It’s not easy to overlook 6-foot-3, 233 pound wide receivers, but it happened once with the University of Louisiana-Monroe’s Je’Ron Hamm. Pro Player Insiders’ Melissa Mahler talked to Je’Ron Hamm at this year’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles.
Hamm was an all-district performer at Leesville, but drew little attention in the recruiting world. He received only one offer out of Leesville High School in Leesville, Louisiana – that offer was the University of Louisiana-Monroe. The Warhawks were looking for a replacement for graduating LaGregory Sapp.
Hamm proved to be a wise choice and immediately made an impact, appearing in all 12 games including making 2 starts to close the season. He was a big play receiver grabbing 8 passes for 111 yards (13.9 yards per reception) with one TD catch.
He really dedicated himself heading into his junior season – adding 15 pounds and decreasing his 40 time. The effort paid off in his first contest of the season as he ran by and over Arkansas defenders on his way to a six catch, 92 yard performance. Hamm’s success would continue through his junior season – averaging nearly 15 yards per reception.
Hamm’s goal is to play for the NFL, so as soon as he got his invite to play in the NFLPA Collegiate bowl this year, he was online registering for the opportunity. His experience taught him several things that make the difference between college and pro level football. Hamm knew this was an opportunity to help prepare him for a future career in the NFL.
Speed is normally the thing players notice the biggest difference in, Hamm agrees “the full speed, all the time is something I really picked up and adapted to that is beneficial. Coach Bobby (Sanders) told us to get low and explode out. That helps us with the speed and gaining ground on the corners.”
Hamm knows the scouts are watching and notes what he has to offer a team, “My speed, size, and versatility, they can use me as a receiver, tight end, front line, kick off, front team, they even had me playing gunner and I did pretty good.”
Although football is his life Hamm takes time to play drums for his church choir but sometimes watches video and jams out to different types of music.
We will keep an eye out for Hammy, Hambone, Hammer or any other different name his teammates find to call him, as he sees his future very clearly,” On the field on Sunday making plays, learning, becoming a better player, better leader, better man, getting that experience and having a long career in the NFL.”
Follow Melissa on Twitter @Melissa_PPI
