With the quarterbacks and running backs covered, we now move down to the tight ends. With most starting positions still up for grabs, the tight end positions is, perhaps, the biggest battle going on right now. With five different players all vying for the #1 spot, the tight end situation won't be decided until just before the opening game versus Villanova.
Out of all of these players, quarterback-turned-tight end Vaughn Charleton might be the unofficial leading candidate for now. After throwing for 1,390 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009, Charleton decided to switch his focus to the tight end position, and so far, the move is paying off. However, the 6-foot-4 tight end has missed a few practices because of problems dealing with the heat, as well as head conditions. Whatever the case may be, when Temple gets ready to take on Villanova in seven days, I expect Charleton to have his name penciled in as the clear-cut starter.
One of two red-shirt juniors competing for the tight end job is Evan Rodriguez. He may be the smallest of all the competitors at tight end, but he is coming off a decent season in limited opportunities. With just 13 receptions last season, Rodriguez scored on three of those catches, and finished with 145 receiving yards.
The next red-shirt junior is Matt Balasavage. Unlike Rodriguez, he had no impact last season, securing just one reception for one yard. In 2008, the Lancaster native had two receptions for 42 yards and one touchdown, and is most likely not going to see a bigger role in this offense in 2010.
Just like Charleton, junior Morkeith Brown is switching positions, moving from the defensive side of the ball to tight end. His 6-foot-6, 250 frame makes him the biggest target out of all the tight ends, but he still has to prove himself as a reliable option for Chester Stewart and the Temple offense.
The last of the bunch is red-shirt freshman Alex Jackson. With Charleton expected to be the starter, and Balasavage and Rodriguez most likely ahead of him, Jackson will take this season as a learning block for the future.
Next up in 12 Positions in 12 Days: Wide Receiver!
No comments:
Post a Comment