Colorado football wrapped up another fall practice Thursday morning, and it was the tight ends’ day to be featured with the media.
Tight ends coach Brett Bartolone and players Zack Atkins and Sav’ell Smalls all spoke and touched on the improvement from last season.
“The tight end room has been elevated,” Bartolone said. “I always think it makes it harder for defenses when there is a tight end in there.”
Despite having a pass-first offense in 2024, the Buffs did not feature the tight end, instead opting to throw it to their four receiver, who are now all in the NFL. Tight ends, as a group, last season caught just 10 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown.
Bartolone believes that will change this year, especially with the addition of Zach Atkins from the transfer portal. The transfer from Northwest Missouri State brings a more legitimate pass-catching threat to Colorado.
“He probably gives us a little more vertical threat down the field just because he did play receiver,” Bartolone said of his newest tight end. “He is the fastest guy in the room. I think he can really stretch the defense when he is out there.”
At the very least, Colorado and its coaching staff will hope the tight end room can aid in the running while offering a few capable playmakers in the red zone.
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Publish date : 2025-08-14 21:04:00
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