For years the Big Blue Nation has expressed concern about the use of the tight ends. One week a player like C.J. Conrad <\/a>would have six receptions and a couple of touchdowns. Then he’d disappear for weeks at a time. Based on his history, new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello<\/strong><\/a> should make Cat fans happy. As we begin our 2022 Kentucky Tight Ends Preview we focus on another strong group for Mark Stoops<\/a>.<\/p>\n In 2020 Keaton Upshaw<\/a> hauled in 16 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns. That put him second on the squad behind Josh Ali<\/a>\u2018s 54. He seemed primed for a big season in 2021 in then offensive coordinator Liam Coen\u2019s<\/strong> offense. However, an injury forced him to miss all of 2021. This fall he’s been battling a minor hamstring injury. If Upshaw’s able to get to 100% then a big season is in the offing. The Lima, Ohio native and his 6-6 frame should get plenty of looks in the red zone.<\/p>\n Brenden Bates<\/a> is the elder statesman of the tight end room. In addition to being a great run blocker, the senior caught 11 passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. In fact, Scangarello says they may use him at fullback in 2022. He also promises a two tight end attack and much like Upshaw the Cincinnati native could be a threat near the goal line. He\u2019s not the flashiest player but the solid contributor you need for a successful offense.<\/p>\n Continuing on with our 2022 Kentucky Preview Tight Ends let\u2019s look at two more players who are pushing for playing time this season.<\/p>\n Following Upshaw\u2019s injury, Vince Marrow\u2019s<\/strong> tight ends were thin at the position last season. However, they had plenty of depth at wide receiver. What to do in that case? Of course, move a receiver to tight end. Enter Izayah Cummings<\/a> who made the move and paid immediate dividends. On the season he hauled in 14 passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns. While those are pretty good stats his ceiling is even higher in 2022. With his size, he can take on SEC linebackers and can run with the secondary as a result of his speed.<\/p>\n Another player to watch in the tight end room is Jordan Dingle<\/a>. The Bowling Green native appeared in four games a season ago. As a result, he maintained his redshirt. In that time he caught two passes for 54 yards, which is a pretty great 27 yards per catch. His brother Justice transferred to Lexington from Georgia Tech.<\/p>\n In fact, one Dingle is one of the players getting a lot of talk during fall camp. Even with the crowded tight end room, it sounds like keeping him off the field may be easier said than done.<\/p>\n The Jordan Dingle hype is building and I suggest you get on board before the season so you can say you bought in.<\/p>\n — Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) August 20, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nA Big Time Return<\/h3>\n
Solid Contributor<\/h3>\n
A Smooth Transition<\/h3>\n
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