Spring Football Preview- Tight Ends

Players Lost: Maurice Grinter, Ross Bogue, T.C. Drake

Players Returning: Ryan Wallace (Transfer), Nick Melillo (Walk-on), Jordan Aumiller, Anthony Kendrick

Incoming Freshmen: Alex Smith, Tyler Robinson, Ronnie Shields

Overview

The tight end position has been somewhat of a lightning rod among UK fans. While the passing game has been average at best, the Cats really need the players above to step up and insert themselves into the offense. The player who shows the most consistency in the blocking game, will see the most playing time. With Mike Summers retooling an entire offensive line, the tight end position will be a major part of the UK’s blocking schemes for 2010.

The good news is production is coming. Ryan Wallace (transfer) is learning a new system and starting to get back into football shape. Nick Melillo could see some serious action in 2010 and could be the leading candidate to start right now. Jordan Aumiller is starting over after a position change (moved from linebacker), but has to learn the offense. The staff has talked about giving Anthony Kendrick some looks at fullback this spring.

Incoming freshman Alex Smith is the most likely candidate to step in and play immediately. Smith has the size and speed to play as a true freshman. Some reports suggest Smith has some maturing to do before he can really contribute. It appears Ronnie Shields will need a redshirt year to get stronger before he can contribute in the SEC and Tyler Robinson has been rumored to play multiple positions. All three of the incoming freshman have different body types which should give the staff some flexibility.

The past few seasons have been average at best for UK tight ends, but the Cats have options now. It’s also possible Nermin Delic or Farrington Huguenin could end up as tight ends at some point in their career’s. Both players have been initially projected to play on the defensive side of the ball, but have shown the ability to play tight end as well. Delic told me he was “starting out on defense” and Huguenin told me the staff recruited him as an athlete. In specific he said, “defensive end, linebacker or tight end.”