Rams roster preview: S Jake Gervase at work

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BonifayRam

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Vernon
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...review-depth-chart-jake-gervase-iowa-hawkeyes

2019 Los Angeles Rams roster preview: S Jake Gervase at work

Work, work, work.

By 3k@3k_ Jul 16, 2019, 12:44pm CDT


878851620.jpg.0.jpg

Iowa Hawkeyes S Jake Gervase tackles Purdue Boilermakers TE Brycen Hopkins, Nov. 18, 2017.

Part of it is just work, and Los Angeles Rams S Jake Gervase knows it.

A walk on at Iowa, Gervase had to grind his way up the roster to get a starting job in 2017. That work saw him named as a captain in 2018 capping an inspirational career in Iowa City.

If there’s anything that’s going to get in his way in trying to make it in the NFL, it won’t be for a lack of work.

Roster Battle
The top of the safety depth chart looks fantastic. S John Johnson III is one of the league’s best young safeties. The Rams added S Eric Weddle in free agency, though he’s at the tail end of his Hall of Fame-caliber career. And in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Rams spent their first pick on S Taylor Rapp to inject more talent at the back.

S Marqui Christian is likely the first reserve option.

The depth is much more muddled.

Two safeties who made the Rams’ 2018 53-man roster, DB Blake Countess and S Isaiah Johnson, are both gone. That potentially leaves a spot open to compete for given Rapp’s addition.

2018 NFL Draft seventh-round pick S/LB Travin Howard is a bit of hybrid a la Mark Barron who can stick in at linebacker or safety. He was released in cuts last year but made it back to the practice squad midseason. S Nick Scott was worth a seventh-round pick a few months ago. DB Ramon Richards has a bit of the Countess dual role being able to play corner or safety. And S Steven Parker (roster preview) hung around on the practice squad last year.

So there’s reason to think that group has a shot at adding someone to the 53-man roster though it might be more for special teams than for defensive work. That could play in Gervase’s favor.

Expectations
Well given his background, it might be the work ethic and how well that lends to special teams competence especially coming out of the Big Ten.

But as a safety? Nah.

Chances of making the final roster (4/10)
I think he’s got a legit shot.

So often when we talk about rookies in this spot, we think about their positions instead of special teams. It’s not in line with the decisions the staff has to make for guys like this. If the Rams are going to keep a fifth-safety, it won’t be for his defensive proficiency. So I think Gervase is a legit option to bypass the practice squad and make the 53-man.

It’d be a hell of a story.

And we can be sure he’d work his ass off to make it happen.
 
Last edited:

den-the-coach

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No way he beats out Nick Scott, who is a special team phenom and drafted for that very reason.
 

jetplt67

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Doubt he even makes the PS but I'm rooting for him.
 

Merlin

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His route to the roster is similar to so many of these other bottom depth chart kids: kill it on teams.
 

oldnotdead

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I don't know a lot about this kid. But has he ever played CB? He's got the speed, and height you like as a boundary CB. His agility test was good so without see game vids he could have enough there. He might be worth keeping if they think he could play CB. That is where this team needs depth. They are right because I see Travin Howard as a bubble sitter.
I think he could have a shot if he can play CB and ST's. I think the team should really look at Scott and Gervase as possible CB's. Troy Hill after a decent 2017 struggled in 2018. When he should have taken that big step up in his 3rd year he didn't. He's making just under $3.5M and I'm not sure he's worth the cap hit. When Talib and Peters were out this team had to play mostly zone in the secondary which is not what Wade wants to do.

It will be interesting to watch this TC to see who steps up and who fades. But equally important if there are position changes.
 

So Ram

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I don't know a lot about this kid. But has he ever played CB? He's got the speed, and height you like as a boundary CB. His agility test was good so without see game vids he could have enough there. He might be worth keeping if they think he could play CB. That is where this team needs depth. They are right because I see Travin Howard as a bubble sitter.
I think he could have a shot if he can play CB and ST's. I think the team should really look at Scott and Gervase as possible CB's. Troy Hill after a decent 2017 struggled in 2018. When he should have taken that big step up in his 3rd year he didn't. He's making just under $3.5M and I'm not sure he's worth the cap hit. When Talib and Peters were out this team had to play mostly zone in the secondary which is not what Wade wants to do.

It will be interesting to watch this TC to see who steps up and who fades. But equally important if there are position changes.

