One thing UK's offense has lacked since Jacob Tamme's departure is a solid tight end. Ross Bouge, Maurice Grinter and T.C. Drake tried, but each had their struggles. I believe if UK can find a player who can show some consistency at tight end, it will open the offense up tremendously. Who are the candidates? Ryan Wallace- The Bowling Green native who transferred from Colorado back to UK last season will be on scholarship in 2010 based on the feedback I have received. Wallace sat out last season as a transfer, but should be high on the depth chart.
Anthony Kendrick- The former two sport prep star from Texas was a redshirt in 2009. Kendrick is very athletic and likely needed to improve his strength at the next level. Kendrick should be light years ahead of the incoming freshman, so expect him to be in the mix from day one.
Alex Smith- The four star tight end from Cincinnati is the easy pick because he was rated the highest and has the best frame. Smith already has the size and speed to contribute early, but will need to improve his strength and learn the offense.
Nermin Delic- Based on reports, it sounds like Delic is going to play defensive end at UK. However, his high school coach feels he would make a great tight end at the next level too. Delic is another long and athletic player. However, with UK's depth at defensive end, "The Nerminator" could find himself blocking defensive ends.
Teven Eatmon- Several people are reporting that Teven Eatmon will make the move to offensive line. Eatmon is 6'7" and almost 300lbs. The Cats need offensive line help, so look for Eatmon to be groomed to play tackle. However, his highlight video (playing tight end) got me excited.
Ronnie Shields- The Stephenson product does project at tight end based on reports. Shields comes from a great high school program and will be ready for college when he steps on campus. Shields is probably the fastest of the tight ends UK signed in the 2010 class. He runs a 4.6 forty time.
Tyler Robinson- The pipeline connection from Alcoa, Tennessee continues. Based on reports, Robinson has been underrated from day one. Alcoa is a power house school and therefore, he wasn't relied on to catch many passes. He is likely the biggest sleeper of the group. Robinson checks in at 6'4" and 250 lbs.
Remember, the Cats already have a commitment from Jon Davis for 2011. Based on reports, the staff has already talked to him about being a tight end like Jacob Tamme. However, if UK feels the players above can get the job done, Davis could move to fullback or linebacker. He is very athletic and one of the top players in the state. The Cats are showing interest in Henry Mitchell (Elizabethtown, KY) and Nick Vannett (Westerville, OH). Remember Terrell Mitchell? He ended up going the Juco route so the Cats could get back in the mix with him again for 2011.
That is a wealth of athletic talent. Two things seem to be obvious to me:
ReplyDelete1) At least a couple of these guys will emerge as VERY good tight ends. There is just too much talent there for that not to happen.
2) All of these guys -- maybe even most of these guys -- will not stay at TE. I hope the staff finds a way to utilize their skills elsewhere.
I saw the videos of Kendrick last year, and he looked great. I also thought Eatmon looked lihe a force at TE based on HIS videos. We all know about the reputation Smith brings to campus. Robinson and Shields come from great programs and Wallace was also highly touted coming out of HS.
What a problem to have! I hope we handle it well.