2021 NFL Draft: Rutgers RB Isaih Pacheco deserves your attention

2 of 5

2021 NFL Draft prospect Isaih Pacheco. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

Overcoming tragedy and added fuel to his fire

A former three-star recruit out of New Jersey, Pacheco opted to stay close to home with Rutgers despite receiving offers from Connecticut, Pitt, and Syracuse as well. One reason why he chose to stay close to home? His bond with his mother as they have gone through familial tragedy together.

No one can imagine the loss Pacheco and his mother have gone through as he has suffered the loss of not only an older brother, but his sister who he considered his best friend, to murder. After scoring his first touchdown as a Scarlet Knight where his mother was present, the first thing Pacheco did was jog to the corner of the endzone and blow a kiss to his mother.

Pacheco described his pregame ritual, and the purpose and power his lost love ones play in his fire for the sport of football:

More from With the First Pick

"“I’ll say a few prayers for my sister and my brother and a couple of people who passed in my life… And then I just put everything on the line for my family in the stands” (via NJ.com)"

The Rutgers’ running back has already overcome a ton of tragedy, but chooses to use the sport of football as a way to honor his lost siblings, using their memories as a form of fire and drive. A player like Pacheco is so easy to root for, and as he may be looking to land with the a professional team via the 2021 NFL Draft. Watch out for Pacheco as he looks to take his game to another level under Schiano in his return to the Scarlet Knights.

Home/NFL Draft Sleepers