At the end of the 2024 season, Delaware State announced that they were going to hire three time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson. As a big time playmaking wide receiver for 14 seasons, Jackson knows more than anybody about having a great quarterback at the helm.
After taking the head coaching gig, Jackson was able to get his first quarterback commit, and that player comes all the way down from Baton Rouge, Louisiana in Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV.
“The reason I committed to Delaware State is because I love the culture of the school and also having a very strong relationship with Coach Jackson. I love what he’s trying to do with that program.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
At 6’2, 180 pounds with 4.5/40 speed, Bottley is an athletic dual threat quarterback that displays great touch on the deep ball, is quick on his decision making, and has the ability to torch defenses with not only his arm, but his legs. Those are all tools that are similar to his quarterback role model.
“I look up to Lamar Jackson because we have a similar playing style and he carries himself well on and off the field.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
He also has a high football IQ and total confidence in his game. There is no wonder why Coach Jackson is so high on the Kittens’ junior quarterback.
“The biggest strengths to my game is my football I.Q. I understand everything that I’m looking at before the play and during the play and that improves my decision making also.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Having a rocket arm and blazing speed are nice tools to have a quarterback, but Bottley stresses in making sure that having a high IQ is the primary skillset a quarterback should possess.
“The one skill set a quarterback should have is a good IQ and I say this because if you know what you’re looking at, everything becomes so much more easier and the game slows down.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Going into his second year as a starter, Bottley is building off an impressive first year in which he completed 75% of his passes (129/171) for 2,672 yards and 25 touchdowns to only six interceptions while also adding another 564 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
The Honorable Mention All-State selection’s season was highlighted by a Gridiron Football Player of the Week performance against Delhi which he completed 15/18 passes for 360 yards and 5 TDs.
Despite an impressive inaugural season as a starter, Bottley still believes that he has a lot of improvement that he needs to work on heading into his senior year.
“I give myself a B and I say this because I believe that I did great for a first year starter, but still have things I need to work on for this upcoming season.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Speaking of his senior season, Bottley knows exactly what his priorities are for the Kittens this fall.
“My goals for my senior season is to lead my team to a state championship, get better and better everyday as a football player, student, and young man.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Southern Lab is known for competing for championships each and every year with six state titles to their credit. Playing for a prideful schools with high expectations just makes him better as a quarterback.
“Playing at this school motivates me to go harder because I want to give everyone watching the game a show and I never want to let the alumni down.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Bottley is making sure that he is not going to let his school down as he is also focused on improving all of the areas to his game.
“The areas that I need to improve on is everything. I believe that I could always get better at every aspect of the game.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
As a track 4×4 state champion, Bottley’s speed gives him another added dimension to his overall game, and track has helped him become a better football player because of it.
“Running track helps with my endurance on the field and keeps me in shape. 4th quarter is the most important quarter so I make sure I’m in good shape by time the season starts.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
The Southern Lab multi-sport athlete has had a good start to the offseason by being named a Top Performer at our first Gridiron Football Elite Camp this offseason at Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
“It was a very fun camp. There was a lot of competition, and I believe I performed very well and would love to attend another.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
While at the camp, he received an offer to play in the 2025 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of the season.
“It’s such a blessing to be able to play in the bowl game at the end of the year. I am very honored to have that opportunity because you never know when your last game is and to know I’m going to be playing in the bowl game is a blessing.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Also a blessing has been the numerous amount of support for Bottley as he continues his athletic journey.
“First off, I would like to thank God because none of this is possible without God. Secondly, it will be my mom and dad because they are the only ones that know what I go through and they have been there for me through thick and thin.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
Playing football since he was seven years old, Jerry Bottley IV is excited about what the present and the future holds whether it is currently at Southern Lab or for Delaware State.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 7 and my favorite part is that it’s bigger than football. The coaches are pushing us to be men and lead ourselves in the right direction.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
“They should be excited when I step on campus because I’m a student athlete that loves to compete and put on a show for everyone watching and represent the school in a great way.”
Southern Lab 2026 QB Jerry Bottley IV
