Is Jerry Rice Jr. Too Small To Catch On In The NFL?

Jerry Rice Jr. will be visiting the San Francisco 49ers’ rookie mini-camp this week after failing to get picked up by the Baltimore Ravens. The son of THE Jerry Rice, considered by many to be the greatest wide receiver of all time, Jerry Rice Jr. played in only seven games last season for the UNLV Rebels. In those games, Rice only caught 11 passes for 86 yards. He also only caught one touchdown pass, coming in UNLV’s bowl game against North Texas.

In spite of his lack of college experience, Jerry Rice Jr. believes he can catch on in the NFL. On Monday, Rice tweeted that he was not deterred by Baltimore’s decision.

Working for the next opportunity… Appreciate the ravens for getting my feet wet… Now preparing for #49ers this weekend.. Leggo!

— Jerry Rice Jr. (@JRtherealgoatJR) May 19, 2014

When asked how Jerry Rice Jr. did in his tryout with the Baltimore Ravens, coach John Harbaugh had a lot of positive things to say. Harbaugh told the Baltimore Sun, “He’s a really good athlete. He doesn’t have his dad’s size, but he sure got his athleticism. He runs in a real similar way. He’s got that West Coast offense down. He’s probably had that playbook since he was in the cradle. He knows all the rules of the crossing routes. He knows what to do, very good hands, real smooth athlete. He did a real nice job.” Rice also told the Baltimore Sun he felt good about his performance with the Ravens.

Unfortunately, one comment from Jim Harbaugh will probably resonate around the NFL when it comes to Jerry Rice Jr. “He doesn’t have his dad’s size,” is probably something of an understatement. The elder Jerry Rice was 6’2? and around 200 pounds for most of his career. His son is just 5’11” and weighs only 185 pounds. It is highly unlikely that in today’s bigger, faster, stronger NFL that an unproven route runner with limited size will catch on. That is not stopping Jerry Rice Jr. from being positive about his chances.

Thanx for all the positivity and the negativity..I’m glad I have support as we’ll as doubters cuz y’all fuel me to get better.. I need both! — Jerry Rice Jr. (@JRtherealgoatJR) May 19, 2014

While it is unlikely that anyone will question the heart and football IQ of Jerry Rice Jr., it will be surprising to see a team actually pick him up. But as his Twitter account states, “a success story in the making. Goal is YBS. Young, Black, and Successful.”

Jerry Rice Jr. believes in himself and will not give up easily.

[Image via HauteLiving.com]