Somewhere in Tampa, Fla., Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard is wondering where was this University of Alabama offense when he was a member of the Crimson Tide.
Although he is etched in stone of Tide folklore, one cannot help but to agree with Howard – especially seeing how the combination of offensive coordinator Michael Locksley and quarterbacks coach Dan Enos have developed the tight end position to being highly active.
Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr both recorded career performances over the weekend in Alabama’s 45-23 win over Texas A&M. Fans inside Bryant-Denny Stadium saw the duo combine for six receptions totaling 103 yards with two touchdowns.
Several NFL teams, which included the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all were on hand to watch Smith turn in 74 yards receiving on four catches. In the Tide’s second possession of the third quarter, the New Orleans native hauled in two passes – including a 42-yard grab from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa that would later set up a three-yard touchdown from junior running back, Josh Jacobs.
He is primarily known for his blocking; however, Hentges is more athletic than what experts give him credit for.
After collecting three touchdowns in 2017, the senior from Missouri tallied his first multi-scoring game versus the Aggies.
Both of his touchdowns came in the second quarter, with his 23-yard reception being the result of good play calling and great protection for Tagovailoa in the pocket as he found Hentges open in the middle of the field for the score.
Touchdown! @Tuaamann_ @HaleHentges #BamavsTexasAM #CBS pic.twitter.com/wo9tFtXsuk
— BamaVideo (@BamaVideo_) September 22, 2018
Prior to him being hired at Alabama, Enos molded Hunter Henry and Jeremy Sprinkle into becoming marquee tight ends at Arkansas. Both players are now in the National Football League and are having success with the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Redskins, respectively.
Scouts were impressed with what they saw from Smith and Hentges.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
