3 small-school prospects the NY Jets could target in the 2022 NFL Draft

3. Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State

While attending John L. McClellan High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pierre Strong Jr. amassed 4,268 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns in his last two seasons. He also earned 5A Offensive Player of the Year honors as a senior.

Strong chose to enroll at South Dakota State and was nothing short of spectacular for the Jackrabbits. At 5 foot-11 and 202 pounds the quintessential power back rushed for over 1,000 yards in three separate seasons and compiled a total of over 3,500 rushing yards for his career.

Strong's best season came in 2021 as he rushed for 1,489 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was selected to the AFCA FCS Coaches All-American first-team for his efforts.

Strong is a very powerful back who quite simply runs over people. He is not the type of back that can be taken down by an arm tackle. Strong also has a nose for the end zone as demonstrated by his 35 touchdowns scored at South Dakota State.

Strong is built low to the ground which only enhances his running ability that much more. Strong showed his speed at the NFL Combine as well by running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash.

He will not be initially viewed as an every-down back but does have decent hands and shows patience in waiting for holes to develop.

With Michael Carter and Tevin Coleman already in the mix, Pierre Strong could be a nice compliment to both as a short-yardage and goal-line option.

General manager Joe Douglas likes his fourth-round running backs and Strong could provide the missing piece needed for the Jets in their running back by committee offense.