The Pac-12 has seen many stars from many different position groups. In the tight end position, the Pac-12 has had a history of stars at tight end dominating at the collegiate level. Players like Rob Gronkowski, Tony Gonzalez, and Zach Ertz all had great college football careers and then had fantastic NFL careers. There could be a legitimate argument that the tight end position group is the most utilized by the Pac-12. That could be evident due to the number of high-caliber playmakers from this past season to this upcoming 2022 season. These tight ends have serious conference preseason hype, but they could have traction throughout the season. Here are the top tight ends in the Pac-12 this upcoming 2022 season.
Top Pac-12 Returning Tight Ends For the 2022 Season
3 – Dalton Kincaid (Utah)
The young and upcoming star tight ends play in a Utah offense that loves an aggressive dynamic duo at tight end. Kincaid had a breakout season in 2021 as he caught 36 receptions for 510 yards and eight touchdowns. He was an honorable mention for all-conference last season due to his tremendous play. One of his best performances this past season was his four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown in the Utes’ 38-10 win over the #10 Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship game. Kincaid is a player that can line up throughout the field and slip through coverage players for a better pass-catching situation. With a full year of experience under his belt, Kincaid could be a more efficient player in the 2022 season.
2 – Benjamin Yurosek (Stanford)
Like Kincaid, Yurosek is a player that had a significant breakout year last season. Last season, Yuosek caught 43 receptions for 658 yards and three touchdowns. He was the team’s leader in receiving yards accounted for as the deep passing game was non-existent. He was named All-Pac-12 first-team by Pro Football Focus and third-team by Phil Steele. Finally, he was considered an honorable mention by the Pac-12 coaches. Yurosek is a big-bodied tight end that can push for more yards after contact. His aggressiveness and reliability as a pass-catcher make him one of the best offensive players for the Cardinal. Athlon Sports has him as a preseason second-team all-conference selection.
1 – Brant Kuithe (Utah)
Brant Kuithe is currently the most experienced and dominant tight in the Pac-12 as he e returns for his senior season. In four seasons with the Utes, Kuithe has caught 129 receptions for 1,676 yards and 13 touchdowns. This past season was Kuithe’s most impactful year as he caught 50 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns. He was the team’s leader in receiving yards accounted for last season. Kuithe could be one of the nation’s most explosive and versatile tight ends. He can line up in a regular tight end set or as an inside receiver. While he possesses explosive speed and excellent hips to turn in his routes, he also has the strength to push for more extra yards after contact. While 6-2 is not ideal for a tight end, his combination of speed and strength make up for it.