If your asking about depth ?? Like 3k says Ramon Richards from OSU . Ok st. Like Peterson. I think this guy makes plays. I have not seen him on special teams though.During training camp he caught my eye the days I made it.
Was a sleeper last season & he stuck on the practice squad. Has another year under his belt. Will see how much he has improved, In OTA’s he seemed alright.
 

den-the-coach

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Is 3k here? What is this guys size and stats?
Gervase_Jake.JPG


JAKE GERVASE
  • HEIGHT

    6-1
  • WEIGHT

    212
  • CLASS

    Senior
  • HOMETOWN

    Davenport, Iowa
  • HIGH SCHOOL

    Assumption

    Hawk Items - - Tied Pinstripe Bowl record with one interception . . . one of six seniors named to 2018 Leadership Group.

    2018 Honors - - Named to All-Bowl Team by Rivals.com for his play in 2019 Outback Bowl . . . Academic All-Big Ten for third year . . . honorable mentions All-Big Ten by league coaches and media . . . Permanent Team Captain, defense . . . Hayden Fry Award, defense . . . Brett Greenwood Award, defense . . . 2018 - - Led team in tackles with 89, including 49 solo stops . . . tied for second in the Big Ten and 16th nationally with four interceptions . . . tied for team lead in pass break-ups (7) and interceptions (4) . . . started at free safety in 33-7 win over Northern Illinois as defense allowed just 211 yards total offense . . . recorded one solo tackle, four assists and one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 13-3 win over Iowa State, recording one solo stop and two assists as defense allowed just 19 net rushing yards and 188 yards total offense . . . started at free safety in 38-14 win over Northern Iowa as defense allowed just six net rushing yards and 222 yards total offense . . . recorded four tackles vs. UNI, including three solo stops and one assist, along with one caused fumble recovered by Iowa . . . started at free safety in 28-17 loss to Wisconsin . . . matched career-high with eight tackles vs. #18 Wisconsin, including four solo stops and four assists . . . started at free safety in 48-31 win at Minnesota as defense allowed just 86 net rushing yards . . . six tackles at Minnesota, including three solo stops and three assists . . . started at free safety in 42-16 win at Indiana as defense allowed just 67 net rushing yards . . . led team with eight tackles at Indiana to match career high, including six solo stops and two assists . . . first interception of the year halted Indiana’s final drive, which he returned 19 yards, to go with one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 23-0 win over Maryland as defense allowed just 39 offensive plays and 115 yards total offense . . . led team with six tackles vs. Maryland, including three solo stops and three assists . . . started at free safety in 30-24 loss at #17 Penn State . . . recorded five tackles at Penn State, including two solo stops and three assists, along with one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 38-36 loss at Purdue . . . led team with career-best 10 tackles at Purdue, including eight solo stops and two assists, to go with second interception of the year in the red zone to stop a scoring threat . . . started at free safety in 14-10 loss to Northwestern . . . led team by matching career high with 10 tackles vs. Northwestern, including four solo stops and six assists, along with one pass interception . . . started at free safety in 63-0 win at Illinois, as defense allowed just 216 yards total offense . . . eight tackles at Illinois, including five solo stops and three assists, along with one tackle for loss . . . started at free safety in 31-28 win over Nebraska . . . matched career-high with 10 tackles vs. Nebraska, including five solo tackles and five assists . . . started at free safety in 27-22 Outback Bowl win over #18 Mississippi State . . . six tackles vs. MSU, including four solo stops and two assists . . . career-best four pass break-ups in bowl win, including break-up on MSU’s final offensive play in final minutes . . . pass interception in the eond zone and 28 yard return in fourth quarter to stop a MSU scoring threat, and leading to Iowa’s final field goal for 27-22 advantage.

    2017 Honors - - Academic All-Big Ten for second year . . . Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award . . . Next Man In Award, defense . . . 2017 - - Collected 58 total tackles, including 31 solo stops and 27 assists . . . also had three interceptions and six pass break-ups . . . started at free safety for first career start in 24-3 win over Wyoming as defense allowed just 233 yards total offense . . . recorded career-best four tackles, with two solo tackles and two assists, including one tackle for loss on a fourth down attempt, and one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 44-41 OT win at Iowa State . . . recorded career-best six tackles at Iowa State, includng four solo tackles and two assists, along with one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 31-14 win over North Texas, recording one solo tackle . . . saw action in 21-19 loss to #4 Penn Stare, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 17-10 loss at Michigan State, recording one assisted tackle . . . saw action in 45-16 win over Illinois, recording career-best two pass break-ups . . . started at free safety in 17-10 OT loss at Northwestern . . . matched career-best with six tackles at Northwestern, including five solo tackles and one assist . . . started at free safety in 17-10 win over Minnesota as defense allowed just 281 yards total offense . . . career-best eight tackles vs. Minnesota, with five solo stops and three assists . . . first career interception came in the end zone to stop a scoring threat, and he also added one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 55-24 win over #3 Ohio State . . . six tackles vs. Ohio State, including three solo stops and three assists . . . started at free safety in 38-14 loss at #6 Wisconsin . . . recorded six tackles at Wisconsin, including one solo tackle and five assists, along with second interception of the season . . . started at free safety in 24-15 loss to Purdue . . . seven tackles vs. Purdue, including three solo stops and four assists, with one tackle for loss and one pass break-up . . . started at free safety in 56-14 win at Nebraska as defense allowed 67 rushing yards and just 267 yards total offense . . . five tackles at Nebraska, including three solo stops and two assists . . . started at free safety in 27-20 Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College as defense allowed just 21 net rushing yards and 102 yards total offense in second half . . . matched career-high with eight tackles vs. Boston College, including four solo stops and four assists . . . collected interception and 29-yard return on third play of the game that led to opening field goal . . . also had one tackle for loss.

