Despite the buzz surrounding him, veteran receiver Jaden Bray has had a surprisingly quiet start to the 2024 season.
Throughout the offseason, West Virginia fans eagerly anticipated the impact of Bray, a transfer from Oklahoma State. He showcased his skills with impressive, contested catches, including a standout play that garnered significant attention on social media.
I asked who’s going to make an impact on Saturday against Penn State. I’m seeing a ton of people mention wide receiver Jaden Bray.
Here’s why.pic.twitter.com/9XIzZoh5qv
— Jonathan Martin (@JonathanKMartin) August 27, 2024
“Jaden is really talented,” said WVU head coach Neal Brown during Big 12 media days. “I thought he was slowed by injuries last year. He had a couple of really big games. He’s a tremendous human being, first of all. He’s been a great addition to our locker room. The type of character he has and the way he was raised are all real positives. He’s long, he can jump, and he can run. Now, for us, it’s about translating that talent into consistent production week in and week out. I’m excited to coach him. He’s been a joy since he arrived in January, and I believe he’s poised for not just one but two high-production years.”
However, Bray’s performance in the first four games has been underwhelming, with only two receptions for 88 yards. In the initial three games, he averaged just 24.6 snaps per game, and against Kansas, he saw a mere 17 offensive snaps. While it’s true that Hudson Clement had a standout performance, limiting Bray’s opportunities, the injuries to Preston Fox and Justin Robinson suggested Bray should have received more playing time.
Unless there are undisclosed injury issues, Bray’s lack of involvement raises concerns. While it could be argued that he hasn’t made the most of his limited snaps, West Virginia will need his talents as they delve deeper into Big 12 competition. Two catches over four games is simply not sufficient; for the Mountaineers to succeed, they need Bray to become a more integral part of their offensive game plan. As the season progresses, finding ways to utilize his skills will be crucial for West Virginia’s success.
