Austin Seferian-Jenkins Stuck In The Books
June 10th, 2014
One of the “Dunkaneers,” Bucs rookie TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, won’t be at mandatory minicamp this week.
Much of Bucs fandom is wondering if hobbled left guard Carl Nicks will make it out to Day 1 of mandatory three-day minicamp, which begins this afternoon at One Buc Palace. In an earlier OTA, floppy-hat wearing Nicks was watching from the sidelines, water bottle at the ready.
Nicks has played sparingly since being sidelined by a very ugly case of turf toe in 2012, complicated by last year’s MRSA and surgeries.
One player is sure to be missing today, but he’s got an excused absence. That is second-round pick, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. While in the short run it’s not good that ASJ will not be in town — and he wasn’t at the last OTA session — it’s potentially good for him in the long run.
ASJ is tied up by NFL rules and the University of Washington, Twittered Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times.
Bucs say rookie TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins can’t attend minicamp this week per NFL class policy. Washington, on quarters, still in session.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 9, 2014
You know what? Joe doesn’t have a problem with this, if ASJ is actually taking classes. Joe would applaud that, in fact. How mature of him to want to finish his studies. Bravo.
ASJ is a junior at the University of Washington. Per the school’s website, final exams for the Spring quarter end Friday. The NFL prohibits draft picks from attending minicamp until their school’s current term or semester is completed.
Now Joe knows there will be bitter Bucs fans who want ASJ in camp now to learn the playbook, and it’s very possible he will be behind as a result of still being in class.
Well, it’s not like the Bucs are short of tight ends with Tim Wright and Brandon Myers in fold.
During the rookie minicamp ASJ attended, he didn’t do much because he was still rehabbing his surgically repaired foot. So even if ASJ were here, his underwear football activities would be limited in what he could do.
June 10th, 2014 at 8:07 am
So when are his classes going to be over?
June 10th, 2014 at 8:11 am
Good. Rest the foot. No need to go all out until Sunday in September.
June 10th, 2014 at 8:12 am
@Chef
Friday
June 10th, 2014 at 8:14 am
I want ASJ in camp, so I guess I am a bitter bucs fan, lol. But if his foot is still limiting him I guess finishing up class is not big deal. Can’t wait to see this kid play, along side Evans and VJax.
June 10th, 2014 at 8:23 am
ASJ would clearly not have been a Schiano Man, what with that thar book learnin’!
June 10th, 2014 at 8:23 am
I would drop out of college today if I could go to minicamp and compete for a roster spot haha. That being said good for him I suppose
June 10th, 2014 at 8:41 am
I’m sure he is also studying the Bucs playbook probably from his IPAD…
June 10th, 2014 at 8:42 am
“Knowledge is Good”
Faber College, 1962
June 10th, 2014 at 8:45 am
@biff,
knowledge of the playbook is better, lol
June 10th, 2014 at 8:46 am
Allen Iverson doesn’t have a problem with him missing practice. I mean – “we talkin’ bout practice”.
June 10th, 2014 at 8:53 am
I was worried this guy was going to be heavy. looks in shape in the picture.
thx joe
June 10th, 2014 at 9:26 am
Role for ASJ, watch ball snap, run to endzone, catch, celebrate.
If Doug Martin is getting the ball, block the tiny linebacker that is coming toward you.
Done, see you in August. Take summer classes if you want.
June 10th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
forget about the foot or the bucs for right now. how about a young man attempting to do the right thing and get his degree. football and fame are fleeting , but a back up plan for his future , that’s priceless. he’ll be in a bucs uniform soon enough . go ASJ.
June 10th, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Harry, he didn’t have a choice anyways. He had to finish the semester before he could go to camp too. So if he wanted to graduate then he had to go back to school. It’s not just about his foot.
June 10th, 2014 at 5:53 pm
With his foot I would PREFER to see Myers and Wright start the season. Merge this guy in slowly and when he is ready. It would be realllllly stupid if they rushed him back. I don’t see that happening. In fact, I would be willing to bet that he stays OFF the field altogether until either Vjax or Evans goes down. Then unleash the backup plan with Jenkins, Wright and whoever is healthy. As long as one of the speedsters slot guys step up that would work out very well. Get everyone used to catching a lot of passes and the defense will go NUT’S!!! Just like the good offenses do confuse the hell out of them. Something the bucs have not done since……………EVER!!!