FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Jared Wilson impressed during his rookie season, but the offensive lineman is set to play his first game back in a position that he is much more comfortable in.
Last season, the New England Patriots had center Garrett Bradbury on the roster, but had a hole at left guard. So, Wilson made the transition. But with Bradbury traded to the Chicago Bears, it allowed for Wilson to return to his college position.
And on Wednesday night, he will be suiting up and playing his first game at center with the Patriots.
“I’m just excited to go out and play football, regardless of where the position is," Wilson said. "And just happy and blessed to be in the position that I am. Got a chance to go play football.”
One of the most important aspects
of being a center is the relationship with the quarterback, and offensive line coach Doug Marone explained how he's seen that grow throughout the summer.
"I do see that relationship developing, and it’s something that’s worked on daily," he said on Sunday. "I think those things are never taken for granted. At least, that’s how I’ve always viewed them. So it’s something that you develop on a daily basis. I think too, I think playing in college in that position specifically is a little bit different. When you’re playing here, you see more formations. Things of that nature.
"So, again, it’s been a great experience for us and I’ve loved working with him. Kind of going through some things that maybe you don’t see in college at the center position that you’re going to see here and the pictures here change weekly. Like week to week to week. There’s different things that you need to work on, need to do. Getting the technique down. I love working with him personally. Because he’s kind of a sponge. He really listens.
"He has an intent to him. He really wants to be a master at his position. And the repetitions and to continue to do that where now, all of the sudden, you don’t have to think about it. You’re creating a habit for yourself. Those are the things that you look forward to as a coach and trying to see it and trying to get consistency. That’s what I really enjoy about working with him, is trying to get that.”
Josh McDaniels was also asked about Jared's move back to center, praising the second-year lineman for his approach to the offseason.
“We’ve got a really smart group. These guys talk about how hard it is to learn. Jared’s been great,” McDaniels said. “He honestly, like when the season ended, I don’t know how many weeks he spent away from here, but just what a great approach and a great mentality for a young player coming off of a rookie season where he played a ton of football to kind of invest the time that he did in his body, in the strength and conditioning program, in just being here and preparing himself for his second season. I couldn’t say enough about that."
McDaniels went on to talk about how Wilson's familiarity with the position certainly helps with his transition back.
“I think he has a comfort level with this position that he’s going to play this year, just because he’s had more experience at it, obviously," the offensive coordinator added. "He’s a really good communicator. He, you know, because quarterback and the center, if they’re not on the same page, doesn’t really matter. So, whatever we talk about with Drake, I mean, you kind of also are talking about Jared.
"So they’re both — they distribute a lot of information to their teammates, and they do a really good job of it. They’re both accountable, but just really eager and excited to see him play and start this second season. Different position, different role, much different in terms of his leadership and command of our offense. Really setting the table for those guys up front. But looking forward to it. Excited for him. I know he’s excited as well.”
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots' Jared Wilson returning to college position in NFL opener
