ASU Football: First career touchdown propelling Jay Jay Wilson into larger role

(Photo: Gabrielle Mercer/WCSN)

During Saturday night’s game between Arizona State and California, the player who was on the receiving end of quarterback Manny Wilkins’ lone touchdown pass was almost unidentifiable to many Sun Devil fans. It wasn’t N’Keal Harry nor was it Tim White. Instead it was Jay Jay Wilson, a sophomore tight end who is third on ASU’s current depth chart at the position and who spent the 2015 season on defense.

For all intents and purposes, Wilson is an unknown talent. After all, the touchdown catch was not only the first catch he had of the season, but also the first reception of his Sun Devil career.

Despite the lack of name recognition, Wilson should not be someone who is simply glossed over. He has the potential to become an impact player sooner rather than later for the Sun Devils, and last Saturday may have just been the start.

“Jay Jay has worked really diligently in camp,” head coach Todd Graham said. “He is whose physicality has improved dramatically and he had a big touchdown catch. I was really excited and happy for him. He is one of my favorite kids. He just has a great spirit about him.”

Coming out of Valencia High School in California, Wilson was a highly rated recruit. Some had him as a four-star recruit and the No. 10 athlete recruit (No. 166 overall prospect) in the country at the time. In his freshman year, he took more of a back seat, playing primarily on special teams. Even though he has done much of the same during the 2016 season, his overall role has increased.

“I’ve just been doing my part,” he said. “Listening to my coaching, listening to Kody (Kohl) and just taking on the coaching. I’m not thinking I’m the third-string (tight end) or this or that.”

Kohl is someone who Wilson specifically named as a mentor to him ever since he got to ASU. Wilson said that not only has Kohl helped him balance school and football, but has taught him a lot about being a blocker, something he didn’t do a lot of in high school.

Wilson has at times served as the lead blocker for Kalen Ballage during ASU’s “Sparky” formation and as evidenced by his touchdown, has become more of a focal point in the offense.

He discussed how his role has evolved over the short time that he has been a Sun Devil.

“I look at myself as a football player before any specific position,” Wilson said. “So I just do what coach Graham asks me to do.”

The versatility that Wilson possesses has been instrumental to the team and something he cherishes as well.

“Special teams is the only time you have offense and defensive players playing together,” he said. “I feel like it teaches you more about the team. I know that if I’m running down a kickoff with (Koron) Crump, I know when I’m on offense I’m not just playing for those 11 guys, but I’m also playing for Crump that’s sitting down on the bench waiting to play defense and (he’ll) do the same thing for me.”

While he remains third on the depth chart for tight ends, the development of Wilson will be something to watch as the season goes on and whether or not his role continues to progress into something bigger.

Practice Notes:

• The team divided into individual drills during media availability.
• Christian Sam was seen working out separately, not participating in individual drills. He has been out since he was injured in ASU’s opening game against Northern Arizona.
• Jalen Harvey was seen at the trainers table early on at practice, but there was no indication in regards to his status for Saturday.

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