30 Players in 30 Days: #7 — Jace Sternberger

Position: Tight End
Classification: Junior
Hometown: Kingfisher, OK
Listed Height: 6-4
Listed Weight: 250

Notes from Olin's thoughts on Sternberger

• He had such a stellar showing in the spring game. I’m not going to let that influence me too much, but what does influence me is when the head coach comes and says this guy is making a big impact and he’s going to catch 30-40 passes at least. You look at the track record of the coach and see how he’s used the tight end, like Nick O’Leary on that 2013 championship team at Florida State. Jimbo is very high on him. Jimbo likes tight ends and likes to use them, so I am buying in. I haven’t seen anything to convince me that Jimbo throws around compliments just for the sake of doing so.

• This is a fan-base that can appreciate the tight end play because they’ve had so many great tight ends in the past. That’s why when Jimbo talks about him catching a six-yard pass, he talks about him getting a standing ovation at the spring game. They understand the value of a good tight end and appreciate someone who is willing to go out there and make plays. If he has the year that Jimbo thinks he’s going to have, with that position being starved here, I’ll look for some burger restaurant to start the “Stern-burger.”

• He’s got good speed. He’s fast enough to be a real pain for the defense in matchups because he’s a big guy who can get down the field, and oftentimes big guys don’t run well. He can make some plays, get down field and catch it, and then run with it afterwards. If you’re going to put a linebacker on him, he’s too fast, and if you want to put a safety on him, he’s too big.

• Based on what I’ve seen and what I’ve heard, I don’t have any concerns. I’m not saying he’s going to be an All-American, I’m not even going to say he’s all conference, but I expect him to be a very productive player. I would not be surprised if the first play against Northwestern State is a pass to Sternberger. I would absolutely take 42 catches for 672 yards, which is double what he did last year at JUCO.

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Follow the entire 30 Players in 30 Days series here.