Former Eisenhower High School and Chaffey College football standout Jahmel Rover has already overcome a lot of obstacles in his football career. That makes him even more excited about the next step – Idaho State.

He signed with that school last week when me made his visit.

Rover planned on going to San Jose State out of high school but the paperwork got fouled up and he never played there. He had to wait out the year before enrolling at Chaffey to play what turned out to be his freshman season. He averaged 104 yards a game, ranking him ninth in the state.

He missed one game after suffering a severe dehydration episode after a game that resulted in him spending four days in a hospital. It was later diagnosed as a muscle disorder that mimics cramping symptoms.

Then last year he sustained a season ending knee injury before the first game. I went out to interview him for an in-depth feature to kick off the season but it never got written because he was out for the year.

Then last year his numbers took a dive because of the revolving door at quarterback which resulted in a dysfunctional offense.

A lot of athletes that go through that much turn out bitter, especially if they had hopes of playing Division I football somewhere and now are relegated to what might be looked at as a lower tier school.

But Rover just wants the opporunity to play. He has already completed his two-year degree so he will be heading to Idaho in January which makes him eligible to compete in spring practice.

He credits family support for getting him through the tough times, hopefully all of which are behind him now.  He plans to major in nursing, taking after his mother who also works in that profession.

He is a quality young man and deserves nothing but the best!

Share this