Jay Rudolph Season 2021

Entering 2023 season

HONORS
* Three-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete (2021-23)
* Three-time Mountain West Fall All-Academic Team (2020-22)

Physical, smart tight end who played in seven of the team’s eight games as a true freshman in 2020 on special teams and then became a regular contributor to the team the past two years ... Good blocker with excellent hands ... Enters the season as the projected starting ‘H’ tight end.

JUNIOR SEASON (2022)
Was named a “SDSU player to watch” by Lindy’s Sports ... Had a 9-yard catch in nine games (five starts) ... Missed the first four games with an injury ... Returned to play at Boise State on Sept. 30, logging 15 statless snaps off the bench ... Also played 19 snaps in a start against Hawai’i on Oct. 8 ... Played 23 statless snaps in a reserve role at Nevada on Oct. 22 ... Started and played 22 snaps at Fresno State on Oct. 29 ...tarted again vs. UNLV on Nov. 5, playing 27 snaps ... Had a 9-yard catch on a career-high three targets in 24 snaps against San José State on Nov. 12 ... The catch was the second of his career and first since a touchdown reception vs. Utah on Sept. 18, 2021 ... Started and played 22 snaps at New Mexico on Nov. 18, throwing a key block for Kenan Christon’s 49-yard touchdown run ... Played nine statless snaps vs. Air Force on Nov. 26 ... Started against Middle Tennessee in the EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl on Dec. 24, playing 27 snaps.

SOPHOMORE SEASON (2021)
Played in 13 of the team’s 14 games with five starts, making a 2-yard touchdown catch ... Did not record a stat in 27 statless snaps in the opener against New Mexico State on Sept. 4 or in 38 snaps at Arizona on Sept. 11 ... Caught a 2-yard touchdown pass off the bench against Utah on Sept. 18 ... The catch and touchdown were both the first of his career and put the Aztecs in the lead, 31-24, in the first overtime ... Played in 37 snaps in the win ... Played 27 statless snaps off the bench against Towson on Sept. 25 ... Earned his first career start against New Mexico on Oct. 9, playing 46 offensive snaps ... Started again at San José State on Oct. 15, playing 36 statless snaps ... Started for a third straight game at Air Force on Oct. 23 without recording a stat ... Did not record a stat in a start and 20 offensive snaps at Hawai’i on Nov. 6 ... Played 22 statless snaps off the bench vs. Nevada on Nov. 13, 33 snaps at UNLV on Nov. 19 and nine snaps vs. Boise State on Nov. 26 ... Did not travel to the Mountain West Championship game against Utah State on Dec. 4 ... Started and played 43 snaps vs. No. 24/25 UTSA in the Tropical Smoothie Frisco Bowl on Dec. 21.

FRESHMAN (TRUE) SEASON (2020)
Played in seven of the team’s eight games as a true freshman, all on special teams ... Was on the travel roster for the opener against UNLV on Oct. 24 but did not play ...  Made his collegiate debut on special teams the following week at Utah State on Oct. 31 ... Then played in each of the final six games of the season.

HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. … Made the all-state second team as a senior, when he captained the Huskies to a 9-2 record, a league title at 6-0 and an appearance in the state championship game … Also made all-region and all-league … According to MaxPreps, totaled 88 catches for 1,453 yards (16.5 avg.) with 15 touchdowns over the past two years, including 57 receptions for 903 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019 … Was a three-star recruit by 247sports and ESPN, and a two-star recruit by Rivals … Received a scout grade of 82 by 247sports and 72 by ESPN.

PERSONAL
Jay Rudolph was born Oct. 15, 2001, in Scottsdale, Ariz. ... Son of Scott and Jodi Rudolph ... Picked San Diego State over offers from Oregon State, Air Force, Army West Point, Abilene Christian, Colgate, Georgetown, Lehigh, Montana State, Northern Arizona and Northern Colorado ... Is majoring in general business.

SINGLE-GAME BESTS
Receptions: 1 vs. San José State (11/12/22), vs. Utah (9/18/21)
Receiving Yards: 9 vs. San José State (11/12/22)
Receiving Touchdowns: 1 vs. Utah State (9/21/19)
Long Reception: 9 vs. San José State (11/12/22)