Runnin’ Wild: DeJesus shines for UNLV football team

Former Manteca High and Modesto Junior College wide receiver Jacob DeJesus is shining as a wide receiver and kick returner at UNLV, where, on Sept. 9, he dazzled in a loss to Michigan, the nation’s No. 2-ranked team.

By MIGUEL COCIO
The Tower

On Saturday Sept. 9, Jacob DeJesus, a Manteca High alumnus, faced off against Michigan, the nation’s second-ranked team, in front of a record crowd at The Big House.

When DeJesus settled under a kickoff, nearly 110,000 fans waited on his next move.

“I was just trying to lock in and focus on my assignments and stuff, but the first play of the game was kickoff return,” DeJesus said in a phone interview with The Tower. “I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous because they were all looking pretty big, and you know Michigan is No. 2 in the nation, so I was definitely a little nervous.

“When the ball first kicked off, I started getting used to it you know, like getting in the mode and stuff. And when I first got in, I was thinking like this has been everything I’ve been working for.”

To his credit, DeJesus, whose guts and guile have helped him overcome his short stature in high school, junior college and now the Division I level, dazzled in one of college football’s iconic stadiums. He racked up 5 catches for 46 yards, showcasing his talent and heart.

DeJesus just needed the ball in his hands to calm the butterflies swirling about his stomach.

Former Manteca High and Modesto Junior College wide receiver Jacob DeJesus is shining as a wide receiver and kick returner at UNLV, where, on Sept. 9, he dazzled in a loss to Michigan, the nation’s No. 2-ranked team.

“It was crazy. We walked out there for warmups (and) I’ve never seen that many people,” he said. “I thought it was crazy, and I thought to myself, ‘Man, this has been everything I’ve been working for you know since I was a little kid,’ but it was definitely an amazing experience seeing that many people out there.

“After that first catch of the game, I felt more confident. I was like I can play with these guys — No. 2 ranked in the nation, supposed to be the best players but as soon as I got that ball, I was like I can handle these guys.”

Ever the competitor, DeJesus won’t remember that game for being named his team’s top performer, but for the loss.

“It didn’t really mean much to me,” he said of the postgame honor. “I would have much rather won the game than get a single player accolade.”

Before he got to the collegiate level, DeJesus tore up the field at Manteca High. In four years, he put up a staggering 5,095 all-purpose yards with 53 touchdowns. He helped the Buffaloes win two Sac-Joaquin Section championships, along with several individual honors.

Breaking records and gathering personal accolades wasn’t all Jacob was doing here. He was an invaluable leader here that led by example and constantly motivated his team around him to become the best players they could.

“Nobody worked harder than him on the practice field or in the weight room, and he was a leader. He knew how to lead, and he lifted guys up and set high expectations and he did whatever he could to make his teammates better,” said Manteca High coach Mark Varnum.

DeJesus maintained a hard-working attitude at Modesto Junior College. He appeared in 20 games for the Pirates, racking up 105 receptions for 1,380 yards and seven receiving touchdowns in two seasons. All his hard work, effort, and consistency grabbed the attention of the UNLV staff.

“Coming to play at a D1 level is way different. Everything we do leading up to the game is far more intense than what (junior college) had to offer,” DeJesus said.

Although the UNLV rebels took a loss against the Michigan Wolverines this didn’t discourage Jacob, but instead It motivated him to work harder in their next game against Vanderbilt at home in Allegiant.

This has been his attitude throughout his football career, and he has carried it with him since high school all the way till now while playing at a D1 school.

“Just more than anything I think it’s his work ethic,” Varnum said. “It’s his want to win and how bad he wants to be successful, and the kid has had to work to get to where he’s at. Coming out of high school, I told every college coach I could talk you, I said ‘Hey, this is the dude. You need to get this guy. He will change your program,’ and it took a little bit but obviously he’s doing it at UNLV.”

Manteca High students Caleb Reynolds and Gavin Corral contributed to this story. ted to this story.

Former Manteca High and Modesto Junior College wide receiver Jacob DeJesus is shining as a wide receiver and kick returner at UNLV, where, on Sept. 9, he dazzled in a loss to Michigan, the nation’s No. 2-ranked team.