Going from junior college to Division One is an accomplishment many student-athletes only dream of. In the case of first-year UNLV wide receiver Jacob De Jesus, his whirlwind story of being an overlooked JUCO product suddenly primed for a huge debut season with the Rebels is a testament to hard work.
 
Standing just 5-foot-7, the speedy ball-catcher began his college career at Modesto Junior College in California. As a freshman, he produced 1,243 all-purpose yards and was named all-conference and his league's All-Purpose Player of the Year.
 
Going into his sophomore season De Jesus' production didn't slow, as he hauled in 64 passes for 914 yards and five touchdowns while rushing 26 times for 117 yards and another score. De Jesus was a major contributor in MJC winning a share of the league championship and a berth to the Northern California Football Conference playoffs. He was named First Team JC Athletic Bureau CCCFCA All-American, First Team All-Region honoree and the Valley Conference Most Valuable Offensive Player as a sophomore.
 
The Manteca, California, native had plenty of success at the JUCO level and looked for an even bigger opportunity by transferring to UNLV in December and competing in spring practice with the Rebels. De Jesus did not take long to start turning heads and became one of the most electrifying weapons in the Rebel offense, highlighted by a big performance in the spring game.
 
"I've adjusted well going from JUCO to the D1 level," said De Jesus. "It's a little different, definitely a lot faster but it's still football at the end of the day and I think I've adjusted well to it."
 
His spring game success was not limited to just the game itself. After an impressive Spring Showcase at Allegiant Stadium, which included a 20-yard touchdown reception, De Jesus got engaged on the field in front of thousands of fans. His teammates even helped with the marriage proposal (which his now-fiancee Kirsten said YES! to).
 
De Jesus's consistency throughout spring practice has carried over into the fall, as he looks to be a main contributor in offensive coordinator Brennan Marion's new Go-Go offense as well as on special teams.
 
"The springtime was a learning experience for me, getting used to the different level coming from JUCO, it took some time for me to get used to it and now in the fall I feel like a veteran. I know the playbook better, I know how the defenses align better, and understanding how to play my role better."
 
He's certainly created a fan across the ball in one of the team's best defenders.
 
"Jacob is the quickest wide receiver I've ever seen, the quickest I've ever guarded, he's easily the fastest," said veteran defensive back Jerrae Williams.
 
Despite still awaiting his first FBS game, De Jesus has already come a long way from his JUCO days, mentioning the culture of UNLV is different than anything he's ever experienced.
 
"Stretching is way different here. Eating three meals a day here, it's something I didn't do back in JUCO. Also, we have a lot of meetings here. We're just doing a lot more professional things, we're doing things that the NFL is doing and it's really good."
 
Asked about his relationship with starting quarterback Doug Brumfield, De Jesus was all smiles.
 
"I feel like we have a really good rhythm going on. He's really been connecting with me and all the other receivers so I'm excited."
 
The Rebels kick off their 2023 season at home on Sept. 2 against Bryant University. Season tickets for UNLV's six-game home schedule, priced starting at just $150, are available now by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS (3267). For information on VIP premium club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Rebel Athletic Fund's Premium Sales Division at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 895-1237. Single-game tickets are also now on sale.