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Chris Herndon Impressing At Jets Training Camp

The third year tight end is ready to become a big part of the Jets offense

By marshthomas
New York Jets Training Camp Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

It’s always good to see a former Miami Hurricane do well in the NFL, and in 2020, tight end Chris Herndon may be the next former-Cane to breakout in the pros. So far during training camp for the New York Jets, Herndon has been impressing everyone.

Herndon was a fourth-round selection by the Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. At Miami, Herndon was one of the key factors in the Hurricanes magical 2017 season. That year, he totaled 40 catches, for 477 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning second-team All-ACC honors.

As he prepares to enter his third season in New York, Herndon has become a reliable target for quarterback Sam Darnold thus far in camp. In his rookie season in 2018, Herndon recorded 39 receptions, for 502 yards and 4 touchdowns, and was named to the All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers Association. Last year, Herndon appeared in just one game, due to injuries and suspensions.

Even after battling a tough 2019 season, many believe that a now-healthy Herndon, can become a big part of Adam Gase’s offense in New York. If you watched Herndon during his rookie year, you understand why.

Herndon is the total package for an NFL tight end: great hands, can stretch the field, solid blocker, and can move the chains. In 2018, Herndon was second on the Jets, behind Robby Anderson, with 25 first-downs.

When it comes to Darnold, who is also entering his third season in the pros, the former USC quarterback will be relying heavily on Herndon in the passing game. While Ryan Griffin stepped in admirably when Herndon went down last year, the production just wasn’t the same. Through the summer and up until now, it’s clear that the duo could be in for a big season.

If Herndon can stay healthy, there have been those that say he can become a top-5 tight end in the NFL. Though, a tight end from Miami making those type of headlines shouldn’t surprise anyone. New York wide receiver Jamison Crowder, told JetsWire that Herndon reminds him of former Washington tight end Jordan Reed, who became a Pro Bowl player during his time there, and is now with the 49ers.

Herndon is one of several former Hurricanes who have found themselves in a Jets uniform this year, alongside veteran running back Frank Gore, third-year WR Braxton Berrios, and undrafted receiver Lawrence Cager.