Every team has them—guys who know their role, play hard, and get the job done efficiently. They're not the stars, but without them, the wheels would fall off the team.
Billy Raftery and Fran Fraschilla would call them "Glue Guys" on the hardwood, but in college football these players are simply called tight ends.
Tight ends are the utility players of the football world—when called upon they don't hesitate to:
Convert third downs to move the chains.
Cut the defensive end to open up the screen pass.
Take on linebackers to run up the middle.
Catch crucial red zone passes.
Their job description is a limitless list of tasks that are incredibly critical to the success of any football team. A popular adage states a tight end is a quarterback's best friend, and though they go largely unnoticed by casual fans, their importance inside the game cannot be overstated.
Troy Aikman, Joe Montana, and Peyton Manning can all attest to the significance of Jay Novacek, Dwight Clark, and Dallas Clark in their championship successes. The world of college football is no different, as TEs are truly the grease for the gears of any potent offensive scheme.
Although Florida's Cornelius Ingram, Missouri's Chase Coffman, and Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew will be among the nation's elite tight ends, Wisconsin's Travis Beckum and Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham are the leaders in the Tight End battle at the top.
Travis Beckum (6'4", 235 pounds)
Beckum's on-field production in terms of yards and catches is without a doubt the class of his position, as he totaled 75 catches for 982 yards and six touchdowns in 2007. He's a long, rangy, athletic tight end who uses his talents to get open at any spot on the field.
Being the Badgers' primary receiver has lent itself to the development of Beckum, as he punishes defenses with his 4.5 speed and outstanding leaping ability.
He's a matchup nightmare, as he's too quick for the Big 10 linebackers, yet too tall and athletic for the safeties to cover confidently. In zone coverage, Beckum does a solid job of finding the holes and makes defenses pay by making sure-handed catches and getting first downs.
After switching to TE from DE entering 2006, his understanding of how to get open against zones has truly blossomed. This was highlighted by his shredding of the top Big Ten defenses in 2007.
Man coverage presents a terribly difficult predicament, as Beckum's 6'4" frame allows him to use his basketball background to get open and make tough catches. He's got great leaping ability, and the senior not only understands but practices the art of high pointing the football.
The kid has great hands and a concentration that is lacking in many major college receivers. He not only makes the incredible catch but stays tuned in to make the routine catch as well. Watching him climb the ladder for the football is a treat, as he's got superb body control and unique fluidity to his athleticism.
He plays well in big games, going for over 100 receiving yards against the Big Ten's upper tier of Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, and Ohio State. Posting nine catches for 140 yards in the Columbus is no small task.
4 comments Last one added 12 months ago — Leave a Comment
Bill Dow about 1 year ago
I don't know much about Gresham but a scout I know rates Beckum as one of the most talent tight ends he has ever seen at this level.
Edit Comment Cancel
Quantumt about 1 year ago
mark it down, Cornelius Ingram will be better than both of these guys by the time the season is over!
Edit Comment Cancel
Michael Felder about 1 year ago
Thanks for the read guys.
Beckum is definitely talented in terms of his receiving ability, there is no question about that. As a tight end he isn't the total package that Gresham is on the field. Beckum's numbers speak for themselves, he's a receiver first and a tight end second. Plus his red zone production, or lack their of, isn't what it should be.
Ingram may be better, the season will tell. He's definitely talented and he fits the mold of the traditional tight end a lot better than Beckum. Working with Harvin spreading the field and Tebow throwing the ball around should definitely put Ingram on the radar.
Edit Comment Cancel
Wes Gresham 12 months ago
Jermaine is going to prove how much of a genuine All American Tight End he really is. this is the year that Jermaine will come into his own.
Wes Gresham
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.