As we inch closer to Monday night's season opener, I will continue breaking down each position group. Next is the tight ends.
Next to quarterback, this may end up being the most critical position group for the Tigers because of a lack of depth. For the past couple seasons, the Tigers had a dynamic duo at tight end in Davis Allen and Jake Biningstool. They combined for 64 catches and 9 touchdowns last season, among the most in the nation at the position. Allen has moved on, and Briningstool is poised to be the guy like Jordan Leggett was in 2016. However, it is crucial that Briningstool remain healthy all season. In addition to Allen, the Tigers lost Luke Price, who was a valuable blocking tight end, especially in short-yardage and goal line situations. Behind Briningstool is Sage Ennis, who is capable but has very little game experience. Then there's redshirt freshman Josh Sapp, who the coaches are high on, but he is still developing and has virtually no game experience. I did see him make a couple nice catches in practice this month. Walk-on Banks Pope had a nice spring game but no game experience. He was rehabbing in 2021 and did not play last season. The Tigers have a couple talented freshmen in Olsen Patt-Henry and Markus Dixon, who were ranked by ESPN as the No.11 and No.16 tight ends, respectively, coming out of high school, but Dabo would like to redshirt them.
The Tigers have enough offensive weapons that they could get by without Briningstool, but the offense will be much better if he can remain healthy. Stay tuned, as I continue to break down each position group before the opener!
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