Austin Seferian-Jenkins Finally Gets It

We’ve talked about it non-stop since OTAs, but it appears Austin Seferian-Jenkins is finally starting to “get it”.

As most of our readers know, we’ve been as critical of Austin Seferian-Jenkins as anyone, but also understand that whole “potential” thing, as seen here. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times said on his 620 WDAE morning show Monday that ASJ has gotten to the point where he and Cameron Brate are in a virtual tie for the top tight end position. Chris Myers said the Buccaneers had been receiving calls from teams attempting to trade for the third year player.

So what’s changed?

Well, Seferian-Jenkins’ general attitude for one. He’s learned the error of his ways and has been going out of his way to not only get his work done on the field, but embrace Bucs fans after the open practice sessions. He looks like a guy that not only wants to be out on that field playing, but someone who is excited to be part of this organization and be around these fans.

After practice Monday, ASJ had the chance to speak with the media, and he certainly wasn’t short on things to say;

"“First of all, I haven’t been fighting anything back. I’ve just been doing what I’ve been supposed to be doing since I got here in training camp. And I’ve been working hard and like [Head] Coach [Dirk] Koetter says, if you are put down on the depth chart, all you can ask from players, not just myself but the whole entire room, is to get better. And that is to perfect your craft, get detail oriented and do what the coaches ask you to do. Nothing’s changed on my end. I’m working hard, I’m doing what I’m supposed to do and it just happens that it’s just showing up. Nothing’s really changed on my end, I’m really excited to just keep working.Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (87) catches a ball as his shoe falls apart during training camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsCam [Brate] has been doing a phenomenal job, the whole tight end room has been doing a phenomenal job and nothing changed in our room. Everyone’s trying to get better and there’s a competition but there really isn’t. There’s a mutual respect that we’re all trying to get to a higher place as a team and the further I can push Cam, the further Cam can push me, the further Cam can push Luke [Stocker], I can push Luke, I can push [Brandon] Myers, Tevin [Westbrook], Danny Vitale, the better we will be as a group.So I know the media puts it as, ‘Him vs. Him,’ and it’s really not. It’s really about the tight end room being better. I think obviously you guys have to do that, you guys have to make a story, but I think it’s more about the group of the tight ends, it’s not about individual, it’s not about me, it’s not about him, it’s about us.”"

Finally. He gets it. Somewhere between threatening to fight fans and the start of training camp, something clicked. This is what we’ve needed out of Seferian-Jenkins. This is what we’ve been looking for. That moment when it all came together and we saw the maturity factor finally begin to kick in.

Next: Bucs' Bubble Player Update

Now, if he can just stay healthy, Austin Seferian-Jenkins might just live up to his billing.