Preston Jelen

Position:
RB
Ht./Wt.:
5-10 / 210
Hometown:
Prior Lake, Minn.
High School:
Prior Lake
Years in College / At Minnesota:
5 / 5
Remaining Eligibility Entering 2025 Season:
2 years
Letters:
2
Class:
Redshirt Junior

PRONUNCIATION

HONORS:
Academic All-Big Ten (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019)
Special Teams Scout Player of the Year (2018)
Quad Team Member (2020)

2022: Played in 12 games • rushed five times for 39 yards and one touchdown • made one tackle on special teams. Game-by-Game: Rushed two times for 32 yards against Western Illinois and ran for a 30-yard touchdown, the first of his career • gained seven yards on three carries against Colorado • played at Michigan State and against Purdue • competed at Illinois, at Penn State and against Rutgers • played at Nebraska • competed against Northwestern • saw action against Iowa and at Wisconsin • made one tackle on special teams against Syracuse.

2021: Missed the season with an injury.

2020 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Played in seven games • recorded one rush • made five tackles on special teams and blocked one punt. Game-by-Game: Blocked a punt against Michigan, which Minnesota turned into a touchdown two plays later • made three tackles on special teams at Maryland • competed at Illinois and against Iowa • saw action on special teams and rushed one time against Purdue • registered one tackle at Nebraska and one at Wisconsin.

2019 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in one game and made his Minnesota and collegiate debut against Maryland where he rushed three times for 22 yards.

2018: Redshirted • did not see any game action.

PRIOR TO MINNESOTA: Attended Prior Lake High School • was a Mr. Football finalist, earned All-State and All-Metro honors • was named Team Offensive MVP • played in the Minnesota Football Coaches Association All-Star Game • also earned four letters in lacrosse where he was a two-time captain • won state championships in 2016 and 2018 • named All-American, All-State and was Team Defensive MVP.

PERSONAL: Son of Todd Jelen and Michelle and Matt Grabow • has two brothers (Parker and Lukas) and one sister (Lilia) • father, Todd, played defensive back at Dartmouth College from 1997-2000 • majoring in Physiology and minoring in Chemistry.