JAGUARS TE EVAN ENGRAM
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
(On what made him want to join the Jaguars) “A big part of my decision was [Head Coach] Doug [Pederson] coming in here. Obviously playing against him twice a year the last four years when he was in Philly and his resume and pedigree, using the tight end position, and some of the talent that he’s developed was a big part of my decision. Having Trevor [Lawrence] at quarterback and even the direction they were going in free agency, I kind of felt that it was starting to head in the right direction, and I want to be a part of it.”
(On signing a one-year deal) “It was definitely a personal decision, and the Jags were able to work out a good deal for me. There were some things over the past season that I just felt like I didn’t get to showcase my true abilities and have a great opportunity to do that. I felt coming here with [Head Coach] Doug [Pederson] and Trevor [Lawrence] and the direction this franchise is going to [it was best] to take a one-year deal to work hard and make big plays and hopefully down the line be a long-term thing.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence being a draw for players to join the team) “Definitely. Look at the impact across the league that these young quarterbacks are having and with Trevor [Lawrence], he has that talent, he has that ability. I’ve been a big fan even through college. I know he went through a lot last year and for him to be able to be a leader here and make an impact that he did, that stands out to me. That was another big decision, playing with a young quarterback, a big quarterback that I can come in and relate to and build a relationship with and transfer that relationship to success on the field.”
(On how he can help QB Trevor Lawrence in his second year) “My goal is to come in here and learn the offense and learn the system and learn the terminology so that one, we can be on the same page in the communication basis when we’re on the field and we’re conversating, we’re talking and we’re attacking, we’re on the same page communication-wise. And my ability, I just want to be used and I’m going to do everything I can to be used all over the field, wherever my skillset can be used, wherever is best for the offense in that week or in that situation. I feel like that can be a big help to Trevor [Lawrence] along with the other talent that’s already here. I know there’s a lot of talent that’s already here that is going to help him as well. My biggest thing is to come in and learn as much as possible and grow that relationship to where that trust is there in big moments, in key situations I can show up for him and help him develop and make those big plays and help him gain confidence as well.”
(On Head Coach Doug Pederson’s biggest selling point for him) “Just the versatility of offense. We could be in 11 personnel, we could be in 12 personnel, two tight ends, we could have three tight ends on the field at once and teams are going to have to make a decision to play that way to defend that. I think just
his knowledge and views of tight ends and putting them in positions to be successful and to kind of be that security blanket for the quarterback but also be an explosive piece. That’s how I view myself and then that’s the vision he has for myself in this offense.”
JAGUARS DT FOLORUNSO ‘FOLEY’ FATUKASI
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
(Opening Statement) “I would definitely like to say that I’m extremely grateful and blessed to be here. It’s an extremely great opportunity. I can’t thank God enough for this opportunity to be here and just start anew and take advantage of more opportunities and grow and sharpen my mind and my spirit with the guys next to me and the men and women around me as well. So, it still feels very surreal, but I’m very happy and I’m definitely looking forward to putting more work in. Definitely open for questions.”
(On the challenge of the AFC South with Titans RB Derrick Henry and Colts RB Jonathan Taylor) “Listen. I’ve played against both of those guys. They’re extremely great players and hard to tackle. I think that’s a great challenge because why would you want to go into a situation where it’s easy? So, I think it’s going to be fun and from what I’m hearing about the guys that are around here—I haven’t met them just yet, but—it seems like we’re already up for the challenge.”
(On whether Defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell has spoken with him about his role in their scheme to stop the run) “I mean, there’s been talks about certain things, but as we get closer to that time, we’ll start to really see how we mesh and how we utilize each person, including myself. First thing’s first, we’ve got to come in, get acclimated with the guys, understand my playbook and we can run from there.”
(On describing the whirlwind that free agency has been) “Really it’s just—First off, let me just say that it’s a blessing. You put in a lot of time and effort and literal blood, sweat and tears to get to this point. I can only thank God for it. But now that I’m here at this point, it’s all about what more can I do? How much more can we inspire each other? How much more can we motivate one another?”
(On what drove him to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars) “Oh, really it just came down to someone believing in me. Someone saw something in me, they saw something in my ability and they took a chance on me. I’m always grateful for people that just give me a chance, because all you need is one person to believe in you. That’s what made me come here.”
(On whether there’s more to his game than meets the eye on third downs and pass rushing) “I feel like there’s more to everybody’s game. I definitely feel like there’s more to my game and I’m definitely excited to work on it and tap into that. Like I said, all it took was for one person and a group of people to believe in me. That goes a long way when someone believes in you, so I’m definitely willing to work to see how much further I can get to my own style of play, a better style of play, a smarter style of play.”
