Jeff Brohm’s offenses have been known to be high-powered, fast, and potent, but the one area of his offense that often gets overlooked is his use of tight ends. Brohm’s teams at Purdue had outstanding tight end play, but he’s still searching for that level of consistency for the Cards. Mark Redman had a solid year for the offense last season, and the staff will be looking to find a way to get that again from a group of guys with varying levels of experience.
The future of the tight end position was
supposed to rest in the hands of Jamari Johnson, but he decided to head to Oregon when the season was over. That left the group a little thin, but it also left the group with a need for a true starter. Nate Kurisky is the most experienced returner after spending two years as a productive reserve player. Kurisky finished the year strong for the second straight season, and with that finish, he showed that he is likely ready to take the next step in his role. I expect him to be the first man up in the main tight end spot in the offense.
Jaleel Skinner is another player who should see an increased role this year, with the staff using him in different ways in spring and fall practices. Skinner has been lining up in the slot as well as on the line in a traditional set. Skinner has a skill set that not many at the position possess. He has good speed for the position, but his height and length make him a matchup problem for just about anyone defending him. I’m really interested to see if Brohm relies on him as a red zone and goal-to-go threat to utilize his big frame.
Jacob Stewart was brought in before fall camp, which gives us a feeling of what the staff thought of the room after spring practice. Stewart had 34 catches for San Jose State last year, and he should provide strong depth at the very least. He and Dylan Messman are likely to be the first guys up behind the starters. Mesman impressed me with his route running and catch radius in the spring. He should be ready to be a contributor this year.
Davon Mitchell is the wildcard in the group, in my opinion. He is a massive person at 6-3/260, which allows him to be used as a blocker as much as a receiver. I wasn’t able to get a look at him in the open field as a runner but he should have no problem as an option in short-yardage passing situations. He and Hamilton Atkins will also be options in the fullback role vacated by Duane Martin. Atkins had moments where he looked like a potential starter and not a walk-on.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE
I think that Nate Kurisky has to have a big year as both a pass catcher but also as a blocker. The offense will rely on the run a bit more this year, and they need the offensive front to open holes for Issac Brown and company. Kurisky has the size and experience to be a strong blocker on the line, and his PFF grades show that he got better once he got consistent playing time late in the year.
