One day after Shaun Williams was elevated to head coach of William Paterson University, another former member of the New York Giants got to put a feather into his coaching cap.
Jerrel Jernigan has been named head football coach at Eufaula High, the school he attended as a teenager.
“This is really a dream come true,” Jernigan said, via AI.com. “I’m from Eufaula. I played quarterback there. I’ve been on the staff for six years. Being named head coach feels really good.”
The 33-year-old Jernigan, who was a star quarterback in high school, led Eufaula to the Class 5A state title game in 2006. He didn’t switch to wide receiver until attending Troy University.
“We think Jerrel has the opportunity to do good things and bring our community and people together,” Eufaula City Schools superintendent Joey Brannan said. “He’s just a good fit. I understand that he is young, but we feel like he has the potential to get us where we want to go.”
The Giants selected Jernigan in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. He spent four years in East Rutherford before wrapping up his playing career with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
In 34 career games (four starts), Jernigan hauled in 38 receptions for 391 yards and two touchdowns, adding 61 yards and one additional touchdown on the ground. He also returned 20 kickoffs for 492 yards.
