April 12, 2005

By Jason Smith
MURedHawks.com Staff Writer

With the wide receiving corps looking thin because of a variety of reasons this spring, Miami's coaching staff has found itself searching for ways to compensate for the lack of receiver experience. The result has been a sort of rebirth for the tight ends, who look to increase their role in the offense for the 2005 campaign.

Because of the various injuries and other issues at wide receiver that have at times left the RedHawks without their top five returning wide receivers, the offense has adjusted by using more two tight end sets, and the quarterbacks have found themselves frequently targeting a talented cast of tight ends.

According to first-year coach Brett Ingalls, who oversees Miami's tight ends, the opportunity has been important for a large cast of tight ends consisting primarily of redshirt freshmen.

"We want to take advantage of the situation presented before us, and continue to give our guys plenty of reps," Ingalls said. "We expect continued improvement and we look for these guys to be more productive in the upcoming season."

Dan Tyler returns as Miami's top receiving tight end. Tyler is an all-around athlete who is valuable as both a blocker and receiver. His continued improvement will be crucial to a more developed passing game with Josh Betts, and his solid hands and ability to run after the catch should allow for an increased role in the offense this fall.

Tyler Vogel returns this spring at the second tight end position after seeing his first significant time last season. A strong, physical blocker who runs well, and performs well in the passing game, Vogel also contributes on special teams.

"Ideally, we want our tight ends to excel as both blockers and receivers," Ingalls said. "We want to see them increase their involvement in the offense, and the reps they are getting this spring should help a lot."

With both Tyler and Vogel in their final season of eligibility, the spring also as afforded the coaching staff a look into the future. A cast of three redshirt freshmen tight ends and a converted linebacker have impressed this spring

Sophomore Justin Davis, who came to Miami as a wide receiver, moved to linebacker and has now made the transition to tight end, combines a prototypical tight end frame, standing at 6-foot-5, with impressive athleticism.

Also positioning themselves are a trio of redshirt freshmen consisting of Tom Crabtree, Jake O'Connell and Pat Shepard. All three have shown flashes of brilliance with their athletic ability but also are working to develop their strength and ability as blockers. Along with pushing the upperclassmen this spring, the young group of tight ends also could see extensive time on special teams.

With its goal of increased production combined with its combination of experience and talent, the tight end position looks to return to its place as another valuable weapon in the Miami offense for the 2005 season.