Why Jalen Royals remained true to the Aggies

Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals celebrates after a 35-yard touchdown reception against Georgia State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Boise, Idaho. | Steve Conner, Associated Press

Jalen Royals could be a very rich man right now.

How rich?

Well, per USU co-offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Cooper Bassett, Royals has received multiple NIL offers during the last six months that — on their own — were worth more than what Bassett has made in his entire coaching career.

Just as a note, Bassett made $150,000 last season, per USA Today. And he has been working as a coach in college football since 2017.

“I mean, I have not made in my lifetime as much money as Jalen has been offered for the last six months,” Bassett said.

There’s a reason Royals has been offered so much.

The wide receiver — about to start his senior season in Logan — was one of the best pass catchers in all of college football last season, but especially in the Mountain West Conference.

Royals finished the 2023 season with 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns. Break it down further and Royals averaged 15.2 yards per catch and 83.1 yards per game.

Those 15 touchdowns? That was a new Utah State record.

Royals led the entire country in touchdown receptions that went for 50 yards or more, with seven.

He ranked in the top 10 in the MW in receiving touchdowns, receiving yards per game, receptions per game, scoring and yards per reception.

He was a top-50 wideout overall in three of those categories.

Pro Football Focus rated Royals as the 69th best receiver in America last year, but if you focus solely on receiving grades, Royals finished in the top 45 overall.

For a wide receiver, who in the previous year didn’t record a single stat — playing mostly on special teams — it was a major leap. And when you…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-jalen-royals-remained-true-230342256.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-08-06 23:03:42

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