Former Texas Tech TE Jace Amaro set for a breakout season

One of the most talented Red Raiders of all time, tight end Jace Amaro is expecting a breakout season in 2015. Drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the New York Jets, Amaro struggled at times during is first season as a professional but by season’s end, the native of San Antonio, Texas was on top of almost every statistical list for rookie tight ends.

In his first swim through the NFL, Amaro led all rookie tight ends with 38 receptions for 345 yards. He was also tied for the most touchdowns by a rookie tight end (2) and the most receiving yards per game (24.6).

While those numbers seem meek compared to the stats he accumulated at Texas Tech, keep in mind that Amaro played in a run-first offense designed to protect second-year quarterback and former Big 12 foe Geno Smith from West Virginia.

In fact, the Jets were the worst passing team in the NFL last season.

New York was 27^th in the league in passes attempted per game at 31.1, and last in pro football at only 184 passing yards per game. Smith started 13 games under center completing only 59.6 percent of his passes while backup quarterback Michael Vick started three games completing only 52 percent of his passes.

Amaro’s rookie season must be but into context before it can be appreciated for how solid it was. Now the Jets are under the leadership of new head coach Todd Bowles who has hired former Dallas Cowboys’ head coach Chan Gailey to coordinate the offense.

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"“The plan is to play more to Amaro’s strengths in Chan Gailey’s system.” According to New York Post writer Brian Costello. “He will be used as an H-back and split out as a receiver.”"

Amaro says he is feeling confident and more comfortable in an NFL offense as the 2015 season approaches.

“I feel more glued to the system. I feel ready to go. I’m not a rookie. I’m going into my second year. I’ve seen it all. I played against some pretty good teams last season. I’ve seen a lot of defenses in practice and in games. I feel like I’ve got a lot more used to the speed. I think that’s the biggest thing, just adapting to that. I feel a lot more comfortable.”

On July 24, while he was visiting Lubbock to see former teammates, Amaro joined KTTU FM’s “Tech Talk” program (hosted by Brian Henie and Chris Level) for an insightful interview.

When asked what he has been working on in the offseason to improve his game Amaro said, “…learning the playbook is the biggest thing; knowing what you want to do with your route or your blocking assignment…”

He also added that he has been trying to improve physically as well,“….just really working on my speed…I feel a lot faster than I ever have. I’ve been training in Austin, getting a lot of work in on my speed and acceleration and all that stuff so I think that’s one thing I kind of lacked last season so I’m hoping that will make a big difference.”