How Jevon McIver went from a D2 walk-on to a key contributor for TCU football
TCU cornerback Jevon McIver Jr. always knew he could play at the Power Four conference level, he just needed an opportunity.
His path to Fort Worth was unconventional, but that allowed him to come to TCU with a hunger and focus. McIver started his career as a walk-on at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne in 2021.
After playing in 10 games in 2022, McIver moved up a level to Austin Peay at the FCS level where he became an all-conference selection and helped the Governors reach the FCS playoffs.
His performance there put him on the radar of the TCU coaching staff and he would soon transfer to the Horned Frogs as an under the radar signee.
After mostly being a reserve, McIver’s role increased in the final five games of the season and he finished third on the team in pass breakups with five with his best performance coming against Oklahoma State when he had four tackles and a pass break up. Last season provided McIver the confirmation he needed that he belonged in the Big 12.
“In my (the season) went good, better than I expected,” McIver said earlier this off-season. “I just came in here to earn my respect and I felt I did that. I suffered a high ankle sprain in the first five games, but the last five games I came in and my role increased every week. I expect to have a bigger role this year and just keep playing my game.”
You never know how a player making the jump up from FCS will adjust to playing in a conference like the Big 12 or SEC. For McIver it wasn’t the physical part that was the most challenging.
“I would say it was not being able to get away with just talent,” McIver said. “You’re not the only 6-foot-2 corner or the only 6’2 receiver. There’s 4.4 receivers, 4.3 receivers. There’s real schemes, they pay attention to how you step on one route or how you move on another.
“Just the intentionality, there’s levels to it. The levels of staff, the levels of seriousness, offensive coordinators are really scheming. It’s way more detailed.”
McIver is fully adjusted now physically and mentally and was one of TCU’s top performers during spring camp. The 6’2 corner got all of the first team reps with players like Avery Helm, Vernon Glover and Washington transfer corner Elijah Jackson all sidelined.
But McIver wasn’t just in that position because of a lack of bodies, it’s also because of his skill set. McIver guarded Eric McAlister on many reps and held his own against one of the top returning receivers in the Big 12.
He broke up a touchdown pass to McAlister earlier in camp, picked off Ken Seals in another practice and even had a sack as he showcased his versatility.
Even when all those players return McIver projects to be in the two-deep with Helm and Channing Canada competing for the starting corner spots.
The fact that McIver is even in the running to start for a Big 12 team coming off a nine win is a special achievement for a player that started his career playing for school with less than 3,000 students.
“It means everything to me, I just want to thank God for everything,” McIver said. “I prayed so hard to be here, there were so many long nights. I want to thank my mom, because she never gave up on me. I just want to show people what hard work gets you. I never gave up, I always bet on myself and I always knew what I could do.
“I just feel like this is going to be the best year yet.”
