It is hard to believe that the '09 edition of the UK Tight Ends was worse statistically than the '08 edition. With 3 Seniors (M Grinter, R Bogue, and T C Drake) playing TE, the CATS were never able to find anyone who could consistently make any type of real impact. There is a returning player at the position (Nick Melillo), and there are others who hope to step and make the position relevant for the '10 season.
Returning Players:
Nick Melillo--a Junior Transfer had 4 catches for 44 yards and actually made a couple of catches that mattered at certain points of the game
Aaron Boyd?--Boyd started out in the '08 season, but came down with Mono, and was never a real factor for the '08 season. Before the '09 Training Camp began, Brooks wound up suspending Boyd for a week with Aaron eventually redshirting his 2nd season at UK. Aaron's best game in '08 was against WKU when he had 3 receptions for 16 yards. Many have speculated that he does not have elite speed and truly needs to consider changing his position to TE.
Transfers:
Ryan Wallace --from Bowling Green, transferred from Colorado to UK and looks to be available for the upcoming season. Ryan was rated as the #46 TE (3 *) in his graduation class of '08 and redshirted while with the Buffs. Ryan seems to have good hands, has been in Big Time Football and may be the very one that comes in and takes over the position (at least early).
True Freshmen:
Alex Smith--is a 4* TE from Lakota West HS in Cincy, he was also rated the #11 TE in his class ('10), and seems to have all of the intangibles to play the position. He is only a Freshman, but the CATS are almost destitute at the position, so he may get lots of playing time this year.
Ronnie Shields--is a 3* TE (rated #46 at the position) from Stephenson HS in Ga. He is one of the Stephenson 3 and has been coached at a very high level which may make him a contender. He may have some grade problems, but he can still be a player for the future if not this year.
Nermin Delic--is also considered as a D-line prospect. Nermin (a 3* prospect) may not have the speed for the position, but he does have an extended basketball background which would mean that he has great hand/eye coordination and footwork. In my opinion, he seems more destined for a line position (on either Offense or Defense)
Tyler Robinson--a 2* player from Aloca is also listed as a TE. But again, he too is also listed as a DE which he may be more suited. Reportedly, he runs a 5.15 (I am sure that the time is better now) which is very pedestrian for an offensive skill position. Several other programs which recruited him (Va Tech to name one) were recruiting him to play an interior position on the O-line. In my opinion, Tyler may be best suited as an interior lineman.
However the depth chart works out this year should be a blessing to the team. There were times in the '09 campaign that it seemed like none of the TEs were really interested in playing much less making an impact for the team. I look for Wallace to win the job initially with Smith and Boyd (if he switches positions) to provide the offense with an added dimension for the '10 season.
Returning Players:
Nick Melillo--a Junior Transfer had 4 catches for 44 yards and actually made a couple of catches that mattered at certain points of the game
Aaron Boyd?--Boyd started out in the '08 season, but came down with Mono, and was never a real factor for the '08 season. Before the '09 Training Camp began, Brooks wound up suspending Boyd for a week with Aaron eventually redshirting his 2nd season at UK. Aaron's best game in '08 was against WKU when he had 3 receptions for 16 yards. Many have speculated that he does not have elite speed and truly needs to consider changing his position to TE.
Transfers:
Ryan Wallace --from Bowling Green, transferred from Colorado to UK and looks to be available for the upcoming season. Ryan was rated as the #46 TE (3 *) in his graduation class of '08 and redshirted while with the Buffs. Ryan seems to have good hands, has been in Big Time Football and may be the very one that comes in and takes over the position (at least early).
True Freshmen:
Alex Smith--is a 4* TE from Lakota West HS in Cincy, he was also rated the #11 TE in his class ('10), and seems to have all of the intangibles to play the position. He is only a Freshman, but the CATS are almost destitute at the position, so he may get lots of playing time this year.
Ronnie Shields--is a 3* TE (rated #46 at the position) from Stephenson HS in Ga. He is one of the Stephenson 3 and has been coached at a very high level which may make him a contender. He may have some grade problems, but he can still be a player for the future if not this year.
Nermin Delic--is also considered as a D-line prospect. Nermin (a 3* prospect) may not have the speed for the position, but he does have an extended basketball background which would mean that he has great hand/eye coordination and footwork. In my opinion, he seems more destined for a line position (on either Offense or Defense)
Tyler Robinson--a 2* player from Aloca is also listed as a TE. But again, he too is also listed as a DE which he may be more suited. Reportedly, he runs a 5.15 (I am sure that the time is better now) which is very pedestrian for an offensive skill position. Several other programs which recruited him (Va Tech to name one) were recruiting him to play an interior position on the O-line. In my opinion, Tyler may be best suited as an interior lineman.
However the depth chart works out this year should be a blessing to the team. There were times in the '09 campaign that it seemed like none of the TEs were really interested in playing much less making an impact for the team. I look for Wallace to win the job initially with Smith and Boyd (if he switches positions) to provide the offense with an added dimension for the '10 season.
You forgot about A Kendrick and T combs. Those two may also be in position for TE in 2010. Keep up the good work - I love this site!
ReplyDelete