DAVIS, Calif. -- As the UC Davis winter practice season nears the end, we also wrap up our series introducing Aggie fans to unsung heroes and up-and-comers within the football program. On a team of more than 100 student-athletes playing a variety of roles, some players are relative unknowns to even the most ardent followers. Once again, we highlight one player from each position group who UC Davis football fans should get to know.
Today, we head to the cornerbacks room to profile Jehiel Budgett, a first-year exploratory student from Elk Grove.
WHY AGGIE FANS MIGHT NOT KNOW HIM:
A former tailback and defensive back who helped Monterey Trail High School to a 12-1 record in 2018, Budgett largely preserved first year of eligibility, staying under the maximum four games to redshirt the 2019 season. Furthermore, the Aggie cornerbacks unit already had a large sophomore class in the form of Devon King, Jordan Perryman, Amir Knox and Jaylin White; and fielded just one senior, Brandyn Lee.
WHY AGGIE FANS SHOULD KNOW HIM:
Budgett was one of three recipients for the George Belenis Award for Scout Team Players of the Year, along with quarterback Trent Tompkins and linebacker Earl English. This award is rich in its history of forecasting future stars, with Chris Carter, Tony Kays, Josh Anstey, Robby Flannery, Nick Eaton and Ulonzo Gilliam being just a few of its many past winners.
When White and Knox sustained injuries during the middle part of the season, Budgett was called into action with his debut against eventual national champion North Dakota State, then earned the starting job versus Montana a week later. His trio of corner teammates eventually made it back to action, but Budgett showed his ability to step up in a moment's notice and perform at a high level – literally the highest levels of FCS football.
ACCORDING TO CHA'PELLE BROWN, CORNERBACKS COACH
"The first thing he brings to our group is physicality. Everything he wants to do is get his hands on somebody. He has a great attitude, always wants to compete. If you take him out after he's done something well, he'll be a little bit upset with you and be ready to go for the next time. That's a good problem to have. He's a guy who is competitive and wants to get in there to be the best version of himself."
ABOUT UC DAVIS: Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley. The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation according to the Wall Street Journal, and among the top 10 public universities nationwide according to U.S. News and World Report, UC Davis offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.
AGGIE EVO: Established in 2017-18, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation. Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis. Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
MARYA WELCH INITIATIVE: Named after the former physical education instructor, coach and Dean of Women who founded women's sports on the campus 25 years before the passage of Title IX, the Marya Welch Initiative for Women's Athletics provides comprehensive support for UC Davis' 16 women's athletics programs. Through the support of the Marya Welch Initiative and its group members, student-athletes are provided the best possible opportunity to succeed inside the classroom, and in competition, through special project gifts and by increasing visibility and participation at women's events throughout the year. All gifts to the Marya Welch Initiative are matched 1:1, doubling the impact on our women's programs. Visit this site for more information.
DON'T MISS OUT: Tickets for all UC Davis sports are on sale by contacting the Athletics Ticket Office at (530) 752-AGS1 or by visiting us online at tickets.ucdavis.edu.
