The ACC best returning tight ends could have a major impact on this year’s results. In the modern era of pass-heavy college offenses, tight ends are becoming a more valuable commodity. Having a pass-catcher that can be more physical than defensive backs downfield, but also faster than linebackers in the slot, can provide an X-factor for an offense. They become red-zone weapons and third-down targets to help move the chains. So who is the ACC best returning tight ends? Here’s a look at the top three.
Three: Will Mallory, Miami
Mallory’s role has increased within the Hurricanes’ offense throughout each of his four years. He played in just nine games in 2018-2019, collecting 21 total receptions. He more than doubled that total in 2020, catching 22 passes in ten games. In doing so, he also reeled in four touchdowns. That brought his career total from three to seven, entering his senior season.
Mallory posted a series of new career highs in 2021 with 30 catches for 347 yards. He matched his touchdown total with another four and pushed his career yardage over 1000 yards.
Now, with an additional year of eligibility, Mallory looks for another big season. Considered to carry fifth-round draft value right now, Mallory has the opportunity to fight his way into the Day 2 conversation.
Last season, Mallory peaked towards the end of the year. He posted three or more receptions in his final six games, after reaching that total in just two of his first five. All four of his touchdowns came in those final half-dozen games as well. If he carries that momentum into 2022, the Hurricanes could be that much more lethal on offense. And they’ll need it too, with a road non-conference battle versus Texas A&M looming in Week 3.
Two: Marshon Ford, Louisville
Ford enters his fifth season with Louisville. However, with a redshirt and the COVID season, Ford retains two more years of eligibility. He returns to the collegiate scene as Lousiville’s top receiver by yards and receptions. After the redshirt season, Ford has demonstrated his ability to be the full package in the receiving game. His blocking game continues to mature, but Ford is a weapon in Louisville’s aerial attack. He caught 20 passes for 292 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. Then, playing through a torn labrum in 2020, Ford followed up those numbers with 25 receptions, 309 yards, and six touchdowns.
2021 saw a bit of an interesting development in Ford’s role within the offense. He nearly doubled his reception total, reeling in 49 passes for 550 yards. However, his red-zone presence declined pretty significantly, as he caught just two scores. Ford displayed his full abilities in a few games, such as his UCF effort in 2021. In that game, Ford posted eight catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. If he can return to being a dynamic end zone threat, in addition to his reliability in an every-down pass-catching role within the offense, Ford is a name to watch this season.
One: Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Given the inclusion of Notre Dame players on these lists, there was only one real option for the top slot on the ACC best returning tight ends the list. Mayer enters the season as largely the consensus top tight end in his draft class. He’s a strong first-round candidate. Mayer’s calling card is his improved versatility. He’s a record-holding tight end in the passing game for Notre Dame, an impressive feat given the program’s vaunted history of producing NFL talent at the tight end position. But as a sophomore, Mayer also vastly improved his run-blocking game, delivering a variety of highlight-reel pancake blocks to set up long runs.
Mayer burst onto the scene in 2020 as a freshman, posting 42 catches for 450 yards and two touchdowns. He played as the No. 2 tight end behind eventual second-round pick, Cole Kmet. As a sophomore, Mayer held the No. 1 role, and he produced in a big way. He set the Irish tight end record for single-season receptions with 71. That was good for 840 yards and seven touchdowns, the latter being another Notre Dame single-season record. He returns and is a likely candidate to again lead the squad in several receiving statistics. With Notre Dame breaking in a new starter at quarterback, Mayer provides a safety net and will be frequently targeted.
Mayer began last season with a bang, notching 16 catches, 201 yards, and three touchdowns in a pair of three-point Irish wins. With Ohio State looming to open the 2022 slate, Notre Dame needs Mayer to be that productive once more. He’s the Irish’s biggest weapon and a big game from him presents their best chance of staying with the Buckeyes offensively.
