From Alabama high school star to NFL second-round draft pick
In short: Before he was a professional running back in the NFL, T. J. Yeldon was a dominant force in Alabama high school football. His journey from a state championship victory at Daphne High to a high-profile career with the Jacksonville Jaguars is a remarkable story of athletic talent and collegiate success.
Timothy Antonio Yeldon Jr.'s rise began at Daphne High School in Alabama, where he was a standout in both football and track. During his junior season in 2010, he led the Daphne Trojans to an undefeated 15–0 record and the Alabama 6A State Championship, famously scoring the winning touchdown on a one-yard run. By his senior year, Yeldon's performance was historic; he rushed for 2,193 yards and 31 touchdowns, earning the Alabama Mr. Football Award—the first running back to receive the honor since 2000.
His collegiate career at the University of Alabama was equally impactful. After initially committing to Auburn in June 2011, he switched to the Crimson Tide due to coaching uncertainties. As a true freshman in 2012, he set an Alabama freshman rushing record with 1,108 yards and tied Mark Ingram II's freshman touchdown record with 12 scores. He continued to be a key contributor through his sophomore and junior seasons, sharing the backfield with notable players like Derrick Henry.
Yeldott entered the NFL in the 2015 draft, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round as the 36th overall pick. He signed a four-year, $5.91 million contract in May 2015. His professional career included significant moments, such as a 122-yard performance against the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and a role in the Jaguars' 2017 playoff run. However, his tenure was also marked by challenges, including injuries and a 2018 incident where executive Tom Coughlin criticized his sideline behavior as "disrespectful" and "unbecoming."
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- Summary by Intellect · source: T. J. Yeldon
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