Jalen Stewart

I took the junior college route because I believed it gave me the best chance to earn an opportunity to play Division I football. Nothing was given to me. I worked for every opportunity. Since getting to Division I, I haven’t had a single healthy season. Injuries have taken away the chance to show what I can really do on the field. Now college athletics is moving toward a 5-for-5 eligibility model, giving future student-athletes five years to compete within a five-year window. But as someone in the Class of 2022, who never red shirted or had a medical my understanding is that players like me aren’t receiving the benefit of that change. All I’m asking for is one healthy season. One fair opportunity to compete and finish what I started. Football has never just been about me. It’s about changing my family’s life and honoring every sacrifice we’ve made to get here. I pray every day that Allah opens this door. If I’m granted a fifth year, I’ll make the most of every snap. That’s all I’ve ever wanted a fair chance.