Jalen Royals Interview: 'I Did Exactly What I Needed To Do With My Opportunity'

Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals is one of college football's best-kept secrets entering 2024. Royals absolutely exploded for the Aggies last season, totaling 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns. He possesses future day-two NFL draft potential.

Royals recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his breakout season, building momentum in 2024, his previous experience at Georgia Military College, and more.

JM: You exploded last season after barely getting on the field in 2022. You totaled 71 catches for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns. Besides more playing time, what changes led to those numbers?

Jalen Royals: Confidence first and foremost. I was just a much more confident player last season. I knew I had to come in and fill a big role in our offense. I planned on maximizing that opportunity.

I did my part to help the team win as many games as possible. Confidence is really what it was.

JM: You must have felt a sense of accomplishment. Was there this feeling like yeah, I just needed an opportunity, but I knew I was capable of this?

Jalen Royals: Of course there was, yeah. I feel like everybody should feel that way. I believed I was capable of putting up those numbers before it actually happened. I already had that mindset going into the season because I knew my teammates were counting on me.

I was able to play distraction-free football. I did exactly what I needed to do with my opportunity.

JM: The 15 touchdowns are especially eye-popping. You have a great nose for the end zone.

Jalen Royals: I wanted it more. Getting into the end zone that many times, I think there’s a “want to” factor that comes with that. Scoring touchdowns means you’re putting points up on the board and helping your team win games. That’s the most important thing. When I see that end zone right there, I want to get into it more than the next guy.

JM: You spent the 2021 season at Georgia Military College. What was that experience like? How did it shape the person you are today?

Jalen Royals: It was definitely a tough experience. I was at the JUCO level and I barely played. I didn’t see the field that much. I was mostly just playing special teams. It was a tough-love experience, but it definitely helped me become more appreciative in general.

It made me a harder worker at the end of day. I had to change my habits if I wanted to see the field more consistently. It was a tough experience.

JM: What an incredible rise you’ve experienced from then to now. You're not a secret anymore. Opposing defenses will be better prepared in 2024. How do you plan on counteracting that?

Jalen Royals: I’ve spent the offseason working on my weaknesses. I want to be a better all-around player this year. I have a pretty good idea of what they’re going to do with me coverage-wise.

When I’m seeing double coverage, bracket coverage, I know my teammates are going to step up and make plays. 

JM: What are some of those weaknesses you’re working on?

Jalen Royals: I need to be a better blocker first and foremost. That’s a big one. I want to be a more consistent route-runner as well. I want everything to be more efficient and to look crisper. I have to make sure the top of the route is more effective. I’m also working on a more diverse release package.

JM: Does Jalen Royals have a favorite route to run?

Jalen Royals: Yeah, I’d probably say a curl route. I’d go with the curl. It’s a good route that throws defensive backs off their game. I can create good separation at the top of a curl route. I can always work toward the ball.

JM: You're capable of playing both inside and outside. Which one feels more natural to you moving forward?

Jalen Royals: I’d probably say outside. I actually played more inside when I was at JUCO though. That helped me learn the slot position and become more diverse. I feel comfortable playing outside at Utah State though, the “X” position specifically.

JM: What's the best game you played in a Utah State jersey last season and why?

Jalen Royals: I would probably say the UConn game from last season. I had 185 yards and three touchdowns. I felt well-prepared for that game and obviously, it showed on the field. I went up against some big cornerbacks in that game and I got the better of them.

JM: This has been outstanding. We've appreciated your time today. In closing, what are your goals for the 2024 season?

Jalen Royals: It was a breakout season for me last year. I have to build on that momentum now.

As a team, we went 6-7 and we need to get better. We want to reach the Mountain West Championship Game. If we do that, maybe we could even clinch a playoff spot with the new college football format. That’s our biggest goal right now.