If there is a position group that is the biggest mystery on the 2025 Crimson Tide football team, it has to be tight end. Alabama lost their top two to the NFL and have only one returner who has a extensive SEC experience. The count of warm bodies has increased, but what they turn into when the first whistle blows is a bit hazy at the moment.
COACHSPEAK
Following the second practice of fall camp, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke with the media. One discussion led to the Crimson Tide tight ends following
an injury-ravaged spring:
“It’s great seeing those guys out there running around. Josh (Cuevas) has been out there running around, he looks awesome. Danny Lewis has gotten some reps. Even Kaleb (Edwards) getting a few more reps. It’s been awesome, great competition in that room right now.
It was some enthusiasm from Grubb but no real insight.
Following the Tide’s first scrimmage last Saturday, head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked just how different the tight end group looked.
“They’re really consistent. There were a couple nice just moving-the-chains type things, consistency. Can’t say there were a lot of explosive plays out of the tight ends, but they are extremely critical as far as moving around. You guys know we do a lot of shifting and motioning.
“They’re involved in protection. Next time they’re out, I thought they were really consistent. Again, not a lot of explosiveness that we saw from them. The explosiveness came from the other guys we’re talking about in the skill areas. I’m pleased with where it’s going.”
It is hard to decipher this enigma of comments. The translation could be that blocking was good and fundamentals were spot-on. But don’t expect the second-coming of O.J. Howard.
DEPARTED
- CJ Dippre – Signed as Undrafted Free Agent with the Patriots.
- Robbie Ouzts – Fifth round pick of the Seahawks.
- Ty Lockwood – transferred to Boston College.
RETURNING
#80 Josh Cuevas 6’ 3’’ / 256 R-Sr.
Cuevas played in all 13 games on offense and special teams as a solid No. 3. He totaled 218 yards and one touchdown (at Wisconsin) on 16 receptions. He has locked down the top spot for now.
#87 Danny Lewis 6’ 5’’ / 257, R-Jr.
What a strange career it has been for Lewis. Chip Kelly famously creeped out on him during a recruiting trip before he committed to the Tide. He has had his ups-and downs. One up was a stand-out day at the 2024 A-Day game. However, it did not translate to the regular season. Last December, Lewis entered the transfer portal, but reversed his course a week later. He has participated in 32 games over three seasons but has only one career catch for five yards vs UTC in 2023.
#88 Jay Lindsey 6’ 5’’ / 255 R-Fr.
Last season, Lindsay played in three games and recorded one catch for a five-yard gain vs Mercer. He was the only healthy returning tight end in the spring. However due to the format of A-Day, the public was not privy to his development.
NEWBIES
DeBoer was taking no chances of a thin depth chart at tight end. He has brought in four transfers to reinforce the troops.
#85 Jack Sammarco (6’5”/252 , So.)
Sammarco comes to Bama after one season at West Virginia in which he caught one pass. transfer fills a big need for the Tide, not only as a pass catcher but one who knows the offense. He appeared in 13 games for the Mountaineers. That experience gives him a leg up on many of the others.
#89 Brody Dalton (6’5”/251 , R-Sr.)
This former 2-star signed with UAB out of high school. He appeared in one game as a freshman and then ten games his second year and tallied four catches for 63 yards. Year 3 and 4 were spent at Troy. He missed the first five games of the season after suffering injuries due to an offseason car accident. He started the final eight games of the 2024 season and caught 15 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns – 11 of his receptions, all three touchdowns and 152 yards came in Troy’s final five games of the season.
#48 Jayden Hobson (6’5”/ 255, R-So.)
This Tuscaloosa (Hillcrest) native started out as a 293-pound 3-star offensive tackle. He signed with MSU in 2023. After seeing no action with the Bullies, he transferred to South Alabama for last season, but reportedly left the program before the season began. It is a bit nebulous what he did in his down time, but he somehow ended up on the Tide’s radar and they want him as a tight end rather than a tackle. Now 40 pounds lighter at 255, he might be more of project or a blocking tight end. Expect to see him mostly on special teams if he plays this year.
#86 Peter Knudson (6’4”/246, R-Sr.)
After a being named Idaho High School Player of the Year, Knudson joined Weber State as a quarterback. Being a team player, when WSU needed a linebacker, he gladly made the move to the other side of the ball. When the Wildcats then needed a tight end, he again volunteered to flip back to the other side. In 2024, Knudson had six catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. He had many transfer options, but a preferred walk-on with the Crimson Tide seemed like the best. While Alabama may have not been a scholarship opportunity, Knudson could not turn down the opportunity to play for the storied program for his final season of eligibility.
FRESHMEN
The Crimson Tide hauled in probably the best tight end duo of recent recruiting memory.
#81 Kaleb Edwards (6′ 6”/264, Fr.)
This high 4-star prospect from El Dorado Hills, CA did not arrive on campus until the summer but is already getting a great deal of buzz for his athleticism. He will definitely get playing time this fall.
#18 Marshall Pritchett (6′ 5”/248, Fr.)
No slouch himself, 4-star Pritchett was an early enrollee, but missed time this spring due to injury. The staff has highs hopes for both these guys.
[SIDE NOTE: During spring, reserve offensive lineman William Sanders was moved to tight end due to the lack of warm bodies. It is doubtful he would ever run pass patterns, but he could be part of a future jumbo package, a la Brandon Greene.]
DEPTH CHART
Alabama runs many schemes with tight end and H-backs.
TIGHT END:
- CUEVAS
- LEWIS
- PRITCHETT
H-BACK:
- DALTON
- SAMMARCO
- EDWARDS
…