    2016 Honors - - Academic All-Big Ten . . . Team Hustle Award, special teams . . . Academic All-Big Ten . . . 2016 - - Saw action in all 13 games, primarily on special teams, recording four solo tackles . . . saw action in 45-21 win over Miami, recording two solo tackles . . . saw action in 42-3 win over Iowa State, but had no statistics as defense allowed just 291 yards total offense . . . saw action in 23-21 loss to North Dakota State, but had no statistics . . . saw action on special teams in 14-7 win at Rutgers, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 38-31 loss to Northwestern, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 14-7 win at Minnesota, but had no statistics as defense allowed just 102 net rushing yards and 268 yards total offense . . . saw action in 49-35 win at Purdue, but had no statistics as defense allowed just 47 net rushing yards . . . saw action in 17-9 loss to #10 Wisconsin, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 41-14 loss at #12 Penn State, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 14-13 win over #2 Michigan as defense allowed just 201 yards total offense . . . saw action in 28-0 win at Illinois, but had no statistics as defense allowed 61 rushing yards and 198 yards total offense . . . saw action in 40-10 win over #15 Nebraska, recording two solo tackles as defense allowed just 90 net rushing yards and 217 yards total offense . . . saw action in 30-3 Outback Bowl loss to #17 Florida, but had no statistics.

    2015 - - Saw first action of career in 31-14 win over Illinois State, but had no statistics as defense allowed 35 net rushing yards and 231 yards total offense . . . saw action in 31-17 win at Iowa State, but had no statistics as defense allowed no points and just 66 yards total offense in the second half . . . did not see action in 27-24 win over Pitt . . . saw action in 62-16 win over North Texas, recording one assisted tackle . . . did not see action in 10-6 win at Wisconsin . . . did not see action in 29-20 win over Illinois . . . did not see action in 40-10 win at Northwestern . . . did not see action in 31-15 win over Maryland . . . did not see action in 35-27 win at Indiana . . . saw action in 40-35 win over Minnesota, recording one solo tackle . . . saw action in 40-20 win over Purdue, but had no statistics . . . saw action in 28-20 win at Nebraska, but had no statistics . . . did not see action in 16-13 loss to Michigan State . . . did not see action in 45-16 Rose Bowl loss to Stanford.

    2014 - - Redshirted after joining the program as a walk-on.

    High school honors - - Named to Des Moines Register Elite all-state team as a defensive back as a senior . . . conference Player of the Year on offense and co-Player of the Year on defense as a senior . . . first team all-conference at quarterback and defensive back as a senior, along with honorable mention punter . . . Player of the Year and captain of All-Metro team as a senior . . . first team all-conference on defense as a junior and third team on offense . . . third team all-conference on defense as a sophomore . . . Career - - three-year letterman at defensive back, quarterback and punter . . . set school, conference and state records in Class 3A with 16 career interceptions . . . team captain as a senior . . . as a senior recorded 53.5 tackles, including 47 solo stops, and eight interceptions . . . on offense completed 73-149 pass attempts for 1,006 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing 150 times for 985 yards and seven scores . . . as a junior recorded 44.5 tackles and five interceptions, while completing 96-159 pass attempts for 1,268 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing 146 times for 946 yards and 11 touchdowns . . . collected 48.5 tackles and three interceptions as a sophomore, while rushing for 166 yards and passing for 85 yards . . . also enjoyed outstanding baseball career as a prep, while also earning varsity letters in basketball, wrestling and track . . . first team all-state in baseball as a senior by Iowa Newspaper Association, and named to coaches association 16-player Super Team . . . led team to Class 3A state championship . . . held .398 batting average, with 21 RBI and 33 stolen bases in 39 games . . . named Class 3A Baseball Player of the Year by Sports Spotlight.

    Personal - - Born 9/18/95 . . . finance major . . . parents are Sheila and Steve Gervase . . . high school coach was Wade King.

    https://hawkeyesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=11149