Log Jam at TE

http://www.sltrib.com/collegesports/ci_14743427



Looks like we have great depth at the position, and are moving more guys there, but we are VERY young at the position. Wonder if Wilson might move to another position now, as he is much smaller than the others. I suppose he could always play the slot, like George did. Marcus Matthews to the position is a surprise.



Starting tight end candidates

Name Year Ht/Wt

Devin Mahina Fr. 6-6/225

Mike Muehlmann Fr. 6-4/227

Richard Wilson Fr. 6-2/238

Jordan Lower Jr. 6-5/240

Matthew Edwards Jr. 6-3/206

Marcus Mathews Fr. 6-4/200

Austin Holt* Fr. 6-6/240

* -- Returns from LDS Church mission in July

Mathews was just moved there because there was an even bigger logjam at receiver position.



good problem to have.

don't we need more inside linebackers...

Then factor in that we've got these freshmen coming in the fall:



Alani Fua

Bryan Sampson

Chris Copier



Fua likely won't be a TE but still was offered a scholie by OSU for his services at the position. Sampson while not as heralded as others will probably eventually get his shot at some PT. I just wish he'd greyshirt this upcoming year prior to his mission first to spread out the jam a bit. Copier is a preferred walk-on from Bingham who could be the next Pitta or Lewis. He could likely benefit from a greyshirt too if he's serious about eventually earning a scholarship and PT.



A lot of folks, me included, figured Mahina would wind up at DE when he finally arrived on campus but Bronco seemed to dispel that theory recently. So unless Wilson goes on a mission, we'll have five scholarship players all within a year of eligibility (or less) competing for at most two open spots, but more likely just one, at least this year anyway. Meuhlmann, Wilson, Mahina, Holt, Mathews are going to be competing not only against each other but also against some scrappy walk-ons too. With that much talent all at one position, it seems it will only be a matter of time someone opts for a position change or a transfer, kind of like at QB. I wish we had that problem at LB or on the OL. Truthfully though, some of these TE prospects might make good OL. And the money is certainly better at the next level for OL than at TE if you can make the transition. That's probably a big reason why Braden Brown made the switch and why guys like Bronson Kaufusi, who was also a very good TE and DL, might play OT for us in the future.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mahina move to DE.

I remember when we had a ton of backers, the year Bronco changed to a 3-4 to bring out the strength. I remember not being overly impressed with all the players we had at LBs, maybe it'll be similar. We'll have a lot of TEs change to a buffalo and 2 back offense and not be overly impressed.







Doubt that. I like Holt, Mathews, Mahina since they have Pitta' size and speed. But I'm sure Wilson will go back to D or someone will change. Maybe Hague will go to LB since coaches are hinting they don't want him as safety or fullback.

After watching this site for a while and browsing through the topics I just have to make a comment on one player that you guys mention. Matthew Edwards is nowhere close to being anything viable anywhere on the field. He has to run the very worst routes on the team (including walk-ons), runs like a chicken, and can't turn his head without turning his shoulders as if he has no neck with which to do so. He didnt move from WR to TE because of his great height and frame, he moved because Coach Higgins didn't feel like dealing with someone going nowhere anyways, and left him to Coach Anae. If he ends up the field at anytime this year save mop up duty like Parker Mangum did last year I would be shocked. Though I am no means a scout, or college level assessor of talent, I would say the only reason he is on the team is that he shares the same last name as a certain high profile BYU football coach. So you can count him out of the TE race.

cougarkingofbattle wrote:
After watching this site for a while and browsing through the topics I just have to make a comment on one player that you guys mention. Matthew Edwards is nowhere close to being anything viable anywhere on the field. He has to run the very worst routes on the team (including walk-ons), runs like a chicken, and can't turn his head without turning his shoulders as if he has no neck with which to do so. He didnt move from WR to TE because of his great height and frame, he moved because Coach Higgins didn't feel like dealing with someone going nowhere anyways, and left him to Coach Anae. If he ends up the field at anytime this year save mop up duty like Parker Mangum did last year I would be shocked. Though I am no means a scout, or college level assessor of talent, I would say the only reason he is on the team is that he shares the same last name as a certain high profile BYU football coach. So you can count him out of the TE race.

It sounds like you have some weird personal issues here, did he run over your dog or something? :bug:

Which of the TE's has been tearing it up during spring ball: Muehlmann or is it Mahina. I'm getting them mixed up.

Richard Wilson wants the TE starting job very badly; Mahinas talent and Meuhlmans work ethic and smarts are going to force all three of these guys to elevate their games this summer or they're not going to start. I love the logjam here; it's going to force the cream to the top.



This is what perrenial top ten teams have at nearly every position.



As for Edwards, Mathews and others, they're going to play special teams and tight end is a position they can be asked to add strength, weight and speed and still contribute on special teams.

I heard from somebody who knows somebody who knows some people on the team pretty well and that has seen the team practice that there is talent at tight end, Heaps looks very impressive in practice, and the defense looks slow.



But us really old guys that have seen injuries, and illness (did someone say Heaps was sick the first few weeks of school - Fredette Mono and stomach issues - etc) and players close gaps in summer camp and and and will probably watch with interest as this all sorts itself out and everyone gets a shot.



Try to remember when you young bucks are getting all giddy about a particular player - the team is still pretty much playing flag football in drills, especially for the QB action.



Things will get strapped on pretty tight in mid August and then we will see who can throw and catch with the real threat of getting knocked over - even then there won't be any butal hits. That will happen the first week in September - at least for the star players and the QB.



The Huskies support a very experienced QB that can run and now may be able to throw - we wll wait and see - experienced receivers, decent running backs - an improved team and a coach that may have learned a thing or two last season.



Can't wait - see ya there!



Bib

hawkwing wrote:

After watching this site for a while and browsing through the topics I just have to make a comment on one player that you guys mention. Matthew Edwards is nowhere close to being anything viable anywhere on the field. He has to run the very worst routes on the team (including walk-ons), runs like a chicken, and can't turn his head without turning his shoulders as if he has no neck with which to do so. He didnt move from WR to TE because of his great height and frame, he moved because Coach Higgins didn't feel like dealing with someone going nowhere anyways, and left him to Coach Anae. If he ends up the field at anytime this year save mop up duty like Parker Mangum did last year I would be shocked. Though I am no means a scout, or college level assessor of talent, I would say the only reason he is on the team is that he shares the same last name as a certain high profile BYU football coach. So you can count him out of the TE race.

It sounds like you have some weird personal issues here, did he run over your dog or something? :bug:

No, nothing like that, but I have had enough day to day experience with him on the field to have a comfortable opinion of his skill, personality, and his tendencies. And the comments I made were not just for jest, they were the best way I could describe his short comings as a player....though I did neglect to mention he has decent hands, and is probably a great guy off the field, but on the field he falls far short for much of any TE contribution.