In 2017, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a big-time defense. That defense, along with a solid running game, and decent play from the quarterback position, got the Jaguars to the AFC title game. Jacksonville’s defense was one the best in football that season and were ranked 2nd in total defense.
Many members of that defense have since departed, especially in the secondary. The whole starting secondary in 2017 are gone, including corners Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, and after the trade of Ramsey during the middle of last season, second-year cornerback Tre Herndon stepped up, and according to Herndon, he learned a lot from Ramsey and Bouye.
“I think those guys [Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye] did a great job mentoring me while I was there,” Herndon said via a conference call on Wednesday. “Jalen was my locker mate my entire rookie year and the whole time before he was traded. That was a time for me to learn from him and grow from him during the times he was sitting out and I was playing his role. He kept giving me tips, study habits, those kinds of things. A.J., we kind of have the same story with being undrafted guys. He’s always been a motivation for me. Out here in Georgia, I train with A.J. every other day, so I’m still getting those tips from him. He’s been in that big brother role.”
Unfortunately, with COVID-19 shutting down society, and all of the sports, which probably will include OTAs and mini-camps. Teams could have a hard time coming together, but Herndon believes Jacksonville’s secondary will be prepared
“As far as missing this time, of course, we can’t get together face to face and sit down and talk playbook-wise, X’s and O’s,” he said. “It could work against us kind of, but I feel like everyone in the D.B. room has a veteran kind of mindset. I know guys like Ronnie Harrison, J-Dub [Jarrod Wilson] – we are all tapped into film trying to clean up the things that may have been missed during the season and just going over the playbook just to keep a fresh mind. Whenever we do get a date and when we do return, we will be on top of it. I do not think it is affecting too many people as far as playbook stuff. I feel like everyone has the mindset that we want to come in ready to go when the time is.”
Ramsey and Bouye are two very good corners, and some believe Ramsey is the best corner in the NFL, so you can learn a lot from them. Last season, in 16 games, Herndon had three interceptions for the Jaguars, and hopefully, the 24-year-old Herndon will continue to grow as a player for Jacksonville in 2020.
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