Jeremy Sprinkle
refer to caption
Sprinkle with the Washington Football Team in 2020
Personal information
Born: (1994-08-10) August 10, 1994 (age 29)
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:257 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:White Hall
College:Arkansas
Position:Tight end
NFL draft:2017 / Round: 5 / Pick: 154
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:37
Receiving yards:332
Receiving touchdowns:3
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Jeremy Sprinkle (born August 10, 1994) is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at Arkansas and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Early years

Sprinkle attended White Hall High School, where he was a two-way player at tight end and defensive end.[1] As a junior, he collected 10 receptions for 227 yards, 3 touchdowns, 73 tackles (25 for loss) and 15 sacks.

As a senior, he tallied 45 receptions for 841 yards, 6 touchdowns, 92 tackles and 14 sacks. He contributed to the team winning the 2011 5A Southeast Conference championship and reach its first state semifinal in 20 years. He received 2011 Arkansas Super Team and All-Southeast Arkansas honors.

He also practiced basketball and baseball.

College career

Sprinkle accepted a football scholarship from the University of Arkansas, where he played under head coaches John L. Smith and Bret Bielema.[2][3][4]

As a redshirt freshman in 2013, fellow classmate Hunter Henry received most of the targets at the tight end position. He appeared in all 12 games with two starts, making four receptions for 68 yards.[5]

As a sophomore in 2014, he was the third-string tight end behind Henry and senior A. J. Derby. He appeared in all 13 games, registering seven receptions for 84 yards and a receiving touchdown.[6]

As a junior in 2015, even though Henry recorded a majority of the production as the starter, Sprinkle had 27 receptions for 389 yards and led all Southeastern Conference tight ends with six receiving touchdowns.[7] All of his touchdowns came over the final seven contests of the season. He had three touchdown catches against Mississippi State University, tying the school's single-game record. He made 4 receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown against Kansas State University.

As a senior in 2016, with the departure of Henry to the 2016 NFL Draft, Sprinkle took over as the starter. He shared time with newcomer Austin Cantrell. He started 11 out of 12 games, making 33 receptions for 380 yards and fourtouchdowns (tied for second on the team).[8] He became the school's All-time leader for receiving touchdowns by a tight end with 11.

College statistics

Year School Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Avg TD
2013 Arkansas SEC FR TE 4 4 68 17.0 0
2014 Arkansas SEC SO TE 12 7 84 12.0 1
2015 Arkansas SEC JR TE 11 27 389 14.4 6
2016 Arkansas SEC SR TE 12 33 380 11.5 4
Career Arkansas 71 921 13.0 11

Professional career

Pre-draft

On November 28, 2016, it was announced that Sprinkle had accepted his invitation to play in the 2017 Senior Bowl, along with Arkansas' punter Toby Baker.[9] On January 28, 2017, Sprinkle played in the Senior Bowl and caught one 18-yard pass from Pitts's Nathan Peterman. He was a part of Chicago Bears head coach John Fox's North team, who lost 16-15 to the South.[10]

Sprinkle was one of 19 tight ends who received an invitation to participate at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.[11] Sprinkle performed the majority of drills and had a mediocre performance, finishing 14th among tight ends in the vertical jump and 10th in the 40-yard dash and broad jump.[12] On March 15, 2017, Sprinkle opted to participate at Arkansas' pro day, along with Cody Hollister, Dan Skipper, Jeremiah Ledbetter, and 13 other prospects.[13] Sprinkle chose to perform all of his combine drills after his showing at the combine was lackluster. He successfully had better times and measures in all of them.

At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Sprinkle was projected to be a fourth or fifth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the fifth best tight end in the draft by NFL analyst Gil Brandt, the eighth best tight end by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and the 11th best tight end prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[14][15][16]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+7⁄8 in
(1.95 m) 		252 lb
(114 kg) 		34+1⁄2 in
(0.88 m) 		10+3⁄4 in
(0.27 m)		 4.69 s 1.67 s 2.74 s 4.53 s 7.10 s 29 in
(0.74 m)		 9 ft 8 in
(2.95 m)		 15 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Arkansas' Pro Day[17]

Washington Redskins / Football Team

Sprinkle in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019.

