NY Jets sign local Monmouth product, RB Pete Guerriero

NY Jets (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
NY Jets (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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The NY Jets have signed local Monmouth product, running back Pete Guerriero.

The NY Jets have decided to add a little local flair to their roster with the announcement that they’ve signed former Monmouth running back, Pete Guerriero.

The Jets announced that they had released another fellow New Jersey native, safety Anthony Cioffi, in a corresponding move thus marking the second time that Cioffi had been released in the past week.

Cioffi was originally brought back following an injury to backup safety Matthias Farley, but with Farley seemingly healthy again, the Jets have opted to use that roster spot in a different way.

In steps Guerriero who led the FCS in rushing last season with a whopping 1,995 yards and 18 touchdowns on 298 carries for an average of 6.7 yards per attempt. Those are monstrous numbers, even at the collegiate level.

The pride of Lyndhurst High School, Guerriero grew up around 30 minutes away from what would become the Jets’ eventual home in Florham Park. And after dominating in high school, he took that dominance to a new level in college.

Guerriero finished his collegiate career fourth in Monmouth history with 3,974 rushing yards on top of impressing as a standout kick returner and winning multiple championships in track and field.

At just 5-foot-9, 196 pounds, Guerriero was undoubtedly overlooked during draft season. His slight stature combined with his small-school background made it difficult for him to get noticed — especially in a COVID-19-filled world.

But the Jets are giving him a shot and it’s easy to see why.

Pete Guerriero has a chance to stick around with his hometown NY Jets.

Guerriero was clocked at a 4.47 40-yard dash time during his pro day in March which would have ranked fifth among all running backs in this year’s draft. On top of that, he put up very respectable numbers on the bench press with 18 reps — particularly impressive for someone his size.

He’s a good athlete and with production like that in college, he was always bound to get at least one or two looks in the NFL. Now, he’s being given a golden opportunity to make an impression with his hometown team.

The Jets already have three running backs locked into the 53-man roster in Le’Veon Bell, Frank Gore, and La’Mical Perine. If they choose to carry four, Josh Adams is Guerriero’s only competition for that spot.

While a spot on the final roster is unlikely, Guerriero could earn his way on to the practice squad if he could impress enough.

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Ultimately, it’s hard not to root for a guy like Pete Guerriero. Here’s to hoping he could find success with the Jets and stick around with the team in some fashion.