Expectations were high for Jack Velling when he transferred over to Michigan State football from Oregon State last offseason. In his time as a Beaver, Velling was very productive with eight touchdown catches.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, and his endzone production dropped significantly as he ultimately struggled it seems to adjust to East Lansing. His production wasn't on par with what he was able to do in 2023.
Velling finished the 2024 season with 36 catches for 411 yards and one touchdown. Not to mention he took a very scary hit late in the season, which had Spartan Nation praying when it happened.
Despite the up-and-down 2024 campaign for Jack, he's receiving some high praise heading into the 2025 season. He ranks among the best returning tight ends in the country according to Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick.
Velling entered the 2024 season as the eighth-best tight end and finds himself in a similar position going into this coming season.
Jack needs a big 2025 season, because when you watch, you know the talent is there, and working with the same coaching staff, has to boost his confidence. Jonathan Smith knows how to produce the tight end spot. He's put two players at the position in the NFL, including the Green Bay Packers' Luke Musgrave.
Velling certainly has a shot to make it in the pros, but a big 2025 season would certainly boost his standing, even though he already grades as a possible day-two pick next year, according to Damian Parson from Draft Network.
I, for one, am looking forward to Velling being much more comfortable and finding the endzone consistently, especially in the redzone this coming season. A much more confident Aidan Chiles will certainly help get Velling the ball.
Here's to a successful senior season.