Alcorn State's Claudin Cherelus Shines In NFL Debut

Former Alcorn State Braves linebacker Claudin Cherelus shined in his first NFL action with the New York Jets against the Cleveland Browns at the NFL Hall of Fame game to open the preseason. Cherelus officially recorded four tackles (2 solo, 1 assisted, 1 special team) while shedding Browns players' blocks on the evening. The former HBCU defender was in for 44 defensive (59%) and 10 special teams (40%) plays as Cleveland defeated the Jets 21-16.

Hopefully, Cherelus will walk a similar path as Lions linebacker James Houston (Jackson State).  Both players wear the No. 41 and are tenacious defenders.  

CHERELUS IN JETS TRAINING CAMP

Jets Country's Ralph Ventre reports that Cherelus has been a bright spot in New York Jets training camp. "It was basically me betting on myself and trusting that I belonged," Cherelus told the Naples Daily News. "I knew in my mind I'm an NFL-caliber player."

In 2022, Cherelus notched 73 tackles, 6.0 sacks, a team-high 14.5 tackles-for-loss, two forced fumbles, and an interception for Alcorn State.

"We [my agent and I] both already felt the Jets would be the best place for me to be," said Cherelus to the Naples Daily News. "They showed interest in me the whole way, and I wanted to be there just as much."

Claudin Cherelus, Linebacker

• Number: 41
• Current Status: Reserve
• How/When Acquired: UDFA / 2023
• College: Alcorn State
• 2022 Final Stats: 9 GP, 73 TT, 14.5 TFL, 6.0 sacks, 4 QB hurries (at Alcorn State)