GOMEANGREEN Postional Breakdown: Tight Ends

TheReal_jayD · August 7, 2023

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Part 3 of the 3-part Offensive Skill Position Preview – Tight Ends

Finally, our roster preview for the offensive skill position leaves us with the tight end position. Last year the Tight End position for North Texas could have easily been described as a strength, while also being the position that fans were most confident in. What a difference a year makes. The position of strength finds itself more a position of unknown headed into this upcoming season. Not only in terms personnel but also how Coach Morris and the new staff will use the Tight End position.

Very few groups of five programs can say they have multiple P5 players in multiple positions. Much less a room full at one position. But North Texas could say that last year. They had 3 P5 level Tight ends in the room. The North Texas Tight End room was the hardest hit by the transfer portal this offseason. The Mean Green saw Jake Roberts head to Baylor, Var‘Keyes Gumms head to Arkansas and Asher Alberding head to California. The duo of Gumms and Roberts combined for sixty-two catches for 852 yards resulting in eight touchdowns. Alberding who was used mostly in the rushing game as an extra blocker. So how will North Texas look to replace the three transfer Tight Ends?

Next Man Up

Christian Lee came to North Texas as a highly regarded recruit from Friendswood, Texas. He was a Swiss army knife for Friendswood while he was playing there. He played QB prior to moving to Tight End. His versatility earned him a very impressive offer list that included Louisiana Tech, Texas State, Tulane, and Western Kentucky. He has made highlight plays and he brings a very impressive combo of size and speed. He is coming into his junior year at 6’3 220. But moves more like a wide receiver when running routes. The only thing I can think that has kept him buried on the depth chart might have been blocking ability. But with Morris going back to more of a traditional air raid set up Christian could become a threat in this offense this season. With a fresh start with a new coaching staff and wide-open depth chart Christian will have the ability to be the Day 1 starter against Cal. He is my choice to be on the top with the two deep comes out. I am hearing he has really impressed with his versatility so far.

New Addition

North Texas did not go to the Transfer Portal to replace departing Tight Ends. The only scholarship addition to the Tight End room was Junior College Tight End Josh Smith. Spent one season at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. He was originally from Tampa, Florida. Watching his highlight film, he brings athleticism to the Tight End room. He is a little undersized at only 6’0 234. But like with Christian, Josh’s receiving ability gives him the possibility to be a threat in this new air raid offense.

Other Options

North Texas has two other options we could see break into the two deep at the Tight End position this year. They are Sophomore Xzavior Kautai and walk on West Wilson. Xzavior has been on campus for two years now. He played in twelve games this past season, including the CUSA Championship and Frisco Bowl game. West comes to North Texas after a successful career at Lovejoy. West played TE as well as Defensive End while in high school.

Overall Thoughts on This Position Group

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to this group. There is no way around it. The group has combined for two catches at the FBS level. Tight End Coach Gilbert is known as a THSFB stud and an ACE recruiter. But he does not have much experience to work with in year one at North Texas. We have seen them hit the Tight End position hard in recruiting in terms of putting the 2024 class together. North Texas currently has 4 Tight End commitments in the 2024 class.

In 2017 Eric Morris last year as Texas Tech Offensive Coordinator the roster did not even have a Tight End listed on the roster. But the offense has a guy that reminds me of Christian Lee. Dylan Cantrell was the second leading receiver on the team. Dylan was listed at 6’3 220 as well. During Dylan time with Eric Morris, he caught over 1800 receiving yards and eighteen touchdowns. If North Texas can get a smidge of that success the Mean Green will be in great shape.

UNTLifer · August 7, 2023

It is Christian Lee time. This young man arrived with too many accolades to not have success. We know the talent is there, but the injury bug has gotten him a the past couple of years. If he stays injury free, I expect a big year.

El Paso Eagle · August 7, 2023

I think this group will perform much better than many feel. Still not sure how Eric will use them in his offense.

jtm0097 · August 7, 2023

Good breakdown of the TE room. I'm interested in seeing how TEs are used in this offense. In 2022, the Washington St TE only had 12 receptions. In 2021 at Incarnate Word, 3 TEs had a combined 22 catches. The limited TE usage could be a matter of roster talent at each of Morris' last stops. I read one of Vito's articles that the WRs will have a bigger route tree and there are a lot of 4/5 WR sets. Based on our current offers/commits for the 24 class, it seems TEs will be utilized more.