After spending his freshman season at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, former Slidell High School standout defensive end and Gridiron Football All-American Jalen Anderson has committed to play DI college football at Florida International University.
“I bring a relentless motor and versatility to the defensive line. I pride myself on being a disruptive force who doesn’t just rely on athleticism, but also technique and football IQ. I’m always studying, always adjusting, and always ready to make the play that changes the momentum.”
“On top of that, I lead my guys and anyone who actually wants to be led. I don’t lead babies. I expect commitment, effort, and a real mindset. If you are ready to put in the work, I’m right there with you pushing to be better every day. My experience overcoming adversity and grinding through JUCO has made me mentally tough so I never back down from a challenge. I bring that fire every snap and a mindset focused on dominating the trenches.”
Former Gridiron Football All-American and FIU commit Jalen Anderson
Anderson chose the Panthers over other offers he received including McNeese State, Kennesaw State, Toledo, Louisiana-Monroe, UNLV, Troy, Old Dominion and Mississippi State. According to Anderson, the coaching staff is why FIU stood out amongst the rest.
“A big part of my decision came down to Coach Kenechi Udeze. Me and Coach KU have built a strong relationship. He was actually the first person to recruit me last year so we’ve had that connection for a while now. Beyond that, when you look at his track record, it’s elite. He was a first round pick. He’s coached at the Power Four level and he’s been a part of championship teams at both the college and NFL level. That kind of experience and insight is rare and it means everything to me as a defensive lineman trying to reach the highest level.”
“Coach Gomez and Coach Simmons also played a big part. They made me feel comfortable like I could really grow there as a player and a man. Everyone I met at FIU including players and assistant coaches felt genuine. Nobody was putting on a front or trying to sell me a dream and being in Miami with that energy and environment just made everything click. It felt real. It felt right.”
Former Gridiron Football All-American and FIU commit Jalen Anderson
The 6’3, 235 pound pass rusher is coming off a great freshman campaign at Pearl River Community College where he finished as an All-MACCC selection with 39 total tackles (26 solo/13 assisted), 9.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one interception. It was at Pearl River where he transformed into a college ready player.
“Coming into Pearl River, I wasn’t the same guy I am now. I was raw, hungry, but also kind of reckless like a dude who wanted to prove everything overnight. I was the guy trying to take on the biggest challenges headfirst and honestly, I got humbled real quick. That summer was a grind mentally and physically. I even went through a low point where I doubted if football was even for me, but that’s where PRCC did its job.”
“It humbled me, made me refocus, and gave me a real sense of what it takes to compete and improve. I feel like I went from just being a raw athlete to becoming more refined learning how to control my ability and use it smarter on the field. I got to learn from guys like AJ Prim and Charles Atkins players with real experience and skill. The coaches pushed me, but they also showed me how to be a better teammate and a smarter player.”
“By the end of my freshman year, I wasn’t just playing. I was starting to control my role, make plays, and prove that I belonged. PRCC wasn’t just a stepping stone. It was the place that reshaped my mindset and prepared me for the biggest stages ahead.”
Former Gridiron Football All-American and FIU commit Jalen Anderson
What also prepared the former All-State pass rusher for what college football is like was playing in the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. At the bowl game, Anderson was one of the game’s best players and was pretty much unblockable during the game posting two sacks and two quarterback hurries.
“To be honest, the experience wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I’m the type of guy that finds value in everything no matter the setting. Even if the environment wasn’t perfect, I still treated it like an opportunity to compete, get reps, and stack experience against talent from other states.”
“What helped me the most was being in that ‘new team’ setting meeting new teammates, adjusting quickly to coaching changes, and still needing to show that I can stand out. That transition helped me mentally prepare for what college ball would be like especially at the JUCO level where everything moves fast. You gotta be able to adapt and still perform. That’s what I took away most from playing in the Gridiron All-American Bowl Game.”
Former Gridiron Football All-American and FIU commit Jalen Anderson
Anderson does recommend the experience to high school seniors and that the bowl game does teach them a lot about just enjoying the purity of the game itself.
“Honestly, my advice is to enjoy the game. the Gridiron Bowl is one of the last times before college after high school that you get to just freely play the sport like you did when you were 10 years old. It’s a chance to compete without all the pressure and politics that come later. That said, take the opportunity to soak it in, learn from it, and use it to keep your passion for the game alive. Every experience is part of your journey even if it’s not perfect.”
Former Gridiron Football All-American and FIU commit Jalen Anderson
Besides a resilient motor and the ability to create havoc in the backfield, Jalen Anderson’s outspoken personality, persistence, and drive to be great gives Florida International a player to certainly watch for in the near future.
“I’ll die on the field for FIU and those fans. My mindset is simple. I’m here to play at the highest level and when I get there, I’m not just aiming to compete. I’m aiming to dominate. I want to be the best of the best and the kind of player fans remember for years.”
“On top of that, I plan to bring a lot of media attention and opportunities to the school. I know what it takes to get noticed and I want FIU to be on everyone’s radar because of the way I play and carry myself. The fans should expect a player who brings relentless energy every Saturday, makes big plays, and represents the city with pride both on and off the field.”
Former Gridiron Football All-American and FIU commit Jalen Anderson
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