The Edmonton Elks signed former Northern Arizona Wranglers linebacker JaQuan Artis on Monday. In addition, the Elks released wide receiver Nih-Jer Jackson.
The 24-year-old from Kinston, North Carolina, dominated the IFL with 40 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 13 games to help the Wranglers capture their first IFL Championship in 2022 over the Quad City Steamwheelers 47-45.
In addition, he was named IFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, IFL All-Rookie Team, and All-IFL First Team in 2022.
After the season, Artis was drafted by the Houston Roughnecks (XFL) in the 11th round (84th pick) in the 2022 XFL Draft.
Collegiately, Artis played four seasons at Lenoir-Rhyne University (2016-19) with 224 tackles, 29 sacks, two pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries in 42 games for the Bears.
In his final season, Artis made 82 tackles, 14.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in 14 games. He was voted SAC Defensive Player of the Year and named a Division II Second Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association.
Nih-Jer Jackson, a 26-year-old from Stockton, California, played two games for the Elks in 2022 targeted four times but did not make a catch.
Collegiately, Jackson played at Merced College and caught 38 passes for 835 yards, and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. Then, he transferred to Southeastern Louisiana (2017-18) with 36 catches for 409 yards, two touchdowns, and four carries for 20 yards in 22 games for the Lions.
