The stay-at-home policy extended beyond the quarantine world as the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Oakleaf High alum Shaquille Quarterman in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Of the dozens of area players who have played in the NFL since the Jags have had a franchise, not too many have actually been drafted by the Jags. In honor of Shaq's day, let's look at the area players the Jaguars have drafted in the past.
1999 - Larry Smith. Defensive lineman Larry Smith starred at FSU before being taken in the second round by the Jags. The Kingsland, Georgia native and Charlton County High star played 51 games for the Jaguars as part of the D-Line rotation before finishing his career in 2004 with Green Bay.
2003 - Rashean Mathis. Few players have contributed to the history of the Jaguars more than Englewood High alum Rashean Mathis. The second-round pick spent 10 seasons with his hometown team, making the Pro Bowl in 2006 as one of the best cornerbacks in the game. I hope it won't be long until he becomes enshrined in the Pride of the Jaguars.
2006 - Dee Webb. The Ed White alum was selected in the seventh round in 2006. Webb played one year for the Jaguars. The former Times-Union High School Player of the Year and All-SEC player at Florida also played in Canada and in Arena League for the Jacksonville Sharks. He may be the only player in history to have played for both his hometown Sharks and Jags.
2020 - Shaquille Quarterman. I had the privilege of seeing Shaq play for Oakleaf High and I have rarely been more impressed by a player. He was everywhere on the field. He went to the University of Miami and continued to be a beast, making All-ACC as linebacker three of his four seasons at Miami. Had the Hurricanes had higher profile teams during his career, I believe he would have been All-American.