The Miami Hurricanes have always been a program with good tight ends. Currently, there are six active tight ends on NFL rosters from the U. The program has no plans on slowing down either with Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory on the roster. Last season in training camp the Hurricanes lost Michael Irvin Jr. to a knee injury but will return this season. Miami’s young tight ends could provide an offensive improvement in 2019.
New offensive coordinator Dan Enos has an extensive history with using tight ends in his offense. While at Arkansas in his first season, the offense led the SEC conference in scoring. A big part of that was the use of the tight end position with Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle.
Miami’s Young Tight Ends – New Names, Same Production
The Hurricanes have just continued to reload at the tight end position for decades. This year will be a pivotal season for the group as they are a big part of Enos’ offense. Last season Jordan was named second-team All-ACC as a freshman. Despite being named to the second team, Jordan actually had more touchdown receptions than the first-team tight end.
It was always believed that Jordan would have an immediate impact prior to the injury to Irvin Jr. However the highest upside in the tight end room is believed to be Mallory. After a shaky freshman season, catching up to the speed of college and injuries, all signs point to Mallory having a breakout season.
This spring he stood out as a player that will be depended on in the new offense. Mallory is an athletic specimen that can run with anyone and at six foot five has the height to catch passes that seem out of reach. The duo of Mallory and Jordan deciding to play together was a big factor in their recruitment process. Now, as sophomores, the two will be major factors in the Hurricanes offense this season.
I’ll be going on @560WQAM to talk #Canes spring game and more with @560Friedo and @AlexDonno at 11 am. Tune in. Plus, watch my shot of @WillMallory_25 making a stellar TD catch on a pass from @Jarren2Williams pic.twitter.com/EOWyQ7NTNk
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) April 22, 2019
The Right Fit
When Manny Diaz made the decision to hire Enos as offensive coordinator, one of the positives was the role of the tight end. The Hurricanes have a proud tradition of great tight ends and moving to an air raid passing system more than likely would have phased the position out. Enos’ history with tight ends will give defense’s fits because of their ability to be involved in every element. Most teams only use tight ends to either block or split out and catch passes. Miami has the ability to use both of them, at the same time, to do both.
Using both in the running game creates extra gaps and causes someone on defense to key on them because they can always go out for a pass. Likewise in the passing game, you have to assign someone that is big enough to cover them but also athletic enough to run with them also. The versatility of Miami’s tight ends helps both, as well as other teammates.
Final Thought
Miami has a clear advantage in the conference with their ability to use both of their young tight ends whichever way they choose to. Entering their sophomore year and having been in a collegiate weight room for a full season now, their bodies are more equipped for the punishment of the sport. Their growth will also allow other tight ends like Brian Polendy and Larry Hodges a chance to learn behind them and figure out what is their best roles moving forward. Irvin Jr. is fully healed from a knee injury and will be another factor for red zone situations.
