New York Jets’ Camp Hero: Zach Sudfeld

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets tight end

(82) tosses the football during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It’s always enjoyable to focus on guys that are turning heads in training camp. One of the guys doing just that is at the tight end position, and used to be part of that evil team to the North. He’s a bit of an unknown, so we are going to spot light him today. The spotlight is on tight end Zach Sudfeld.

Born in Santa Cruz, California, he played his high school ball for Modesto Christian High School. Sudfeld earned All-District, All-League, and All-State honors. He played his college ball for Nevada.

Until 2012, Sudfeld had only posted two catches for his career. However, his breakout season was his final one with Nevada, 2012. Sudfeld posted 45 receptions that year for 598 yards, and nine touchdowns(eight receiving and one rushing from the goal line).

He didn’t go to the NFL combine, but Sudfeld did run a 4.78 40 yard dash at his Pro Day. However, he was not drafted and ended up with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent.

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After a strong camp, Sudfeld was noted as a Fantasy Football sleeper, but performed poorly with New England, before his release in early October, 2013. He joined the Jets at the end of October, and posted five receptions for 63 yards.

Sudfeld is putting on a strong camp in his first one here with the New York Jets. They have been impressed with all facets of his game, and Sudfeld is making a strong case to move up the depth charts.

Have you heard that saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Just because Sudfeld had a tough time in New England doesn’t mean the Jets can’t turn him into a big time player. Sometimes, as we all have seen in the past, a player must be in the right system to shine.

Early last year, Sudfeld was being regarded as a mini Gronkowski. Imagine if he realized those skills with our Jets? Now THAT would be a weapon to help Geno Smith out, and then some.