Training Camp Profile: TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Preparing for training camp, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is entering the upcoming season with the New York Jets with a chip on his shoulder.

It seems as if the Jets haven’t truly utilized the tight end position since the Dustin Keller days, dating back to 2012. After an arrest on a DUI charge last September, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and the New York Jets almost immediately claimed him on waivers.

There has always been a fair share of criticism about ASJ’s passion for football, but he seems to be on a mission to prove the doubters wrong and give the Jets an identity at the tight end position. Here is his training camp profile as he prepares to make a name for himself once again in 2017.

2016 SEASON REVIEW

Last year was a very underwhelming season for ASJ, as he only played in nine games, seven of which were with the Jets. He recorded 13 catches for 154 yards and only one touchdown, which he caught as a member of the Bucs.

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In seven games with the Jets, he caught 10 passes for 110 yards. Despite the poor stats, many fans were excited about acquiring ASJ due to his size and potential, which we may finally see him reach in 2017.

2017 SEASON OUTLOOK

According to several sources, ASJ has lost approximately 25 pounds and has stopped drinking alcohol following his DUI arrest in September 2016.

Unfortunately, he is going to serve a 2 game suspension because of that arrest, but when he returns, new offensive coordinator John Morton should find a role for him in his new offense. In an article written by Gary Phillips of The Jets Wire, ASJ is quoted saying:

“I want to be the guy the Jets brought in, the guy they see as a diamond in the rough, that they want to brush off and clean and show what he really can do. I’m brushing it away right now. I’m going to shine.”

It truly seems as if he has cleaned his act up and has been lighting up OTA’s, catching almost every ball thrown his way. The future looks bright for the 24-year-old tight end.

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

ASJ is going to compete with rookie Jordan Leggett out of Clemson for the starting tight end position, both of whom seemed to impress at OTAs. They are both almost guaranteed a roster spot barring any significant changes, but ASJ should be able to win the No. 1 tight end spot.

Must Read: New York Jets Training Camp Profile: QB Josh McCown

His size, skills and a new attitude towards bettering himself make him a prime candidate for our top breakout player and, for the first time in a few seasons, Jets fans can be excited about the tight end position!