The Northern Arizona football team is currently conducting fall practice in preparation for the season opener against Arizona State on Aug. 30. Meet the Lumberjack newcomers who have joined the program and look to make an impact on the field this season in a series of profiles. Today: Jesse Brantley.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Jesse Brantley was destined to come to Northern Arizona University to play football. After turning down an offer in high school, Brantley has joined the program for the 2012 season after two standout seasons at Scottsdale Community College.

Brantley was one of the top receivers in the state in 2009 after recording 1,222 yards with 15 touchdowns on 69 receptions as a senior. He earned first-team all-state and all-region honors and an offer to play at NAU.

"I was young and immature and I wanted to go big Division I and I got those chances," said Brantley.

He had a daughter, Jessalynn, with his girlfriend Kirinna after high school that gave him new responsibilities. After his freshman season at Scottsdale CC, he received numerous offers to transfer when he had 37 catches for 765 yards and eight touchdowns. But he turned them down.

"I had some Division I offers after my freshman year but we were still pregnant with the baby then," said Brantley. "I decided to stay another year so I could be there. I grew up to where I decided I needed to stay close to my family. I called NAU and they went out of their way to get me a scholarship."

Brantley is thankful to Head Coach Jerome Souers and the previous coaches on his staff that followed him in junior college.

"Coach Souers and previous coaches (Brian) Lindgren and (Francis) St. Paul were really good to me," said Brantley. "They gave me a second chance after I decided not to go with them in high school. As soon as I figured they wanted me, even though I had offers from other schools, I decided to give them my all."

Brantley gets to play in his home state and stay close to his girlfriend and daughter, who live in the Valley. Jessalynn celebrated her first birthday last month.

"I had my daughter and it changed my whole life and gave me a new perspective in what I wanted," said Brantley. "I came to NAU to make big plays down the road."

Five days into fall practice, he is making a good first impression while adapting to the speed of the game at the Division I level.

"Getting settled in has been a little crazy," said Brantley. "I am glad that I am here. The first five days of practice have been completely different coming from a junior college. I caught on. Everything is really fast paced and the offense is moving really fast and quick. We are performing like we should. We are all excited about ASU."

He will compete for a spot in the receiver rotation that includes junior Ify Umodu, who had 50 catches for 667 yards, and breakout freshman Dejzon Walker. Junior Jeremy Dang and Oregon transfer Nick Cole, who was sidelined with an injury after four games last season, are both poised for impact seasons after seeing action last season.

"We are super close together and we have a lot of talent," said Brantley. "Coach (Jeff Lewis) has us in a big rotation and we will all have ample time and be able to make big plays."

GET TO KNOW JESSE BRANTLEY

Born: November 1, 1991

What's on TV: Weeds on Netflix – It is the funniest show in the world.

In my IPod: Drake, Meek Millz and Wiz Khalifa, who is my first cousin. My dad's sister is his mom. We go to his concerts and hang out when he comes to town.

What I Drive: 2006 Honda Sonata

Love to trade places for a day with: Trey Songz

First Job: At a Tropical Smoothie

Favorite City to Visit: San Diego

Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Megatron

For Dinner: I love my girlfriend's mom's mash potatoes

My hero: My girlfriend. Her and her family took me in when I was in a rough spot. They changed my whole life.

My bucket list: I want to sky dive but I am scared