SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU star Zach Wilson and New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh discussed the offseason growth of the second-year player.

On May 24, the quarterback and coach spoke with the media after the Jets started OTAs.

According to ESPN, Wilson showed up 13 pounds heavier than he was at the end of the 2021 season. The quarterback’s weight gain was part of Wilson’s offseason plans to get bigger.

“I do have a sweet tooth pretty bad, so that’s been a challenge,” Wilson said. “I just feel like I’m a better athlete with more weight on.”

“After finishing last season at 208 pounds, the second-year quarterback reported to OTA practices this week at 221 pounds — a designed weight gain that occurred with the help of a nutritionist and a chef. And some serious will power.” ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported.

“I feel better for sure,” said Wilson. “The energy, the ability to have that stamina throughout the whole practice, is better. In the long run, once we get into a game when we actually get hit and tackled, having more size on me will help.”

On time.@ZachWilson x @TheCDavis84 pic.twitter.com/eZbyXLMJg5

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 24, 2022

Saleh described Wilson’s muscle increase as “thick.” The second-year head coach also praised the former BYU standout’s improvement as a vocal leader.

“He looks good, he’s confident, he’s smiling, he’s vocal,” Saleh said of Wilson. “I’ve said it before that you can always tell the confidence level and their understanding of what they’re being asked to do by the volume of their voice, and he’s getting pretty loud.”

About Zach Wilson

Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.

Wilson recently completed his first season in the NFL.

Another day, another opportunity. pic.twitter.com/ZEAclVgYmP

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 24, 2022

The quarterback struggled to start the 2021 campaign and suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss a month midway through the season.

After bouncing back from the injury, Wilson saw his play improve down the final stretch of New York’s slate.

Wilson finished the season passing for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added 185 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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