Stellar, Standard & Subpar 2021: Jalen Cheek

A look at an intriguing freshman quarterback looking to move up the depth chart in '21.

The summer is here and college football is right around the corner. As we get closer to the season, BC Bulletin will be previewing each player and projecting out three different options that could happen in the 2021 season. We are going in numerical order, and have already completed over a dozen players (the list is at the bottom of the post). Today we look at cornerback Jalen Cheek, a true freshman who is looking to have a big impact in the secondary. 

Cheek was one of BC's bigger commitments in the Class of 2021. A top 10 recruit in the state of New Jersey, and an SI All American candidate, Cheek chose Boston College over offers from West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Baylor, Maryland, Penn State. He just arrived on campus this summer, as a typical freshman so it may take some time for Cheek to adjust to the defense. 

SI All American, gave this tidbit in their scouting report on the cornerback:

Cheek’s combination of length and anticipatory ball skills make him an intriguing cornerback prospect. Assuming his quickness and speed on film is verifiable, he might be among the most underrated defensive backs in 2021. Projects as multi-year starter for Boston College, with higher upside.

Stellar

Cheek has a superb summer and finds his way on to the field as a true freshman. Even though Boston College is stacked at defensive back, Cheek earns playing time and finds a role with the team. Sets himself up to be a major player with the Eagles heading into 2022. 

Standard

Cheek is a practice warrior, playing well with the second team defense and getting the attention of the coaching staff. While he only shows up for a few blow out games, those snaps are meaningful and he earns his redshirt while showing major potential for future seasons. 

Subpar

Not much is heard of Cheek, as Shawn Asbury & Clinton Burton Jr, along with a few other names dominate the DB talk. The potential is there but might need a year or two for it to develop. 

Other BC Football Season Previews:
Jehlani Galloway- Wide Receiver
Khris Banks- Defensive Tackle
Shitta Sillah- Defensive End
CJ Lewis- Wide Receiver
Kobay White- Wide Receiver
Matt Rueve- Quarterback
Jaiden Lars Woodbey- Defensive Back
Tyler Days- Defensive Back
Dennis Grosel- Quarterback
Phil Jurkovec- Quarterback
Deon Jones- Defensive Back
Zay Flowers- Wide Receiver
CJ Burton Jr. - Defensive Back
Jaelen Gill - Wide Receiver
Bryce Steele- Defensive Back
Jason Maitre- Defensive Back

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Published
A.J. Black
A.J. BLACK

Editor and publisher of BC Bulletin.  '06 graduate of Boston College, who has followed the program as long as he can remember. Has been covering the Eagles for the past nine years, giving expert analysis, recruiting news and breakdowns.  Also the host of Locked on Boston College, a daily BC podcast that is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. When he is not writing or producing content on the Eagles, he can be found running, skiing, enjoying craft beers, or spending time with his family. You can follow AJ Black on Twitter @AJBlack_BC and our official site Twitter account is @BulletinBC