Neal Sterling
| No. 87 Jacksonville Jaguars | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Tight end | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Date of birth: | January 14, 1992 | ||||||||
| Place of birth: | Belmar, New Jersey | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Manasquan (NJ) | ||||||||
| College: | Monmouth | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2015 / Round: 7 / Pick: 220 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of 2016 | |||||||||
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Neal J. Sterling (born January 14, 1992) is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Monmouth University.[1][2][3]
Early years
Sterling attended Belmar Elementary School (Belmar, NJ) and Manasquan High School (in Manasquan, New Jersey), where he played both basketball and football. Sterling was a two-time NJSIAA Group II Central Jersey State Champion his junior and senior year at Manasquan High School under coach Pete Cahill. In his senior year, the Warriors posted a 9-3 record where Sterling led the team in offense with 40 catches for 700 yards with 8 touchdowns. He also was a big help on defense at safety, where he recorded 50 tackles and one interception. After receiving multiple scholarships for both sports, he opted for a full football scholarship offer from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey.[4]
College career
Sterling didn't see time his freshman year at Monmouth University, ultimately red shirting. In his red shirt freshman year, Sterling started all 11 of Monmouth's games where he recorded 57 receptions for 677 yards and 5 touchdowns. After leading the team in receptions and reception yards, Sterling was named Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the nation's top freshman in FCS. During his sophomore campaign, Sterling recorded 33 receptions, 386 yards, and 5 touchdowns while playing in all ten games. His 33 catches were third on the team and the 386 yards were second. In his junior year, Sterling played in all 12 of his games where he recorded 57 catches, 647 yards, and 6 touchdowns which were all team leads. The following year, his senior year, Sterling had his best season. He again led the team in the three major categories where he managed to get 55 receptions, 905 yards, and 6 touchdowns.
Professional career
Sterling was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round with the 220th overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. After the draft, Jaguars personnel stated that Sterling could be transitioned to play tight end in the future.
He was released on September 4, 2015.[5] He was signed to the practice squad on September 6, 2015. [6]
References
- ↑ http://nyjets.about.com/od/Featured-and-Editorial-Content/fl/NFL-Draft-NFL-dream-closer-now-than-ever-before-for-Monmouths-Neal-Sterling.htm
- ↑ http://www.app.com/story/sports/college/monmouth-university/2014/10/29/monmouths-sterling-playing-nfl-shot-coming/18115987/
- ↑ http://www.app.com/story/sports/college/monmouth-university/2015/03/10/monmouths-sterling-continues-nfl-draft-process-mu-pro-day/24710859/
- ↑ Newman, Josh. "Monmouth's Neal Sterling Chosen in NFL Draft by Jacksonville Jaguars", Asbury Park Press, May 3, 2015. Accessed May 17, 2015. "Sterling, a Belmar native and a 2009 graduate of Manasquan High School, finished in the top three on the career list of every receiving category."
- ↑ http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Roster-moves-Eighteen-done-four-to-go/580bdeae-b80c-4e0c-ac6b-7a9317c3bf49
- ↑ http://www.jaguars.com/news/article-JaguarsNews/Jaguars-sign-eight-to-practice-squad/7bfafe23-7c40-4fa2-8b7f-f1abb75b2c7a