Jontre Kirklin chases NFL dream with hometown Saints

New Orleans Saints roster hopeful Jontre Kirklin has had an event-filled football career already.

A storied heroic figure for the Lutcher Bulldogs, he threw for 7,500 yards while running for an additional 3,000 and scored 147 total touchdowns. Kirklin led Lutcher to LHSAA Class 3A titles as a junior and a senior.

When it came to deciding on a college, the dual-threat was set to stay in-state. Tulane, Nicholls and LSU were his only options.

After selecting LSU, he discovered he was entering foreign territory with the talent-rich Tigers. After being a star in high school, he would have to find the role in college that would fit him.

His sophomore season (2018) saw him split time at wide receiver and defensive back during his 12 appearances. As a junior, he managed a pair of catches for 75 yards, adding three special teams tackles including one in LSU’s national championship win over Clemson. In 2020, Kirklin snared 13 passes for 184 yards, scoring the first three touchdowns ofhis college career.

His very first college football score came Oct. 3, 2020 on the road in Nashville against Vanderbilt. The 28-yard scoring pass from Myles Brennan was a thrill he did not have to wait long to replicate. Two quarters later, Kirklin again hooked up with Brennan on 29-yard touchdown a 41-7 win.

With his LSU career winding down, Jontre appeared in his 55th game in Tiger stripes in an entirely different, yet familiar role.

Once again as a starting quarterback, Kirklin faced an unenviable task against Kansas State in the Texas Bowl. LSU was transitioning in leadership from Ed Orgeron’s departure and Brian Kelly’s arrival. The Tigers took less than 40 available scholarship players to Houston to face the Wildcats.

Brennan and backup walk-on quarterback Matt O’Dowd were out due to injury. Freshman Garrett Nussmeier chose not to burn his redshirt season by playing in what would have been his fifth game of the season.

Always a team player, Kirklin was more than ready to embrace the unexpected challenge.

“It made me tear up. It was a dream come true to even play at LSU and to play quarterback and start for an entire game,” Kirklin recalled. “It was a shock when they told me. I knew before anyone else, I just kept it on the hush.”

LSU fell 42-20 but Kirklin managed three touchdown passes. More importantly, he represented the program and his state with distinction. The three touchdown passes matched former notable LSU passers Rohan Davey, Bert Jones, Tommy Hodson and Jordan Jefferson in bowl efforts. Not bad for a guy who had not played quarterback in a game for six years.

Current LSU offensive coach Brad Davis served as the Tigers interim head coach for the bowl game.

“In terms of the heart and effort that he gave,” said Davis. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

However, with his college days complete, it was clear his pro future would be at receiver.

Being such a versatile athlete, it is no surprise Kirklin chose to model his game off of a similar type of playmaker who can do it all.

“I liked Deebo Samuel, a dual threat guy who can do it anywhere on the field. Someone who can play offense, defense, wide receiver or quarterback,” noted Kirklin about the All-Pro with the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite posting excellent numbers on LSU’s Pro Day with a 4.52 40-yard dash, an elite 43″ vertical and an 11’5″ standing long jump, the 6-foot, 186 pounder did not hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent.

Kirklin caught a pair of touchdowns during the 2022 preseason and was headed for the Cardinals practice squad. Then things took a downward turn.

“I got a DUI, I was released,” Kirklin stated. “I’ve moved on, I’ve learned from it. I was signed to the practice squad and was getting comfortable. Now it’s been an entire year. I’m focused. It’s been a roller coaster.”

He had a brief stopover with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL, where he played alongside former LSU teammate Glen Logan. The Roughnecks were led by former Saints coach Wade Phillips. A torn pectoral muscle limited Kirklin to five games.

After receiving calls from the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants that did not lead to a new NFL opportunity, the hometown Saints gave him a chance this month to compete in training camp.

“I will learn the entire playbook,” Kirklin stated with his voice showing his excitement. “I’m ready. Wherever they need me. Special teams, I want a shot at all phases. It doesn’t matter. I love special teams. That is the way to make a team. If you’re not the one, two or three receiver, the way to get on the field is special teams.”

Playing in the high octane offense LSU rode to the 2019 national title afforded Kirklin a taste of the New Orleans playbook. LSU’s passing attack was structured by LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady, who came to Baton Rouge from the Saints.

“I give a big shout out to Joe Brady. We had a little of this offense at LSU. It’s similar to LSU. I’m able to catch on a little faster.”

The return home has a bittersweet tone due to a big absence for Kirklin. A big supporter is missing with the passing of his father on April 4.

“I lost my pops four months ago. It’s hard because I wanted to celebrate this homecoming with him,” Kirklin said. “It makes me emotional just thinking about it.”

Still, the thrill of playing ‘at home’ is there.

“It’s great to be home with the fans and having some former LSU teammates around. Being with veterans Derek Carr and Mike Thomas. We always watched the Saints, especially the Super Bowl. It’s a dream to be here. My pops is dancing in heaven right now.”

Kirklin wants to make it with the Saints and make his mark on the field and in the community as well.

“It’s an opportunity and a blessing. I want to be a super role model for the young bucks. Back home they look up to me. Two high school state titles, a National Championship. it’s important to me and it’s important to the people back home that I succeed. It’s been a blessing from God that I’m home again.”

If Jontre Kirklin makes the team, his built-in motivation will be a huge reason why.