Undiscovered CFL defender Qwan’tez Stiggers in battle for Jets starting cornerback role after showing NFL credentials
NEW York Jets rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers is making a name for himself during training camp.
The Jets picked the cornerback in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft even though he had not played college football.
Stiggers, 22, saw his freshman season at Division II program Lane College canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The Georgia native put his career on hold after the death of his father in September of that year, working different jobs to support his family.
He eventually landed in the semi-pro indoor football league Fan Controlled Football, leading to a deal with the Canadian Football League's (CFL) Toronto Argonauts in 2023.
Stiggers ended the 2023 CFL season with Most Outstanding Rookie and East All-Star honors after logging 56 tackles and five interceptions over 16 games.
READ MORE ON THE NFL
And he's been continuing to impress ever since.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh recently said that Stiggers is "definitely" an NFL-caliber cornerback, per the New York Post.
"Now, we’re trying to figure out whether or not he’s a starting NFL corner," Saleh added.
Stiggers could have a chance to put his talent on display in a game-setting this Saturday when the Jets face the Washington Commanders in their first preseason matchup.
Most read in American Football
"We’re pleased with him, for sure," Saleh said of the rookie.
"I think he’s just got great patience at the line of scrimmage.
"He’s very smart. Not book-smart, but just so instinctive ahead of his years with regards to route recognition and understanding concepts.
"He’s another one that we’re all looking forward to seeing against other opponents because we think he’s got a chance to be pretty damn good."
Stiggers said he loved his first three months as a Jet, lauding Saleh's coaching staff and labeling Garrett Wilson "the best receiver in the league."
The 6-foot, 197-pound corner added he's been learning a lot from New York's top two defensive backs Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed.
NFL important dates
August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
August 8 - Pre-season begins
August 27 - Deadline for 53-man rosters
September 1 - Final day of pre-season
September 5 - Season opener - Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs
November 5 - Trade deadline
January 5 - Week 18 of regular-season
January 11 - Playoffs begin
February 9 - Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
"Honestly, those guys are just like our teachers," he said of Gardner and Reed.
"Like DJ sits right here [on my left], Sauce sits right here [on my right].
"I sit right in the middle. Whatever they ask, I’m writing down, and I’m asking [them] questions."
After facing the Commanders at MetLife Stadium, the Jets will face off with the Carolina Panthers on the road a week later.
Read More on The US Sun
They will finish the preseason with a clash against the New York Giants.
The Jets open the 2024 NFL season with a tough Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers