Tight Ends--Something is in the Works

[Salsa]

This year, we have been recruiting several tight ends, we've already got two who have verballed, and in addition we just signed a JuCo tight end. Something is in the works.

Here's some speculation. Coach Brandon has mentioned that he's been unhappy at times when we've struggled in the Red Zone. I'm wondering if Coach plans to expand his offensive scheme so that we will have the weapons to play a power running game when we want to. For example:
1-Sometimes, we might see a two tight end set in short yardage situations and in the Red Zone.
2-I've noticed that Toledo occasionally uses a set where a Tight End lines up as a second back in the backfield. Maybe we'll see this at BG.
3-And of course, we might see more passes thrown to a Tight End.

Now, what we're seeing may be nothing more than signing high school Tight Ends who will be shifted to other positions, let's say Linebackers, just like what happened to Winovich. I have a feeling, however, that there's more to it than that.

And here's something else. I've seen some observers say that offenses like Meyer's and Brandon's are smart ways to get impressive results until their programs are in a position to get bigger, stronger, more physical recruits. At that point, expect to see some changes in the offensive scheme once those teams can recruit talent to compete with anyone.

It will be interesting, for example, to see if Meyer changes his offensive scheme any now that he's at Florida and can recruit with anyone.

[NWLB]

Curious you should mention the note about the offense being a stop-gap measure until things can be made stronger.

I recall Meyer talked about using the offense exactly because it forced defenses to spread thinner, and that it was fun to watch. Two things you want and need when rebuilding a fallen program.

It would not be shocking if something akin to what you are describing is the case. BG hasn't had strong tight-end play for several years, prior to Blackney departing. I'm aware BG has a strong running back and OL. I know the Falcon's numbers. However I still feel BG doesn't truly have the ability to jam the ball down people's throats. Having a fully integrated TE with the offense and QB in place, wow.

Likewise, if the OL is going to need time to gel next year, throwing a new kink in the system, which opens up the pass even more, can only help.

[Flipper]

I figured the new emphasis on the TE was Stud's way of exerting a little traditional midwestern power offense philosophy.

[factman]

We only have two on the roster right now, so if we add two that gives us four (even my biology can figure that), which is one for each class. That is about right, and certainly not excessive!!

[Flipper]

Logic.....baahhhh! Give me my perceptionas and leave the "facts" to those that need them.

[Falconboy]

Steve Navarro is in all likelyhood not coming back after his stroke this year, so that we really have only one TE anyway for next year which is Sean O'Drobinak. Plus Winovich is now no longer a TE but a linebacker as well. The other TE's are walkons.

[Falconfreak90]

I think ya might have something there on the UT TE situation. UT uses the TE in very effective ways and it pays off.

BG would be smart to look into using the TE more.