Playing time arrives quickly for Rutgers freshman Everett Wormley

Everett Wormley became the first Rutgers freshman to catch a pass this season during his college debut against Washington last week. His five-yard reception came late in the game, although his first bout of playing time came in the first quarter.

“It felt good. The debut came fast,” Wormley said this week. “Training camp went really fast. But getting out and playing against one of the best teams in the nation, it lets you see where you really are. I definitely think I held my own. There is a bunch of things I can improve on, but it was just the first game. I am going to get better from there.”

It was not surprising to see Wormley on the field as he had one of the best training camps of any wide receiver. Once camp concluded, offensive coordinator Jerry Kill called him one of the surprises of camp.

Wormley offered his reaction to that statement.

“Mixed emotions really. I was glad I was able to impress him and the rest of the coaching staff. But I also had expectations for myself. So I didn’t surprise myself. It’s good to know I impressed him, so I appreciate the compliment.”

Looking ahead, Kill mentioned the possibility of throwing more downfield passes, which particularly appealed to Wormley.

“That is definitely exciting to hear. Coach Kill is an offensive genius, so we never try to question what he does,” Wormley said. "I love going up and catching 50/50 balls, that is what I do. That is kind of how I made my mark on the team. So hopefully, when I get the opportunity, I will go out and make the play.”

Playing as a true freshman did not just happen by chance as it has been on Wormley’s agenda for quite some time.

“I was mentally prepared since I signed on the dotted line,” he said. “I knew who I was playing against in week one. So I tried to prepare myself.”

Wormley is a graduate of Burlington Township High School in Southern New Jersey and had a notable following through the first game of the season.

“I had a lot of people there at the game and tons of people back home watching. I went on snapchat and everybody was recording the game every time I was on the field. It was definitely exciting to see all that support and I am just going to keep trying to make them all proud.”