The 46-yard touchdown reception that ran out of time against USC was so memorable that he earned his nickname.

Jael Mary.

But former Arizona State and NFL wide receiver Jalen Strong hopes to define himself with more than two outstanding seasons at Tempe and an unforgettable catch in 2014. He wants to make a difference for young athletes in volleyball.

Through his new sports and academic youth organization, 602Era, Mr. Strong is committed to providing opportunities for young athletes through sport. The organization has 7-on-7 soccer, basketball, baseball, and track and field teams for elementary through high school students. He hopes to eventually set up an IMG-like academy in Arizona.

It’s a business, but Strong hopes the lessons learned will be far-reaching.

“We try to teach kids how to challenge themselves and always grow no matter what. Our goal is to get kids to college for free through sport,” Strong said. said. “The foundation of 602Era is building a network of alumni who learn through years of program participation and come back to give back to the youth of the community. It’s like ‘reach one, teach one.’”

Strong founded the business in January with the goal of becoming the most prominent youth sports organization in Arizona with an elite team of former athletes and trainers.

Four months after its launch, Strong attracted young people from all over Maricopa County, including 34 athletes from eight high schools, including one in the East Valley, in two competitions.

“I started 602Era because that’s the area code for Phoenix and I wanted people to know we were from Arizona when we left that area,” Strong said. rice field.

“This gives us the revitalization of the Valley that ASU coach (Kenny) Dillingham is trying to incorporate. I want to build a

Instilling core values ​​and making young athletes better people was the highlight of the first few months, Strong said.

He believes his model of six pillars, no excuses, and two places (schools and stadiums) sets the standard necessary for success. He expects all athletes participating in the 602Era to adhere to the pillar’s expectations and demonstrate the same work ethic on the field and in the classroom.

The creation of the Six Pillars ideology was inspired by former Arizona State University coach Todd Graham. Strong, who played under Graham for two seasons at ASU, credits his former coach for introducing an environment that prioritizes growth off the field as much as on the field.

Former Clemson tight end and 602 Era assistant coach DJ Greenlee said Strong and 602 Era assistant coaches after introducing the two to him when his cousin, All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, was a Texans teammate. built a relationship with The two have been friends ever since, and Greenlee was one of the first people Strong called when recruiting coaches to 602.

Since then, Greenlee has helped establish 7v7 soccer teams for different age groups. Like Strong, Greenlee wants to “teach them what I’ve been taught by my coaches and coach Dabo Swinney at Clemson University.”

Still, the main goal of Strong, Greenlee and the rest of the 602 team is to provide the best possible leadership and training to help their players achieve their goals of playing at the next level.

He has already organized visits to ASU and UNLV football programs, set up camps at the same time, and introduced players to his football connections.

Maren Perrant, 602 Era player and mother of Hamilton High School quarterback Beckham Perrant, said her son’s skills grew in the months he worked with Strong, and his son became more mature off the field. I believe that I have been watching over him and his concentration.

“He’s doing grade checks and holding them accountable. He just wants the best for them,” she said. “He wants everyone to play at the next level.

Beckham appreciates Strong’s experience and knowledge and hopes it will put him in a better position heading into his senior season.

“He’s a great guy to look up to. I mean, he’s clearly done it. He’s been in the league. He’s been to college. He’s what we all want.” He did it all,” Beckham said.

Strong, who grew up in Philadelphia and played at Los Angeles Pierce College before moving on to Power 5 football, often tells stories of determination and chasing dreams.

“He told us a lot about his background and how he got to JUCO and ASU,” Beckham said. “He uses his story to motivate us.

Strong’s motivation is to provide another route to learn and grow under successful professionals in athletics and off the field.

His coaching days are just beginning, but he already has big plans for the future.

“I’m going to open a school,” he said. “This has been on the back of my mind for a while, but this is the next step in how I want to impact young people.”

Greenlee said Strong wants to establish an “elite-type IMG school in Arizona” to build a curriculum that better prepares children for college and careers in professional sports. .

Whether training children on the field, running sports organizations, or working to build schools, Strong has been committed to using his platform for the betterment of future generations.

While the ASU great’s impact on the field will never be forgotten, it’s the legacy he’s building that drives Strong to continue to leave his mark on the valley.

“Kids know they make my life so much better,” he said. “They give me purpose to get up and keep trying every day.

“As long as I’m serving my kids and I’m reaching out to my kids and he’s reaching out to other kids, that’s the only thing that matters to me.”