JAGUARS WR ZAY JONES
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
(On what drew him to join the Jacksonville Jaguars) “My heart. I mean, I went back and forth trying to decide between a couple other teams and at the end of the day, I was just like, ‘I want to be in Jacksonville.’ That was the bottom line. I mean, there was no other explanation, I don’t even know how to describe it myself. But I was like, ‘I think this is the place I want to go.’”
(On whether he likes the direction of the Jaguars plan moving forward) “Yeah, I believe in it. I talked to some other players that have been with Doug [Pederson] and these guys and they’ve told me a little bit about the offense and how it works schematically. But I just had to take their word for it, do my own research and things like that. But it’s a great team, a young quarterback who to me, looks very promising and very good, someone I believe in. I want to be a part of something that’s building towards the future. And ultimately, just my heart. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is the place I want to go.’”
(On his career journey until this point in signing with the Jaguars) “I feel as those I’ve been very fortunate because I’ve been a part of milestone moments in organizations’ timeframes. Be it the Buffalo Bills in the drought for the playoffs, when we went to the playoffs and had that blessing, that opportunity. Then coming into the Oakland situation where it’s like we’re leaving a great city who has adored football for a long time and getting to be a part of their last game. Then entering Las Vegas— another great city, a fabulous city—starting the franchise there, the inaugural season there. And to now come here and be a part of an organization that is on the rise and moving forward, I just feel very fortunate and blessed to be a part of it.”
(On what he brings to this offense and his thoughts on working QB Trevor Lawrence) “I think I bring great versatility as far as playing inside and outside, explosiveness, great hands, great catching, smart mind. And ultimately, I think the best thing is just the character of a teammate. Just try to be the best teammate that I can possibly be. Just be one of the guys, enjoy it. As far as Trevor [Lawrence] is concerned though, [he’s] tall, powerful, can throw, can run, has all the intangibles, very promising. In my opinion, not too much pressure, a hall of fame career. I think he’s a fantastic football player. I’m excited to see the things he does moving forward. Ultimately, I just want to be a weapon for him and just learn from him and try to teach him some things, if I know some things. And just grow, not only with him, but with this offense and this team.”
JAGUARS WR CHRISTIAN KIRK
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
(On QB Trevor Lawrence being a draw to join the team) “100 percent. I had the pleasure of watching him throughout his college career and seeing him win a National Championship and just compete at such a high level. Then I thought he had a really good season last year through all the ups and downs
and just seeing the potential that he has to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL was definitely a part of my decision. I’m just ready to get to work with him and just help him grow and, like I said, win games here.”
(On the impact of his teammate in Arizona, WR Larry Fitzgerald) “Tons. I talked to him the day after I signed here, and he was just so happy for me because he has been able to see all the hard work that I’ve put in. He’s been there every step of the way just being able to be a mentor and a big brother to me and just lead the way. I’m forever grateful for our relationship and our friendship and being a teammate of his was definitely a dream come true for me.”
(On Head Coach Doug Pederson impacting his decision to come to Jacksonville) “100 percent. Anytime you get a chance to play for a head coach that has won a Super Bowl and has been there and knows what it takes, that’s definitely enticing. Like I mentioned, he knows what it takes to get there and he’s going to put us in the best position and coach us to get to that point because that’s our ultimate goal. We’re going to have to work towards that but having him being our head coach was definitely a big factor. Just being here, being able to play here last year and just seeing the amount of potential that’s on this roster and just knowing that it’s a few key pieces away from being able to build something special.”
(On negativity being motivation for him) “To a tee, it motivates me. But that stuff is always going to be there, especially with free agency. I think that’s just kind of the notion within free agency is anybody who gets signed during this period, there’s always going to be somebody that’s going to say they’re overpaid. Some of it is nonsense and you can use it as motivation, but my motivation is just to be the best player that I can be and reach all the goals and aspirations that I want to reach. That’s why I wake up every day and work to be the best player that I can be. I don’t play football to be average, I play football to be one of the best and I came here with the same attitude and mentality. I’m going to work every day to do it while I’m here.”
(On traits of a top receiver in the league and which of those he has) “To me, I think it’s pretty simple. I think it’s versatility and I think all those guys that you mentioned, they’re versatile. They move inside, they move outside, and they make the big plays when they’re counted on. They impact the game, that’s number one when you think about number one guys. They have an impact on the game, not just on first and second down, but on third down, on fourth down in the red zone. When the team needs a play or offense is in a slump, they’re able to kind of shift the momentum of the game and get the team back rolling. I feel like the wide receiver position is such an impactful position and that’s one of the reasons
why I love it. I think those are those traits and I believe I attain them all. Like I said, I’m just here to keep showing that I have it.”
