Jerome in search of new NFL home

Former Taravella star has faced challenges

Taravella graduate Lorenzo Jerome has faced tough odds for most of his football career.

As a freshman at St. Francis University, he had to deal with transitioning from quarterback to safety. After graduation, he faced the challenging obstacles of impressing NFL scouts despite playing at a small school.

So the task of finding another team after being released by the San Francisco 49ers is just the latest roadblock.

“Just staying level-headed and staying humble and giving it God,” Jerome said of his attitude. “I’m just staying patient. Hopefully, training camp comes in August, and somebody calls my agent and give me an opportunity to perform.”

Jerome, 23, was released by the 49ers last October. He recorded three tackles in three games after making the team as an undrafted free agent.

“He had hung on for the first three games, and he kind of was stunned because they picked up a free-agent corner,” said Dan Marguriet, who coached Jerome at Taravella. “He was the odd man out. He got let go in a tough way. I could understand why he’s feeling upset. But he’s the type of guy who will just keep trying until he does he make it. He’ll go play wherever, whether it’s the NFL or in Canada.”

Jerome, who is the first player from St. Francis to play in the

NFL since 1952, was one of the feel-good stories during training camp and preseason because of the way he worked his way up the depth chart.

“My first day of minicamp actually I caught an interception,” Jerome said. “My technique is to be a ball hawk and read plays before they happen. I caught a pick and they were like, ‘This guy is serious.’ I had a chip on my shoulder going in, and I went in and performed like I always do.”

St. Francis coach Chris Villarrial is confident Jerome will get another opportunity. He saw up close how Jerome made the smooth transition from quarterback and became one of the team’s top defenders.

In college, Jerome had 18 interceptions in four seasons and also scored four touchdowns on punt and kickoff returns.

“He didn’t like being beat,” Villarrial said recently to NBCSports.com. “If he did get beat, he’d be the first one in the film room asking the coaches why this happened. He was always rallying the troops. He was a student of the game. He’d study the game. You saw so many things in him. He never got flustered that he could not respond back.”

Last season Jerome had a workout with the New England Patriots and last week auditioned for Philadelphia Eagles. He is still recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn meniscus but rehabbing daily at XPE Sports in Boca Raton.

“My agent said, ‘Let’s get you healthy, let’s see what happens afterward,’ ” Jerome said. “If the 49ers take me back, I would love to go back, but if another team knocks on my door I’ll take that opportunity as well.”

A dream scenario would be for Jerome to sign with the Dolphins, who have yet to express interest. It would make it easier for family to see him play.

“I’d love to play at home, for my family,” Jerome said. “My dad has high blood pressure so he really can’t travel. It would be perfect for him to see me play because he’s never seen me in an NFL game. If they knock on my door, I’d definitely take that opportunity.”

While searching for his next team, Jerome is just thankful that he is even in the position. He said the adversity has helped him become a better person.

“You learn from it, you grow from it,” Lorenzo said. “The setback that I’m having is probably the best thing that God has done for me. My first year was good. It was rough but I learned from it. I had fun and I learned that I’m gaining wisdom as I continue my career.”