46 touchdowns, and just 9 interceptions while leading St. John’s to a 12-1 record. Today, Erdmann and the Johnnies will take on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Division III national semifinals.]
For the third and final installment in Pro Football Network‘s 2020 NFL Draft: Small school series, we’ll be doing a film study. So hit the lights while I turn on the tape of St. John’s quarterback, Jackson Erdmann.
Before we begin, make sure you’re getting the full Jackson Erdmann story here:
Part I: The Player
Part II: The Person
Part III: The Prospect
It’s a phenomenal account of a kid born in Northfield, Minnesota. A coach’s son, who grows up to play quarterback for his father and leads the team to a state title game. Then the young man’s blindsided. His resolve would be tested.
Following a neurological sickness that briefly interrupts all muscle control, he’d recover, regain his strength, and return to the field.
On the heels of an undefeated senior season, he’d break his fibula in the state tournament. The high school grad’s health concerns would leave him without a single scholarship offer, literally adding insult to injury. While his leg healed, he’d have to do his own recruiting to continue playing the game he loved.
Ultimately, he’d land on his feet playing for one of the more prestigious programs in Penn State. It was short-lived, however. The redshirt freshman would transfer back to his home state of Minnesota where his football life had come full circle.
But that was all part of this player’s destiny. You see, Jackson Erdmann was meant to play at St. John’s University. He refers to it as “the process” and trusting in it has made him the player, the person and the future 2020 NFL Draft prospect that he is today.
Production
Since arriving at St. John’s, quarterback Jackson Erdmann has consistently improved one year to the next. From touchdown passes to completion percentage, Erdmann displayed remarkable growth from 2016 to 2017. While encouraging, it would be nothing compared to his junior season.
In 2018, the Minnesota native would have a breakout campaign. In his junior year, Erdmann threw for more yards and touchdowns than his freshman and sophomore seasons–combined.
Heading into 2019, Erdmann needs eight touchdowns to tie a St. John’s and current MIAC record of 100 career touchdown passes. By week three the record may already be his. I say this because Erdmann has averaged three scoring tosses per game for his career. Furthermore, he’s thrown five or more scores five times in 30 starts.
In those 30 starts, St. John’s star quarterback boasts a 25-5 record. His 25 wins are good for fifth on the school’s all-time list for wins by a starting quarterback. If Erdmann has it his way and the Johnnies are playing for a national championship in 2019, he may very well become the winningest quarterback to play at St. John’s University.