Tight ends play a pivotal role on offense as both run blockers and pass catchers, and there are plenty of good ones in the Big 12.
The conference boasts returning standouts such as West Virginia’s Kole Taylor and Iowa State’s Benjamin Brahmer. But it also features newcomers such as Utah’s Brant Kuithe and Houston’s Maliq Carr.
Here are the top 10 tight ends in the Big 12 for the 2024 season:
Big 12 position rankings: Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver
2024 Big 12 football tight end rankings
10. Randy Pittman Jr., Central Florida
Central Florida is in need of a lead tight end following the departure of Alec Holler, a four-year starter who’s now in the NFL.
Pittman appears the be the guy after a solid showing last season. The 6-2 tight end caught 19 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown as a true freshman.
Pittman’s numbers should go up in a larger role. Still, he’ll be limited on a Central Florida offense with bigger weapons such as wide receiver Kobe Hudson and running back RJ Harvey.
9. Jared Casey, Kansas
Casey has been a part-time starter throughout his three seasons with Kansas.
The 6-foot senior mostly contributes by blocking for the team’s strong run game. He only caught nine passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Mason Fairchild is now in the NFL, though. That’ll make Casey the starter this season, although his numbers are still unlikely to stand out since he’ll be asked to block often.
8. Garrett Oakley, Kansas State
After redshirting his freshman season in 2022, Oakley made two starts in 10 appearances last season.
The 6-5 tight end’s opportunities were limited as he played behind three-year starter Ben Sinnott, who caught 49 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns. Oakley finished with 11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
Sinnott is now in the NFL, paving the way for Oakley to make…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-football-tight-end-103029918.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2024-07-30 10:30:29
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