Quick Facts
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Jimmy Staten IV (born May 4, 1991) is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Middle Tennessee.
High school career
Staten attended Ware County High School in Waycross, Georgia. In the 2008 season, his senior year, he amassed 87 tackles, as well as lettering in track and field and making the shot put state finals. He earned all-state honors (and All-Region 2-AAAA) his junior and senior years. He received scholarship offers from seven D-1 schools, including Auburn, Clemson, and South Carolina, but ultimately decided to play for Rick Stockstill and the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.
College career
After redshirting the 2009 season, he played in 13 games in the 2010 season, playing 189 snaps. He had 5 tackles. The following season, Staten was given more playing time. He started in all 12 games, and in 615 snaps he racked up 29 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and a sack.While starting all 12 games in the 2012 season, Staten finished the year with 36 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a QB hurry in 535 snaps.
In 2013, Staten was voted the team captain for the Blue Raiders. In his 12 games and 467 snaps, he recorded 30 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and two QB hurries in his final season. He earned All-Conference USA honorable mention honors after the season.
Professional career
2014 Draft
After being projected as a seventh round pick or free agent, Staten was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round (172nd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. Staten was sitting in his college graduation ceremony at Murphy Center when he received the phone call from Seattle indicating that they were going to draft him.
Seattle Seahawks
Staten was signed to a rookie contract with Seattle on May 16, 2014, along with Eric Pinkins (sixth round) and Kiero Small (seventh round). On August 17, 2015, he was waived by the Seahawks.
New York Giants
On August 19, 2015, Staten was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. On September 1, 2015, he was waived by the Giants.
New England Patriots
On September 7, 2015, the New England Patriots signed Staten to their practice squad. On September 16, 2015, he was released by the Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs
On September 30, 2015, Staten was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. On January 18, 2016, the Chiefs signed Staten to a future/reserve contract. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Chiefs.
Chicago Bears
On September 14, 2016, Staten was signed to the Bears' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 19, 2016 but was released two days later and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on December 27, 2016.