Sprinkle was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.[18][19] On May 11, 2017, Sprinkle signed his four-year rookie contract, worth US$2.67 million contract.[20] Throughout training camp, Sprinkle competed for a roster spot with Niles Paul and Derek Carrier.[21] Head coach Jay Gruden named him the fourth tight end on the depth chart to start the regular season, behind veterans Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, and Niles Paul.[22]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start during a Week 3 matchup against the Oakland Raiders after being inactive for the first two games. Sprinkle earned the start after Reed suffered a hamstring injury and was unable to play.[23] Although he was held without a catch, the Redskins went on to win 27-10.[24] Sprinkle was a healthy scratch from Weeks 6-8 after Reed returned from injury.[25] He was activated by the Redskins in Week 9 after Reed aggravated his hamstring injury. On November 19, 2017, Sprinkle caught his first career reception on a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins during Washington's 34-31 loss at the New Orleans Saints.[26] Overall, he played in 11 games in his rookie season and recorded two receptions for 13 yards and a touchdown.[27]

In the 2018 season, he appeared in all 16 games with nine starts, posting five receptions for 41 yards, one touchdown and a 6-yard kickoff return.[28] In the 2019 season, he appeared in all 16 games with 13 starts, registering 26 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown.[29] In the 2020 season, he appeared in 16 games and started six and contributed on special teams.[30]

Dallas Cowboys

Sprinkle with the Cowboys in 2021.

On April 7, 2021, Sprinkle signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, with the intention of being used as a blocking tight end.[31] He was released on August 31, 2021, and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[32][33] He was promoted to the active roster on October 16.[34] He played in all 17 games - the fourth straight season he appeared in each game - and started four, seeing most of his time as a second and third tight end and on special teams. He totaled 3 receptions for 31 yards and 3 special teams tackles.[35]

On March 15, 2022, Sprinkle re-signed with the Cowboys.[36] In training camp, he fell on the depth chart behind rookies Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot. He was placed on injured reserve with an Achilles injury on August 23.[37] He was released with an injury settlement on August 26, 2022.[38]

Professional statistics

Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2017 WAS 11 5 2 13 6.5 7 1 0 0
2018 WAS 16 9 5 41 8.2 15 1 0 0
2019 WAS 16 13 26 241 9.3 23 1 1 0
2020 WAS 16 6 1 6 6.0 6 0 0 0
Career 59 33 34 301 8.9 23 3 1 0

Personal life

On December 27, 2016, Sprinkle was involved in a shoplifting incident during a Belk Bowl sponsored event in Charlotte, North Carolina. Players from Virginia Tech and Arkansas, who were playing in the upcoming Belk Bowl, were each given a Fossil watch, a $450 gift card, and 90 minutes to shop at a Belk store in the SouthPark Mall.[39] Sprinkle concealed eight items worth an estimated $260 from his bag and attempted to steal the items. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the incident. He was released later that night after being cited for unlawful concealment. He was suspended two hours before the 2016 Belk Bowl.[40][41][42]

