Jaylen Key Explained

Jaylen Key
Current Team:New York Jets
Number:--
Position:Safety
Birth Date:29 February 2000
Birth Place:Washington, D.C., U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:210
High School:Amos P. Godby
Draftyear:2024
Draftround:7
Draftpick:257
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Total tackles
Statlabel2:Interceptions
Statlabel3:Interception yards
Statlabel4:Pass deflections
Statlabel5:Forced fumbles
Statlabel6:Fumble recoveries
Statlabel7:Sacks
Statlabel8:Defensive touchdowns
Pfr:K/KeyxJa00

Jaylen Key (born February 29, 2000) is an American professional football safety. He played college football for the UAB Blazers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was selected by the Jets with the final pick of the 2024 NFL draft, making him that year's Mr. Irrelevant.

Early life

Key grew up in Quincy, Florida and attended Amos P. Godby High School. Coming out of high school, Key was rated as a three-star recruit where he decided to commit to play college football for the UAB Blazers.[1] [2]

College career

UAB

In Key's first three seasons in 2019, 2020, and 2021, Key notched 18 tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery.[3] In week thirteen of the 2022 season, Key made 12 tackles versus LSU.[4] During the 2022 season, Key tallied 60 tackles with four and a half being for a loss, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.[5] For his performance on the 2022 season, Key was named honorable mention all Conference-USA.[6] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Key decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.[7] [8]

Alabama

Key decided to transfer to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.[9] [10] Coming into the 2023 season, Key won a starting safety spot on the Crimson Tide defense.[11] During week one of the 2023 season, Key snagged an interception in a win over Middle Tennessee.[12] Key finished the 2023 season with 60 tackles with one and a half being for a loss, a pass deflection, and an interception.[13] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Key decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft.[14]

Professional career

Key was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round, with the 257th overall pick, of the 2024 NFL draft. He was the final pick of the draft, making him 2024's Mr. Irrelevant.[15] He was waived on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.[16] [17] He was released on October 30.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rodak . Mike . Alabama hosts UAB transfer safety Jaylen Key on visit; other SEC schools interested . AL.com . April 27, 2023 . March 10, 2024.
  2. Web site: Burger . Kyle . UAB inks 10 on early signing day . WVTM . December 20, 2017 . March 10, 2024.
  3. Web site: Jaylen Key College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits . May 28, 2024 . College Football at Sports-Reference.com . en.
  4. Web site: Kelly . Nick . Alabama football gains UAB defensive back Jaylen Key from transfer portal . The Tuscaloosa News . May 12, 2023 . March 10, 2024.
  5. Web site: Smith III . Kennington . Former UAB DB Jaylen Key transfers to Alabama: What he brings to Tide . The Athletic . May 12, 2023 . March 10, 2024.
  6. Web site: Stahl . Matt . After transfer from UAB, Jaylen Key is fitting right in with Alabama football . AL.com . October 10, 2023 . March 9, 2024.
  7. Web site: Dudley . Evan . UAB safety Jaylen Key enters transfer portal; among others . AL.com . April 26, 2023 . March 10, 2024.
  8. Web site: Irvine . Steve . April 25, 2023 . UAB safety Jaylen Key enters transfer portal . March 10, 2024 . 1819News.
  9. Web site: Salerno . Cameron . Alabama lands DB Jaylen Key: Tide beef up secondary with addition of top-ranked safety in transfer portal . CBS Sports . May 12, 2023 . March 10, 2024.
  10. Web site: Alvarez . Nick . Alabama football brings in 2nd transfer defensive back with UAB's Jaylen Key . AL.com . May 12, 2023 . March 10, 2024.
  11. Web site: Potter . Charlie . Jaylen Key reflects on his decision to transfer from UAB to Alabama . On3.com . October 10, 2023 . March 9, 2024.
  12. Web site: Smith III . Kennington . With Jaylen Key, Malachi Moore in flux, Alabama's secondary depth will be tested vs. Texas . The Athletic . September 4, 2023 . March 9, 2024.
  13. Web site: Smith . Stephen . Alabama safety Jaylen Key announces 2024 NFL Draft decision . Touchdown Alabama . January 8, 2024 . March 10, 2024.
  14. Van Zummeren . Joey . Time at Alabama Helped Safety Jaylen Key Develop Strong Work Ethic . Sports Illustrated . February 29, 2024 . March 10, 2024.
  15. Web site: Shook . Nick . April 27, 2024 . Mr. Irrelevant: Jets select Alabama DB Jaylen Key at No. 257 overall to end 2024 NFL Draft . May 27, 2024 . NFL.com . en-US.
  16. Web site: Greenberg . Ethan . August 27, 2024 . Final Cuts Jets Move 37 to Get Their Roster to 53 Players . 2024-10-17 . NewYorkJets.com.
  17. Web site: August 28, 2024 . Jets Sign 17 Players to Practice Squad . 2024-10-17 . NewYorkJets.com.

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