The day after being selected as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson got his first taste of what it means to be a Jet.
The baby-faced 21-year-old from Draper had his first official press conference as a New York Jet and got his first taste of the New York media — which is drastically different from the local media in Utah that’s followed him for years.
Brian Costello, of the New York Post, asked the Draper native what, over the last four months, was said during the pre-draft process, whether criticism that was unfair or a statement that bothered him, that he would like to answer.
Wilson was quick to answer, but it may not have been what the media was expecting.
“Well, just the fact everyone thought I was 6-feet,” Wilson said. “I mean, that was a little harsh.”
After some laughs, Wilson said that it was a great process and acknowledged that there was always going to be criticism, but that’s what they live for.
But, for the record, Wilson is 6-foot-2.
Before that, Bob Glauber, of Newsday, asked a question most probably had during the draft process, and even during the 2020 season. The reporter said there was some debate and criticism about the Coastal Carolina game, and asked whether that game came up in conversations with the Jets.
BYU’s original 2020 schedule was almost completely scrapped — only two original opponents remained. So, the Cougars added anyone and everyone they could. With Power Five programs playing conference-only schedules, BYU couldn’t play the type of schedule it had been known for during recent seasons in the independent era.
It resulted in the Cougars playing teams such as North Alabama, Troy and Texas State. However, BYU put the message out that, if there’s an open weekend, they’d play anyone, anywhere — a ploy to fight back against those who believed the Cougars were only good because they played a cupcake schedule.
The opportunity arrived. Within days, BYU and Coastal Carolina made the Dec. 5 game possible, on pretty short notice — and the Cougars making the cross-country trip to Conway, S.C.
And it was there where BYU’s unbeaten run ended, with a 22-17 loss to the Chanticleers.
Still, Wilson said he wouldn’t take back that game. The Cougars were able to back up their rep in one of the best college football games of the season, and they learned plenty from the experience.
“We lost, unfortunately, but I would never take the learning experiences that I picked up in that game,” Wilson said. “The things that me and my guys at BYU went through at that time, to fight some adversity, to come back at the end and to almost win it. That’s what makes football so much fun, is to be able to go through games like that.”
So far, it seems Wilson can handle the New York media — but the season hasn’t started yet.
Wilson left to report to the Jets a couple of days ago. With four months until the NFL season is set to start, I’m sure the scrutiny on Wilson will only continue to build. Then, it’s up to Wilson to perform once the season starts.
Wilson was just the tip of BYU’s draft iceberg
Let’s not forget the rest of the Cougars who were drafted or signed undrafted free agent contracts.
With the amount of BYU talent that was picked up, we could see as many as a dozen former Cougars on the field, playing for their respective NFL teams in the fall. That’s a huge boost for an independent program.
Counting only draft picks, just 10 schools had more draft picks than BYU. Alabama and Ohio State each had 10 guys picked up, Georgia and Notre Dame each had nine players selected, Florida and Michigan had eight apiece, LSU saw seven players be selected and Kentucky, Pitt and Penn St. each had six players drafted.
Obviously, it was the best BYU draft class since 2002. But, with the amount of talent that was also scooped up with free agent contracts and former Cougars already on rosters and lineups, it’ll be interesting to see how many former BYU players earn starts or even major reserve roles in the fall.
More thoughts
• Like I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, it’s been pretty quiet on the BYU basketball front. There still hasn’t been any news of transfer commitments or even news on the two seniors that could possibly come back: Alex Barcello and Matt Haarms. Here’s hoping there’s some news soon.
• BYU men’s volleyball is two wins away from becoming the national champion — a feat the Cougars haven’t accomplished since 2004. Their latest quest starts tonight when the Cougars make their NCAA Tournament debut in the semifinal round against Lewis.
Other voices
• The 2021 NFL draft first-round picks selected their new jersey numbers for the upcoming season. What number did Wilson choose?
• The New York Jets compiled a story on six things to know about Wilson.
• Remember Brian Costello of the New York Post? He seems to believe Wilson’s lack of pocket pressure could become big Jets concern.
Normita’s Spanish Lesson of the Day
altura
height
La altura de Zach Wilson es seis pies y dos pulgadas.
Zach Wilson’s height is 6-foot-2.
Follow @normacatalina12