Jaleel McLaughlin, born on September 13, 2000, in Marshville, North Carolina, carved his path through the ranks of American football with unmatched skill and relentless determination. At 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 187 pounds, he has risen from a collegiate star to an NFL player, exemplifying hard work and drive.
Early Life and High School Career
At Forest Hills High School in Marshville, McLaughlin excelled as a multisport athlete. Over his final two seasons, he ran for 2,129 yards on 269 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per carry and scoring 29 touchdowns. In addition to his football accomplishments, he captured state championships in basketball and track, showcasing his versatility as an athlete and leader.
Collegiate Achievements
Notre Dame College (2018–2019)
McLaughlin launched his collegiate career at Notre Dame College, where he quickly made his mark:
2018 Season: McLaughlin led NCAA Division II in rushing with 2,421 yards and amassed 2,699 all-purpose yards in 14 games, earning national recognition.
2019 Season: He dominated again by leading the nation in Division II in all-purpose yards (2,526), rushing yards (2,316), total touchdowns (33), and scoring (198 points) across 14 starts.
McLaughlin became only the second running back in Division II history to achieve back-to-back 2,000-yard rushing seasons.
Youngstown State University (2020–2022)
After transferring to Youngstown State, McLaughlin continued his stellar performance:
2020 Season: McLaughlin earned a spot on the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) All-Newcomer Team, rushing for 691 yards and scoring five touchdowns over seven games.
2021 Season: He received third-team All-America honors and first-team All-MVFC recognition after rushing for 1,139 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns in 10 starts.
2022 Season: McLaughlin capped his collegiate career with first-team All-America status and the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year award after rushing for 1,588 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns, ranking third in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
By the end of his college journey, McLaughlin had amassed 8,161 rushing yards on 1,259 carries, breaking the NCAA all-time rushing record.
Path to the NFL
Despite breaking records, McLaughlin did not hear his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft. Undeterred, he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in May 2023, determined to prove his worth.
Professional Career with the Denver Broncos
2023 Season
As a rookie with the Broncos, McLaughlin made an immediate impact:
Debut: McLaughlin debuted against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 10, 2023, and recorded his first reception.
First Touchdown: In Week 2, he scored his first NFL touchdown on a five-yard rush against the Washington Commanders.
Breakout Performance: During Week 4, he delivered a standout performance, rushing for 72 yards on seven carries, averaging 10.3 yards per carry, and catching all three targets for 32 yards and a touchdown. The team awarded him the game ball for his efforts.
By the end of the 2023 season, McLaughlin had played all 17 games, including three starts. He carried the ball 76 times for 410 yards and scored one rushing touchdown. He also caught 31 passes for 160 yards and two receiving touchdowns, ranking fifth in rushing yards among undrafted Broncos rookies in a single season.
2024 Season
Building on his rookie year, McLaughlin continued to shine:
Increased Workload: Injuries to the Broncos’ running backs thrust McLaughlin into a primary role, where he led the backfield in touches during several games.
Injury and Recovery: A quadriceps injury sidelined him during Week 15, causing him to miss the Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he returned to full participation ahead of the Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Season Statistics: Heading into Week 18, McLaughlin had carried the ball 189 times for 906 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. He also recorded 55 receptions for 236 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Playing Style and Impact
McLaughlin thrives on quick feet, sharp vision, and the ability to make precise cuts. These attributes allow him to exploit defensive gaps effectively. His compact frame and low center of gravity enhance his balance and elusiveness, making him a nightmare for defenders to tackle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What records did Jaleel McLaughlin set in college?
McLaughlin set the NCAA all-time rushing record with 8,161 yards, a testament to his consistency and dominance over multiple seasons.
2. Why did Jaleel McLaughlin go undrafted?
Despite his stellar college performance, his size (5’7″, 187 lbs) and the fact he played for smaller schools likely caused NFL teams to overlook him during the draft.
3. How has McLaughlin performed in the NFL so far?
McLaughlin has exceeded expectations for an undrafted free agent, amassing over 900 rushing yards and scoring multiple touchdowns by Week 18 of the 2024 season.
4. What is McLaughlin’s role with the Denver Broncos?
McLaughlin plays a key role in both rushing and passing plays. Initially filling in for injured teammates, he has cemented himself as a vital component of the Broncos’ offense.
5. What are McLaughlin’s prospects for the future?
With his rapid development and consistent performances, McLaughlin is poised for a long and successful NFL career.
6. What records did Jaleel McLaughlin set in college?
Jaleel McLaughlin set the NCAA all-time rushing record with an astonishing 8,161 yards during his collegiate career. His consistent performance over multiple seasons made him one of the most dominant players in NCAA history.
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