How is the tight end situation with the Cleveland Browns? Will quality backups be needed? Will the team look to NFL free agency, the NFL draft, or both to help the room?
Tight end Justin Joly of North Carolina
State got an invite from the Senior Bowl and was thrilled that he was considered one of the best at his position. He also wanted to prove that he belonged and would make a great addition to any roster.
Joly grew up in New Rochelle, New York, and went to UConn for two years, where he led the team in receptions. He entered the final week of the regular season ranked third in FBS in both categories for tight ends.
After going 3-9-0 in 2023, he then entered the portal and took the offer from North Carolina State.
NC State finished its 2024 season with a 9-4-0 record and one game out of first place in the conference with a 6-2-0 mark. But they couldn’t beat Notre Dame and Duke in critical conference play. However, they did thump their rival, North Carolina, 39-20.
Jolly was named First Team All-ACC after his senior season.
Dawgs by Nature staff writer Barry Shuck was at the Senior Bowl this week. He interviewed Joly during a practice session.
TE Justin Joly (6’-3”, 263 pounds)
North Carolina State
Projection: Round 4
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Shuck: You were the leading receiver at UConn, yet you left. What was the issue?
Joly: Coming out of high school, I didn’t have many offers. UConn was the best choice. After leading my team in catches, I wanted bigger opportunities and didn’t see them with UConn playing schools like Ball State, Fresno State, and Sacred Heart. I wanted bigger games with a Power-5 school. Then we only won three games, so I talked to my family and decided that, as much as I enjoyed my time at UConn and loved the coaching staff, I entered the portal. I improved my blocking and route running while at UConn. NC State, Tennessee, and Houston offered.
Shuck: You grew up in New York State, so UConn was close to home. Did that enter into your decision to end up in the State of North Carolina, where the weather and culture are so much different?
Joly: Honestly, it really didn’t matter to me. I just want to play good football. I know I’m far away from home, and my mom didn’t like that much. It’s a great place where I’m at. The culture and fanbase at NC State are great, and my coaches have a lot of respect for me and are really hyped for the season.
Shuck: How do you describe your game?
Joly: I am resilient and will fight with my brothers. I am the person who is giving 100%, 100% of the time. Just watch what you did and correct, and do whatever you got to do.
Shuck: What do you need to improve?
Joly: A little bit of everything. There’s nothing to my game, I think is perfect, nor will ever be. I would say route running, hands, and work more on blocking. I’m a true competitor and look for every edge I can get.
Shuck: And your strengths?
Joly: My ability after the catch with good hands, blocking downfield. I am a great downfield blocker. I am good at reading and understanding defenses. And if the offense needs to play fast, I’m there for it.
Shuck: What do you learn most after a loss?
Joly: They beat us, and we beat ourselves. So, really, it was 22 versus zero. It’s hard because I hate losing. Always props to the other team, but find the issues and make corrections. Then work at it, bring the pressure, and prep for it. You have to keep your head up and maintain the good energy that we have within the facility.
Shuck: NFL teams like physical tools, and you are a former basketball player. What skills in that sport have helped you in football?
Joly: Playing a position that requires catching passes means being able to jump, and a lot of passes aren’t near where I need the ball to be, so you have to adjust and go after it. I study a lot of film and want to be on the same page as my quarterback, but sometimes the pass rush changes the pattern of the ball in flight. I am a good jumper, and with my height, I feel I can get up more than any linebacker covering me. Plus, all the running in basketball.
Shuck: You haven’t gotten the attention and respect nationally for being such a good tight end. Do you walk around with a chip on your shoulder?
Joly: Honestly, that doesn’t faze me because at the end of the day, I think my teammates know what I am capable of. And a lot of times, your job is just to block for other players to get the stats and attention. And that’s my job in that game. In the next game, I might get the most targets. I want the respect of the people in the locker room.
