LEESBURG, Va. — The prospect of making it as a professional football player is top of mind for 22-year-old Jalen Coker.
Athletes such as him who enter their names in the NFL Draft have worked hard up until this point. Jalen Coker was recruited by Coach Bob Chesney at Holy Cross University in Worcester, Massachusetts as a wide receiver after he graduated from Potomac Falls High School in Loudoun County in 2020.
“I feel like I elevated every single year to get to the position I'm in now,” Jalen Coker told WUSA9. “I wouldn't be here without my teammates, coaches and family and friends.”
His family is now preparing for a draft party on Saturday.
His mother, Jenny Coker, said she’s happy they can “celebrate to have an opportunity to celebrate.” On Friday, preparations included laying out banners and signs out front.
“He was a 2020 kid and didn’t have a graduation party,” Jenny Coker said. “To be able to have this moment and him is great.”
While Jalen Coker has no specific preference on which team, he describes wanting to join a team with a good quarterback, a coach that can help develop him as a player, and a winning culture.
Meanwhile, his father prefers the Carolina Panthers.
“Wherever he goes I’m going to be a fan,” Jamal Coker said. “He’s been doing it since Day 1. It’s in his DNA.”
Jalen Coker played offense and defense with all-state accolades during his time at Potomac Falls High. He also played soccer and basketball while growing up.
Besides football, he aspires to start a training gym or become a sports psychologist.
“To be successful it takes work and to be the best takes extra work,” Jalen Coker added.
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