Position Previews: Tight End
Nov 23, 2013; Little Rock, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Malcolm Johnson (6) carries the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks safety Rohan Gaines (26) during the second half at War Memorial Stadium. Mississippi State won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
In today’s day in age of football, the fullback has been done away with and tight ends are everywhere. Who doesn’t have a tight end? Mississippi State has them coming out of their ears. In fact, we have Scott Sallach to coach them, his only listed duty. Despite Artimas Samuel transferring and Rufus Warren moving to offensive tackle, there are still a number of TE on the roster..
1. Malcolm Johnson – MoJo is the most experienced pass-catching TE the Bulldogs have. He was third on the team in catches and receiving yards last year with 30 and 391 respectively. 6′-2″, 231 so not great size but we know what he can do. He has a chance to be one of the best at his position in the SEC.
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2. Brandon Hill – Hill is a senior just like MoJo. 6′-2″, 245 and used more for blocking but his hands are underrated. He has plenty of experience and even started four games last year.
3. Darrion Hutcherson – a lot of folks are really excited to see what Hutcherson can do. He’s a juco transfer who didn’t get used much in the passing game at Co-Lin, but we’ve heard how great his hands are to go with a huge 6′-7″, 260 pound body. The go-to phrase for everyone is red zone offense with this guy – using his size to catch touchdown passes.
4. Gus Walley – great size at 6′-4″, 235 but he’s been somewhat forgotten amid all these TEs. A member of the 2012 class he redshirted his freshman season then missed all of last year with a broken arm. Still looking for his first action.
5. Christian Holmes – We also mentioned “Turtle” in the MLB preview, he is a jack of all trades. Officially he’s listed as a TE but we could see him anywhere….mostly special teams.
As far as I know the jury is still out on whether or not Ravian Pierce will qualify. He was a 4-star TE in the 2014 class.
I’m really excited about what this group can do. The most excitement is about Hutcherson just because we really won’t know until we see it. Even without production from him State’s offense should be alright, but that would be some nice gravy to have.