New York Jets: Will Austin Seferian-Jenkins finally lives up to his potential?
New York Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is facing a very important season in his career, but can he finally live up to his potential in 2017?
This is a big year for Austin Seferian-Jenkins and he knows it. So do the New York Jets. The Gang Green tight end will miss the first two games of the 2017 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse after he was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI and a driver’s license violation while with Tampa Bay last September. The Bucs subsequently released ASJ and New York claimed him off waivers shortly thereafter.
The 6-6, 262-pounder has never lived up to his potential after being drafted in the second round by Tampa Bay in 2014. Plagued by injuries and off-the-field incidents, Seferian-Jenkins has played in only 25 out of a potential 48 contests during his three-year career. In seven games with the Jets last year, the Washington Huskies product recorded just 10 receptions for 110 yards and no touchdowns.
Although Seferian-Jenkins is not eligible to play in New York’s first two games, he is still allowed to participate in training camp and preseason contests. By all accounts, ASJ seems to be a changed man. He has lost 30 pounds since last season, thanks in part to giving up alcohol, and the weight loss has made him a quicker, more energetic player.
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The difference between 2016 and 2017 is stark, as he told the team’s official website:
"“I feel like a different person on and off the field. The weight loss has been tremendous and I’m just really happy I have the opportunity to show the Jets taking a chance on me is going to pay off. I’m just trying to work every single day on the team like everybody else.”"
The opportunity for Seferain-Jenkins to have his initial premier campaign is certainly right in front of him. New offensive coordinator John Morton loves to use the tight end in his offensive packages. Former offensive coordinator Chan Gailey seemed to be allergic to using them the last two seasons. During the last two years, Jets tight ends had a grand total of 26 receptions.
It doesn’t get uglier than that.
Now is the time for Seferian-Jenkins to shine. Rookie tight end Jordan Leggett has struggled somewhat in camp and New York’s wide receiver corps have been stripped down since last year. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are gone. No. 1 wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who led the team with 857 receiving yards in 2016, is out for the season with a neck injury. That is devastating news.
In addition to that, ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen are rookies and Robby Anderson, Charone Peake and Jalin Marshall have a combined 74 career catches. There should be a plethora of opportunities for Seferain-Jenkins to excel and become an integral part of New York’s offensive attack once he suits up on Sept. 24 against Miami in their home opener.
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Although he is just 24 years old, Seferian-Jenkins realizes how important this upcoming season is for him. He has the ability — now he must stay focused and produce on the playing field. The Jets have a real dearth of offensive talent. They really need ASJ to step up for them and unlock his vast potential.