JAGUARS LB FOYE OLUOKUN
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
(On what he brings to the defense and why he signed with the Jaguars) “I think there’s a lot of upside to this organization. At the end of the day, these guys definitely put a lot of trust in me. That’s why they came and got me in free agency. I definitely work hard. I definitely bring a lot of intelligence to the defense and really just trying to bring people along with me as well. I talked about it a lot today with some of the coaches – get everybody on that kind of hard-working mentality, kind of have some chip on their shoulder, and being able to grind and work to get better every day, get more wins here.”
(On his transition to the linebacker position in the NFL) “I think it’s been a blessing that I didn’t really learn the position until the NFL. I had no habits to break, only habits to learn. Then obviously I had a coaching change after my third year, didn’t have to relearn the position, but learned a different scheme and everything and what they asked of me was a little bit different. I was a versatile player coming out of college, but even as a linebacker, I feel like I can do different things depending on what the coaches want. I just put that pressure on myself to learn every day. When I did get drafted, I didn’t expect to get drafted. When I did get drafted, a lot of the advice that was given to me was you have to earn it every day. Even a late round pick is basically being the same as an undrafted guy, so just learning every day and being able to get better every day was really what I put pressure on myself to do in order to stay on the team. Then when I found myself getting more playing time, you might not know but our starter got hurt my rookie year. I got the opportunity to earn more playing time and then when he came back the second year, they put that trust in me again late in the season and we went on a little bit of a run and that earned my playing time. Third year, I was able to start. But it’s really just about getting better every day, not being able to say ‘I’m good at this’ but really focusing in on saying what can I get better at because I want to be a better and better player until I feel like I’m the best out there.”
(On how he recorded such a high number of tackles last season) “It’s a lot of effort. It is film study first, film study, understanding what the team you’re playing against is doing. But when the ball’s hiked and eventually some gaps are filled, some gaps aren’t, being able to get to the ball regardless, it’s a lot of effort throughout the game. It did hurt a little bit, but whatever the team needs. If the guy’s up, we have to go get him down. You have to get off of blocks, you have to find yourself around the football. When you’re around the football, the ball also comes to you. That’s why I’m always running to it. As a team, everybody has to be on that hunting mindset. You hunt and then you’re going to get rewarded.”
(On Defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell being a former linebacker) “I think it’s definitely very exciting. I had a long talk with him earlier today and just minds bouncing off each other, just seeing how he sees the game and it’s similar. It’s just really exciting to really feel like I’m a part of what he has in store. He
has a lot of trust in me already, so I hope to keep earning his respect and do what I need to do out there.”
(On his discussions about the direction of the defense) “I talked to [Defensive Coordinator] Mike [Caldwell], I said ‘What do you want to hang your hat on as a defense?’ Because obviously we have to be on the same page, him and I, with what he wants and me to portray that to the rest of the unit. He said he wants to stop the run. Obviously, we have a league or a conference where they run the ball well and it’s just more opportunity for me. I know how I feel, it’s definitely fun to go up against that kind of competition and that kind of talent. I tell myself a lot of times before I play a back that I feel like is good, if I go up against him, then I’ll be recognized, like I’ll get that respect and it’s just fun to play against those kinds of guys. I’m happy I’m in this division where I get those opportunities and I’m looking forward to it.”
JAGUARS OL BRANDON SCHERFF
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
(On being described as a cultural center) “I just try to do everything the right way, just try to be that leader on and off the field for anybody. If we have young guys, I try to lead by example and show them the right way to do things. And just go about my business and do everything at 100 percent.”
(On what sold him to coming to Jacksonville) “All of the above. I know a couple of the guys that played for Coach Doug [Pederson] and they said nothing but great things about him. Coach Phil [Rauscher] the O-Line coach, I played for him for two years. So, we talked a little bit. And you know, blocking for Trevor [Lawrence]. Watching his tape, he’s an outstanding quarterback and we’re excited for the opportunity.”
(On what he can do to change the Jaguars offensive line) “I would say just continue to do what I’m doing and just, like you said, just focus on taking care of myself first. If I’m not doing the right thing, then I can’t help them. So, just doing the right thing and trying to be that leader for them. If they have questions, I’m going to try to help them out as much as I can.”
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed CB Tre Herndon, the team announced today.
Herndon, 5-11, 190, originally signed with Jacksonville as a rookie free agent in 2018 and has played in 52 games, making 29 starts. His career totals include 154 total tackles (123 solo), 18 passes defensed, three interceptions and 1.0 sack.
The Chattanooga, Tenn. native attended Vanderbilt and appeared in 48 career games with 36 starts and totaled 126 tackles (93 solo), 25 passes defensed, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 2.0 sacks and two INTs.
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