Seferian-Jenkins Pleased With Start of Jaguars Training Camp
By David Levin
New Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins might still be learning about the team’s offense, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t fitting in with his new teammates.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have another weapon in their passing game, as Austin Seferian-Jenkins should become another red zone target for quarterback Blake Bortles this season. After speaking with the media on Monday, it is evident this be the start of something the Jaguars haven’t done in a while – use the tight end position early and often.
Seferian-Jenkins and Bortles got together earlier in camp, during OTAs, working on getting acclimated to each other. It’s something the former Buccaneer and Jets player touched on.
"“I think the biggest thing in chemistry is having the guy that’s throwing me the ball knowing he can trust you. You are going to be at that spot. I think that is the biggest thing. When he trusts you are going to be at the spot, he doesn’t necessarily need to look at you,” Seferian-Jenkins said."
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The tight end was a position that was MIA at times last season. Marcedes Lewis led the team with five touchdown catches, but three were in the game against Baltimore in London. Ben Koyack caught the touchdown pass that gave the team a 10-3 win over Buffalo in the AFC Wild Card Game. James O’Shaughnessy was part of the rotation but did not catch many passes.
This could be one of the bigger stories in training camp – the development of a new part of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s system. Seferian-Jenkins likes what he has seen from the quarterback position and the receivers on the practice field, so far.
"“He [Bortles] can just throw it to a spot, and I think me and Blake, and other guys on the team, Donte [Moncrief] and Dede Westbrook have done a phenomenal job of being in that spot that the quarterback needs him to be in and being able to throw that and have that trust to make those plays. Cody [Kessler] has done a great job, as well, same with Tanner [Lee], letting guys make plays. DJ Chark had a great play today,” he said."
During OTAs, Seferian-Jenkins showed early on he moved well of the snap and was quicker than some may have thought because of his size. He told Philip Heilman of the Florida-Times Union in June he likes the tough workouts the coaching staff is putting the players through.
"“It’s hard. I’ll tell you that right now,” said Seferian-Jenkins, who is listed as 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds. “I got beat a couple times [Monday] going against Calais [Campbell]. I don’t know too many guys that are better than him, and I’m going to continue to put my nose in there and go as hard as I can and get better.”"
Seferian-Jenkins praised the work of the wide receivers in practice for their hard work and how the competition on the field will make this offense better this season.
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"“Guys are making plays all over the field, and you can’t forget about [Keelan] Cole with some deep balls two days ago and had some plays today,” he said."