Nick Saban had the tight end position at the University of Alabama as primarily blockers in the early part of his tenure.
He started to attract more athletic pass catchers — including O.J. Howard and Irv Smith Jr. — but tight ends were not targeted like they should have been in the Saban era. Kalen DeBoer, an offensive mind, is someone who looks forward to getting the group involved more in the offensive attack.
The 49-year-old has a scheme that’s been friendly to tight ends throughout his tenure.
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Players such as MyCole Pruitt (Southern Illinois), Tyreese Russell (Eastern Michigan), Cody Tuttle (Eastern Michigan), Sam Browning (Eastern Michigan), Nigel Kilby (Eastern Michigan), Jared Rice (Fresno State), Peyton Hendershot (Indiana), Jack Westover (Washington), Devin Culp (Washington), and Josh Cuevas (Washington) all achieved success under DeBoer.
His free flowing offense creates matchups for players and provides an opportunity for CJ Dippre, Danny Lewis Jr., Robbie Ouzts, Ty Lockwood, Jay Lindsey, and Caleb Odom (to some extent) have success. Nick Sheridan will be the play caller for Alabama’s offense, and he will to have tight ends involved often. The Crimson Tide won national championships when its offense had guys like Michael Williams, Brad Smelley, Howard, Smith, Hale Hentges, and Miller Forristall involved.
Alabama needs to start utilizing tight ends to create more explosive plays in the passing game.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
