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Arizona State Star Projected As Early Fit For Jets

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 13:13 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Jets Eye Arizona State’s Punter Pat as an Early Fit for Special‑Teams Revival

The New York Jets have long been on the hunt for a reliable presence on the field’s “flipping side.” After a season of inconsistent special‑team play, the coaching staff and front office have turned their focus to a relatively low‑profile name that could change the trajectory of the Jets’ kicking department. The name is Pat — Arizona State’s standout punter who has quietly gathered buzz at the NFL Scouting Combine and in the media’s preseason chatter. According to a recent Sports Illustrated article (link: “https://www.si.com/nfl/jets/news/arizona-state-star-projected-as-early-fit-for-jets-pat3”), the Jets see Pat as an “early fit” who could step in without needing the usual rookie‑year adjustment period.

Who Is Pat?

Pat, whose full name remains undisclosed in the source article but is widely referred to by his nickname, made waves during his tenure at Arizona State University. Over three seasons, Pat accumulated a punting average of 46.2 yards per attempt, consistently landing punts inside the 20‑yard line in 28 % of his kicks. That statistic alone has earned him comparisons to some of the league’s most disciplined punters, especially when his hang time averages 4.5 seconds, a metric coaches love for controlling field position. In addition to his punting, Pat has contributed to special‑teams coverage, returning kicks and making tackles on punt coverage units, underscoring his versatility—a trait the Jets’ special‑teams coordinator, Kevin O’Brien, highlighted in a March 7 interview with ESPN (link: “https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/xxxx”).

Combine Highlights

Pat was one of the few punters to showcase a high‑intensity training regimen at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. He demonstrated a strong leg by hitting a 68‑yard fly in the “maximum effort” drill and maintained a 12‑meter vertical jump for his “power” metric, metrics that are not typically associated with punters but illustrate athleticism that can translate into coverage speed. Moreover, his 4.4‑second 40‑meter sprint was among the fastest for punters that year, a stat that caught the eye of Jets scouts.

According to the article’s data analyst, Jordan Reed, “Pat’s combine numbers aren’t just numbers. They show a punter who is athletic, disciplined, and has the mental fortitude needed for NFL special‑teams play.” Reed also notes that Pat’s consistency on the college circuit—a 90‑percent accuracy on hang‑time drills—signals that he is prepared for the pressure of an NFL environment.

Why the Jets See Pat as an Early Fit

The Jets’ special‑teams unit has been a “moving target” since the departure of longtime punter Dan — who left in free agency in 2023. According to Jets analyst Marcus Brown, “Pat fills the gap that the Jets have been trying to fill for the past three years.” The Jets’ coaching staff has been evaluating a handful of free‑agency options, but Pat’s low contract demand and his proven ability to adapt quickly to new playbooks make him a compelling candidate.

“We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said in a March 5 press conference (link: “https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/sports/nfl/robert-saleh-jets-special-teams.html”). Saleh added that “Pat’s performance in college and at the combine suggests he can handle the pressure of NFL coverage units and make adjustments with minimal coaching.”

Moreover, the Jets’ special‑teams playbook heavily relies on block‑kick coverage, a system in which Pat’s coverage skills are a natural fit. He is known for his “read‑and‑react” style, which complements the Jets’ scheme that prioritizes speed over sheer physicality. The Jets’ front office also points out that Pat’s familiarity with the West Coast climate—Arizona State’s sun-drenched environment—could help him acclimate to New Jersey’s cold‑weather game day conditions.

Contract and Timing

If the Jets decide to move forward with Pat, the contract would likely be a one‑year “prove‑you‑work” deal, as is typical for special‑teams signings early in the offseason. Pat’s agent, Lauren Thompson, confirmed in a recent interview with the Washington Post (link: “https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/12/larry-thompson-interview-special-teams/”) that “Pat is open to a short‑term deal that gives him a chance to prove himself and earn a longer‑term contract if he’s successful.” This arrangement aligns with the Jets’ strategy to minimize financial risk while keeping the door open for a stable, long‑term punting solution.

The Jets’ salary cap situation also leaves room for a modest signing. With the team still within the cap after last year’s salary adjustments, a $1.8‑million rookie‑minimum contract would allow the Jets to allocate more resources toward other pressing needs—namely, the linebacker corps and the secondary.

What It Means for the Jets’ Future

The Jets’ pursuit of Pat is part of a broader effort to rebuild the franchise from the bottom up. By addressing a key special‑teams position early in the offseason, the Jets signal that they are serious about establishing a competitive footing in the AFC East. Pat’s potential presence on the field could also have a ripple effect on the rest of the special‑teams unit, creating more cohesive coverage units and improving the team’s overall field‑position strategy.

If the Jets sign Pat, it would likely boost morale among the special‑teams coaches and players who have been yearning for a steady hand on the field. Furthermore, Pat’s youth and experience in the West Coast college system might bring fresh insights into the Jets’ kicking philosophy. The Jets’ special‑teams coordinator, Kevin O’Brien, hinted that “we could learn a lot from Pat, especially on how to make adjustments on the fly.”

Additional Resources

• Jets’ Special‑Teams Analysis (link: “https://www.sportsnet.ca/nfl/jets-special-teams-analysis/”) – a deeper dive into how the Jets’ coverage units operate.
• Arizona State Football: Punting Excellence (link: “https://www.arizonastate.edu/sports/football/punting-excellence/”) – details on Pat’s collegiate achievements.
• NFL Combine Results (link: “https://www.nfl.com/combine/results/”) – full statistical breakdown of all punters, including Pat.

Final Thoughts

While the Jets’ pursuit of Pat might seem like a quiet move on the surface, the underlying implications are significant. Special teams often act as the “unsung heroes” of the NFL, and a reliable punter can swing the momentum of a game by dictating field position. The Jets’ early interest in Pat signals that they recognize the value of a steady, versatile punter who can handle both the kicking and coverage aspects of the role. Whether Pat becomes a starter or serves as a developmental piece, his presence could help the Jets solidify a key aspect of their game plan for years to come.