Transfer tight end Jack Velling is new to Michigan State, but he has been in college football long enough to know what it takes to be successful.
As one of the most highly anticipated tight ends in the country entering this season, Velling has the responsibility to not only live up to expectations but also lead his team of experienced and young tight ends.
Velling told reporters on Monday what he can do to become that leader.
“I would just tell the young players to just study the playbook and not look anywhere else, just focus on learning and figuring out where they’re going to be at all times,” Velling said. “And the older players, just be alert at all times. We might have a route that you know we’re not supposed to get the ball on in the playbook, but if you win the route, you’re going to get the ball. So, just stay alert, and (for) the young players, study the playbook.”
Velling has a very high football IQ, which is due in large part to his dedication to the game. Michigan State tight ends coach Brian Wozniak, who coached Velling at Oregon State, sees that dedication as a valuable example that the rest of his team can learn from.
“I think it’s not so much what he (Velling) can do that they can’t,” Wozniak said. “I want to learn from him. He’s a very smart kid. Once you tell him something, he does it. … He just gets it. He’s a very good feel player. As far as route play, I think it’s that he can win in the man game and the zone game. Particularly in the zone game because he has such a good feel for the weak spot. And because he’s explosive, that actually helps with run blocking. And really, the way he goes about it.
“What I want the young guys to learn from him is: Look at this guy coming in, a possible three-year starter, he’s still taking notes like he’s a freshman. How he goes about it, how he communicates, what he thinks, that’s kind of what I want to teach the guys.”
Velling is entering his third year of college football after spending his first two years at Oregon State. He has the advantage of still playing under Coach Wozniak, Coach Jonathan Smith and Offensive Coordinator Brian Lindgren, all of whom left the Beavers for East Lansing this offseason.
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