Two wide receivers from the Holy Cross football program signed as undrafted free agents following the 2024 NFL Draft. Jalen Coker signed with the Carolina Panthers, while Ayir Asante signed with the New York Giants. 

An All-America first team honoree by Stats Perform, the Associated Press and FCS Football Central in 2023, Coker ranked fifth in the nation in receiving yards, totaling 1,040 yards, and led the nation with 15 touchdown receptions in his senior season. His 2023 senior season earned him All-ECAC and All-New England recognition, in addition to his third All-Patriot League selection. His 15 touchdown receptions were the most in single-season program history, one of many program records he broke in his 2023 season. 

Coker appeared in 39 games over his four year career at Holy Cross and became the program's all-time leader in career touchdown receptions and receiving yards. He totaled 31 touchdowns and 2,715 reception yards throughout his four seasons at Holy Cross. Coker finished his career at Holy Cross with four Patriot League Championships and was a finalist for the 2023 Walter Payton Award as the only wide receiver to finish in the top 10 in voting. 

"I'm grateful," Coker said. "All I have ever wanted — and needed — was an opportunity."

Asante, a 2023 graduate of Holy Cross who played a fifth year at the University of Wyoming, played in 40 games for Holy Cross from 2019 to 2022, totaling 1,718 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, which ranked in the top 10 in program history at the time of his graduation. Asante started his career at Holy Cross with a strong freshman year, with 697 receiving yards and six touchdowns to earn Hero Sports Freshman All-America honors. 

Throughout his time on The Hill, Asante earned All-Patriot League honors three times. 

"I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to play for the New York Giants," Asante said. "I want to thank everyone for their unwavering support over the last five years. It has meant the world to me and my family — I'm going to make everyone proud!"

Coker and Asante earn NFL opportunities alongside offensive guard C.J. Hanson, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2024 Draft. 

Don't miss out on your chance to catch the five-time defending Patriot League champion Holy Cross football team in action this fall — season ticket memberships for the 2024 campaign are on sale NOW! To renew or purchase season ticket memberships, fans can visit the Holy Cross ticket website, call or text 1-844-GO-CROSS, or email tickets@holycross.edu.

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