After an impressive college career at Augustana and years of hard work that flew under the radar, defensive back JayVian Farr is now one step closer to achieving his NFL dream.

The Racine native and former J.I. Case High School Eagle has been invited to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie mini-camp as a tryout player—an opportunity that arrived during the final moments of the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Farr’s family thrilled

Farr’s agents had been in contact with multiple teams in the final hours of the draft, working the phones and pushing his film to front offices. Then came the message that the Buccaneers would be inviting him to rookie mini-camp.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for even blessing me to be in this position,” Farr said. “The invitation from the Bucs actually came during the end of the 7th round on Saturday.”

Farr said he was sitting on the couch with his roommates when he got the text.

“I read it out loud and they immediately got up yelling, ‘Jayvi going to the league!’” Farr recalled. “They even ran into the hallway screaming. I love them for their excitement—it still felt surreal.”

That excitement became more concrete about an hour later, when Shelton Quarles, Buccaneers director of team operations, personally called Farr to confirm the invite and to gather travel and equipment information.

Earning it the hard way

Farr will attend camp as a tryout player, not yet under contract—meaning every rep, every meeting, and every drill could determine his professional future.

“They’re expecting me to compete at the slot corner or nickel position with some reps at outside corner and opportunities on special teams,” he said.

Despite the pressure, he’s staying grounded and focused.

“Mentally and physically, I’m preparing the same way I always have—just aiming to get 1% better every day. I stay even-keeled. I remind myself that God didn’t bring me this far to leave me here. I want to prove to Tampa that I can add value in any role,” Farr added.

Mini-camp mindset

The rookie mini-camp will last 4–5 days, packed with meetings, lifts, walk-throughs, and practices that test a player’s recall and ability to apply knowledge under pressure.

“They want to see how quickly you can process and execute,” Farr explained. “The days usually start around 6 or 7 a.m. and don’t end until five or six in the evening. I’m ready for that grind.”

Faith, family, and mentorship

Farr’s journey to this moment has been marked by perseverance. Despite a standout college career, he wasn’t projected to go high in the draft—and he didn’t even have an agent until February.

Jayvian Farr final season photoshoot – Photo submitted

“Shoutout to my mentor Kentay Varnell—he connected me with my agents, Matt Woolslayer and Tom Mills. Kentay kept telling me, ‘I got you baby. Trust me. God gone work it all out.’ Just like he has always believed in me, he found two people who also believe in the both of us, and gave me a shot. I’m grateful to have God-fearing people on my team who truly want the best for me. They worked so hard to get me an opportunity.”

The Buccaneers weren’t the only team interested post-draft.

“We heard from the Vikings, Packers, Dolphins, Broncos, Browns, and Jaguars,” Farr said. “But Tampa Bay was the team that gave me the actual opportunity to compete for a contract.”

Dominating DII: Farr’s winning legacy

At Augustana University, Farr earned First Team All-NSIC honors in 2024, following a strong 2023 campaign where he was named Second Team All-NSIC. He helped lead his team to three NSIC conference championships—in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

Over his collegiate career, he recorded:

99 total tackles

5 tackles for loss (TFLs)

3 interceptions (including a 61-yard pick-six in 2023)

21 pass breakups

1 sack

1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries

He also holds the interception record at Case, where he helped lead the Eagles to their first playoff appearance since 1997.

Off the field, Farr is just as impressive—he graduated in May 2024 with a biology degree (pre-med emphasis) and was selected as the graduation commencement speaker. He is currently enrolled in an MBA program.

The final word

With heart, faith, and grit, JayVian Farr is heading to Tampa to prove what Racine—and Augustana—already knows: he belongs.

“I plan to play every rep like it’s my last. Treat every meeting like it’s my last. And build relationships with intentionality,” Farr said. “I want to bring positive energy to the organization and inspire others to be their best every day.”

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