Could the NFL’s next big star be wearing purple and black? LaJohntay Wester, fresh off a sensational preseason with the Baltimore Ravens, is turning heads with his explosive punt returns and promising receiving skills. His journey from Colorado to the pro ranks is just beginning, but early signs point to a truly special talent. What kind of impact will he make in his rookie season?
LaJohntay Wester, the former Colorado Buffaloes standout, is rapidly emerging as a compelling candidate for NFL stardom, having secured a coveted spot on the Baltimore Ravens’ initial 53-man roster. His journey from a promising collegiate athlete to a professional hopeful has been marked by explosive plays and a remarkable ability to impact the game in multiple facets, positioning him as a player to watch for years to come.
During his inaugural NFL preseason, Wester showcased the dynamic talent that earned him recognition at both Florida Atlantic and Colorado. He impressed coaches and fans alike not only with his receiving prowess, hauling in four passes for 69 yards, but predominantly through his electrifying special teams contributions. It was his breathtaking 87-yard punt return touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts that truly signaled his arrival, demonstrating an elusiveness that promises to translate effectively to the highest level of professional football.
The spectacular punt return was a testament to Wester’s composure and innate playmaking ability, a moment he attributed to faith and preparation. “I prayed all night and trusted God, and he led me to the end zone,” Wester remarked, highlighting his calm confidence. His understanding of the game, combined with his exceptional agility, allows him to consistently create yardage in the return game, making him a significant asset for the Baltimore Ravens in crucial situations.
Beyond his special teams heroics, Wester also contributed to the Ravens’ offensive scheme. In the preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, he led the team in receiving yards, further solidifying his versatility. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta publicly acknowledged Wester’s immediate value, emphasizing his “twitchy, explosive punt returner” capabilities and the team’s strategic need for improvement in that critical area, underscoring Wester’s potential to be an impact player from day one.
Before joining the NFL, Wester had a memorable single season with the Colorado Buffaloes. During his time in Boulder, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities, returning nine punts for 108 yards and a touchdown. Offensively, the 5-foot-9 speedster was a vital component of Colorado’s passing attack, snagging 74 receptions for 931 yards, positioning him as the team’s second-leading receiver and a key NFL Prospect for the future.
Wester’s knack for clutch performances was evident even before his professional debut. A particularly memorable moment came during his collegiate career when he made a game-tying 43-yard touchdown reception against the Baylor Bears in the final seconds of a critical game. This play underscored his mentality as a Wide Receiver: to “make the quarterback right,” regardless of the pass quality, and simply “make a play on the ball.”
With his exceptional abilities as both a Punt Returner and a developing pass-catcher, LaJohntay Wester is perfectly poised to thrive within the Baltimore Ravens offense, under the tutelage of coach John Harbaugh and alongside two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. If he continues to refine his skills and capitalize on his unique athleticism, Wester is undoubtedly on a trajectory to become a top-tier playmaker and a genuine star in the NFL, fulfilling the promise that many have recognized in him.
