Tight end Jared Wiley on why he returned to TCU football: ‘I never stopped having fun’
Jared Wiley had the best season of his collegiate career in 2022, setting career highs in yards, catches and touchdowns.
Speaking with the media after Monday’s spring practice Wiley explained why he returned to play tight end for TCU for another season.
“Honestly last year was probably the first year that I had fun playing college football,“ said Wiley, a senior, who transferred from Texas in 2022, “I never stopped having fun so in my head I was like ‘Why would I want to not do that again.’ ”
Wiley had 24 catches for 245 yards with four touchdowns in his inaugural season with the Horned Frogs as their primary tight end.
Wiley also spoke about his excitement surrounding new coordinator Ken Briles’ offense.
“It’s a tight end-friendly offense so I think I’m gonna really enjoy it this season.”
Growing Confidence
Major Everhart is one of the fastest players on TCU’s roster and coming into his second season he’s more comfortable in the offense.
“I’m feeling really confident in myself,” he said. “I think I came into this season with a different mindset, my focus is a little bit better. I think I’m way more confident as opposed to last season.”
Transfer Tutelage
Transfer wide receivers JoJo Earle (Alabama) and John Paul Richardson (Oklahoma State) have used their experience and knowledge to help TCU’s wide receivers, especially younger players like Everhart.
“They played in some big games so I think that helps the room a lot. As well as they’re older guys that know the defense and read defenses,” said Everhart.
Veteran Leadership
Wiley is another returning player stepping into a leadership role this season for the Horned Frogs. Throughout practice, he could be seen giving tips and advice to his fellow tight ends.
“I think that it’s a big deal that I step up into that [leadership] role,” said Wiley, “A lot of guys that got quite a bit of reps last year, we’re the guys that have to lead this team to where we wanna go this year.”
TCU’s spring practices will continue on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 a.m. and continue for the next three weeks, leading up to the spring game on April 14 at 7 p.m.
This story was originally published March 27, 2023 at 2:30 PM.