References

  1. ^ Groomes, Barry (November 17, 2011). "Recruiting: Lakeside's Holley and White Hall's Sprinkle on same field Friday night". hootens.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  2. ^ Swofford, Bobby (April 29, 2017). "Jeremy Sprinkle Drafted By The Redskins". Fort Smith/Fayetteville News. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  3. ^ "Weight room, dad credited for Sprinkle's improvement". The Baxter Bulletin. July 15, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  4. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  5. ^ "2013 Arkansas Razorbacks Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  6. ^ "2014 Arkansas Razorbacks Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  7. ^ "2015 Arkansas Razorbacks Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  8. ^ "2016 Arkansas Razorbacks Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  9. ^ Shadid, Trent (November 28, 2016). "Arkansas TE Jeremy Sprinkle accepts Senior Bowl invite". SEC Country. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  10. ^ Jones, Matt (January 29, 2017). "How Arkansas players fared in the Senior Bowl". wholehogsports.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  11. ^ "2017 NFL Combine Results". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  12. ^ Lyles, Harry (March 5, 2017). "NFL Combine results 2017: Full tight end numbers". SBnation.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  13. ^ Langlois, Brandon (March 16, 2017). "Hogs Host Annual Pro Day". ArkansasRazorbacks.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  14. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle, DS #11 TE, Arkansas". nfldraftscout.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  15. ^ Brandt, Gil (April 17, 2017). "Hot 150: Gil Brandt's top prospects for 2017 NFL Draft (51-100)". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  16. ^ Mayock, Mike (April 25, 2017). "Mike Mayock's 2017 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2017.
  17. ^ "NFL Draft Profile: Jeremy Sprinkle". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 28, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  18. ^ "Notes On Redskins Fifth-Round Pick Jeremy Sprinkle". Redskins.com. April 29, 2017. Archived from the original on May 2, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  19. ^ Jones, Mike (April 29, 2017). "Redskins add tight end Jeremy Sprinkle in fifth round". Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 30, 2017. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  20. ^ "Spotrac.com: Jeremy Sprinkle contract". Spotrac.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  21. ^ Finley, J. P. (August 22, 2017). "Redskins Playbook: Niles Paul forcing a fourth tight end roster spot?". NBCSports.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  22. ^ "Washington Redskins Depth Chart Archive". www.ourlads.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  23. ^ Manalastas, Russell (October 31, 2017). "Injury outlook for Jordan Reed, Chris Hogan". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  24. ^ "Oakland Raiders at Washington Redskins - September 24th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  25. ^ "Announcement Of Inactives (10.15.17)". Redskins.com. October 15, 2017. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  26. ^ "Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints - November 19th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  27. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  28. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  29. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  30. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle 2020 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  31. ^ Eatman, Nick (April 7, 2021). "Cowboys Add Free-Agent TE Jeremy Sprinkle". DallasCowboys.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  32. ^ Phillips, Rob (August 31, 2021). "Cowboys Make 28 Moves; Roster Cut Down To 53". DallasCowboys.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  33. ^ Phillips, Rob (September 1, 2021). "QB Ben DiNucci Among Practice Squad Additions". DallasCowboys.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  34. ^ Ryle, Tom (October 16, 2021). "Cowboys roster moves: Two signed from practice squad, one waived, Tyron Smith expected to play". Blogging the Boys. SB Nation. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  35. ^ "Jeremy Sprinkle 2021 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  36. ^ Burnett, Cameron (March 15, 2022). "Cowboys, reserve TE Jeremy Sprinkle agree on one-year deal". Cowboys Wire. USA Today. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  37. ^ Eatman, Nick (August 23, 2022). "Cowboys Cut Kicker; Roster Trimmed Down to 80". DallasCowboys.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  38. ^ Bouda, Nate (August 26, 2022). "Cowboys Release TE Jeremy Sprinkle From IR With Settlement". NFLTradeRumors.co. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  39. ^ "Arkansas' Jeremy Sprinkle sorry after being suspended for shoplifting at bowl sponsor". ESPN.com. December 30, 2016. Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  40. ^ "Sprinkle Suspended From Belk Bowl". KLRT - FOX16.com. December 29, 2016. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  41. ^ Ashoff, Edward (December 30, 2016). "Razorbacks' Jeremy Sprinkle tried to take more items than allowed". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  42. ^ Murphy, Tom; Jones, Matt (December 29, 2016). "Jeremy Sprinkle suspended for Belk Bowl after cited in shoplifting case". Arkansas Online. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2023.

External links

Washington Redskins 2017 NFL Draft selections
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