Patriots EDGE Gabe Jacas credits wrestling roots for pass-rush success

Gabe Jacas' game includes a lot of physicality, and much of that comes from another sport.

A two-time wrestling state champion, Jacas was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round with the 55th overall pick, filling a major roster need.

And after the selection was made and he was officially named the newest member of New England, he detailed how his wrestling background in high school impacted him and his ability as a pass rusher.

“Wrestling helped a lot," Jacas said. "You know, I wrestled for four years in high school, and just to say, like, the ability to, you know, being low, having leverage, using your hands, fighting, those all keyed into football.

"Wrestling has a lot of trade over into football, especially with hand fighting. Especially at this position on the edge, you got to use your hands effectively, and that’s one thing that I carried over the most with is being able to use my hands efficiently and effectively."

The impact his wrestling past had certainly proved itself during his college career, where he finished with 183 total tackles, 27 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across 50 games in four years.

"So, everyone knows me as a football player, but wrestling had a big part in that as well," Jacas stated. "And I’m just thankful again and grateful that I’m in this position and being with the Patriots."

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots EDGE Gabe Jacas credits wrestling roots for pass-rush success