Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies tight end Donovan Green (18) catches a pass for a touchdown against the LSU Tigers during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024 college football season is just weeks away. A new era of Texas A&M Football under head coach Mike Elko will take center stage to open the season, taking on Notre Dame inside a packed Kyle Field on Saturday, August 31.
As I’ve stated throughout the year, it’s highly doubtful that Elko and his new staff will deal with the usual first-year struggles. The former Duke head coach has inherited a highly talented and experienced roster led by returning quarterback Conner Weigman, a loaded running back room, and one of the top defensive line units in the country.
Through the transfer portal, Elko went full Lane Kiffin, landing nearly 30 players, including former Purdue defensive end Nic Scourton, who led the Big Ten with ten sacks during the 2023 season. New offensive coordinator Collin Klein brings a progressive mindset to the coaching staff, which should immediately improve the run game. At the same time, the tight end position will become a strength in the running and passing game.
Sticking with the tight end rotation, Donovan Green returns after missing the entirety of the 2023 season, paired with several new additions from the portal. Here’s how the depth chart should shake out ahead of A&M’s first fall training camp practice on Wednesday, July 31.
5. TE Tre Watson
Sep 24, 2021; Fresno, California, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs tight end Tre Watson (84) catches a pass against the UNLV Rebels in the third quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 245 pounds
2023 stats: 38 receptions, 387 yards, four touchdowns
Tre Watson enters the program with significant hype after his impressive final season with Fresno State. Still, after adding weight this offseason, the senior’s receiving prowess could take a backseat to his blocking impact in the run game. Overall, Watson’s experience and versatility make him the player to beat heading into fall camp.
4. TE Donovan Green
Oct 1, 2022; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Texas A&M Aggies tight end Donovan Green (18) runs the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Sophomore
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 265 pounds
2023 stats: DNP
Adding more than 20 pounds this offseason, Donovan Green is nearly 100% healthy, according to early reports, and should be good to go this fall after missing the 2023 season due to a torn ACL. While a solid camp could easily vault him to the top of the depth chart, it will likely take some time for Green to get back in a groove but never doubt this young man’s demeanor.
3. TE Shane Calhoun
Nov 6, 2021; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates tight end Shane Calhoun (80) makes a first half touchdown catch behind Temple Owls safety John Mitchem (32) at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 250 pounds
2023 stats: 15 receptions, 119 yards, two touchdowns
A sneaky addition from the transfer portal, former East Carolina tight end Shane Calhoun can stretch the seam when healthy, bring soft hands and impressive route running to a team in need of more proven receiving options. Look for Calhoun to stand out during fall camp.
2. TE Garrett Miller
Nov 18, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers tight end Garrett Miller (88) runs with the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Grad Student
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 260 pounds
2023 stats: 30 receptions, 243 yards, two touchdowns
Another intriguing name to watch this fall, former Purdue tight end Garrett Miller is one tough hombre, bring alot of versatility to the table. A complete athlete, and Miller was a go-to target for the Boiler Makers last season, as Purdue tight end coach Seth Douge praised Miller last spring, stating “He’s an absolute freak from a skillset level.” Speed, strength, and solid blocking in the run game could easily bolster Miller’s place on the depth chart this fall.
1. TE Theo Melin Öhrström
Sep 4, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies helmet on the sideline of the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Sophomore
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 265 pounds
2023 stats: N/A
Is this the year that Theo Melin Öhrström finally breaks out? Possibly! Adding 15 pounds this offseason is a trend as the tight end position becomes even more important in the run game under Collin Klein, providing Öhrström more play time in two tight end sets.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Projecting Texas A&M’s tight end rotation ahead of the 2024 season
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/projecting-texas-ms-tight-end-100000540.html
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Publish date : 2024-07-29 06:00:00
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