NC State tight end Justin Joly is among the most productive players at his position in college football. The former UConn transfer has registered 47 receptions for 468 yards and seven touchdowns this campaign. NFL scouts are enamored with the senior’s future outlook.
Joly recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Joly discussed the decision to transfer from UConn to NC State, making program history, his favorite routes to run, which NFL players influence his approach, and more.
JM: You decided to transfer from UConn to NC State ahead of the 2024 season. You immediately had the best year of your career. How do you look back on the decision to transfer to NC State?
Justin Joly: It was a footballing decision. I believed in myself, obviously. I had a great support staff at UConn. Don’t get me wrong, I felt well supported there, and they supported my decision. I had to build my name from the ground up again.
JM: That’s exactly what you’ve done. Now in your second season at NC State, do you feel more settled in and comfortable on offense?
Justin Joly: Yeah, without a doubt, I do. We have a great offensive coordinator [Kurt Roper] who I trust very much. I love the coaches and teammates I have around me. It’s a very healthy environment here. It always helps make it feel like home.
JM: Watching the tape, I was very impressed with what you did in that Pittsburgh game. You recorded six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns. What was it like being in the zone for that game?
Justin Joly: I wouldn’t even necessarily say I was in the zone for that game. I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the team win. I was just doing what I could to help the offense score points.
A trick and a treat!
— NC State Football (@PackFootball) October 25, 2025
Justin Joly gives it his all for his second touchdown of the game and is over 100 yards for the first time in his career. #1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/j83rRzqyjZ
JM: I’m very impressed with your pass-catching ability. Does Justin Joly have a favorite route to run?
Justin Joly: I really don’t. Whatever route they want me to run, I’m happy to run every route in our playbook. If the ball is getting thrown to me, that’s my favorite route (laughs).
JM: There’s gotta be something that you're confident in that gives you the ability to create separation and get open.
Justin Joly: I feel like I have really good hands. I always trust myself at the catch point. Finding the right hand placement off the line of scrimmage is crucial. Knowing where to strike, I use that to my advantage.
JM: Do you get any inspiration from pro tight ends? Do you watch anyone specifically on tape?
Justin Joly: I actually used to play wide receiver in high school. I watched a lot of Davante Adams. When I started playing tight end in college, I had to acclimate to the program—I think that was my sophomore year.
At 6'3 250, @PackFootball’s Justin Joly is a multi-level athlete at the TE position.
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) September 6, 2025
A matchup weapon, he’s elusive before and after the catch, and plays with physicality as a route runner and perimeter player. One of the best move-TEs in the 2026 class.@UVAFootball will… https://t.co/zAc9OqswIG pic.twitter.com/Rri72nR8SO
JM: Do you feel like you’re still developing as an in-line blocker? It’s probably the toughest part of the skill set to nail down.
Justin Joly: Honestly, I’m still developing everywhere. I still have to get better in every area of my game. I’m always getting better with time; it happens at every practice.
As a run blocker, I have to give props to the tight ends in my room, Cody Hardy and Dante Daniels. They push me to be better, especially as a blocker. Iron sharpens iron. It’s easy to get better when everyone around you is getting better as well.
JM: There’s no doubt about that. We’ve appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this year?
Justin Joly: I want to help leave NC State a better program. Leave it better than how I found it.
