2019 Fall Camp Preview: Tight Ends
The Georgia State tight ends were perfectly fine in 2018. They weren’t, as a group, particularly involved in the passing game but they offered blocking support in the run game. They weren’t a hindrance to the team and they weren’t the reason for the 2-10 record, but there’s a lot to suggest they can offer a bit more in the way of production in 2019.
After a promising uptick in his usage towards the end of the 2017 season, incumbent starter Roger Carter only saw his production rise moderately in 2018 (10 catches, 146 yards in 2017; 15 catches, 136 yards in ‘18). Still, Carter stands to be the number one option at the position and could be poised to garner more attention, particularly in the red zone. In the 2018 season at Western Carolina – new offensive coordinator Brad Glenn’s previous school – the Catamounts’ top tight end, Owen Cosenke, had 261 yards on 23 receptions, 8 of which were touchdowns.
Speaking of Coach Glenn’s old school, Georgia State happens to have a tight end transfer from WCU in the form of Aubry Payne. He’s eligible to play after sitting out last season and now that his former offensive coordinator is on staff here, it will be interesting to see how he fits into the team’s plans at tight end. Additionally, University of Florida transfer Camrin Knight played the most snaps behind Carter in 2018, Herman McCray may fight for playing time after his redshirt year and Avery Reece is an enigma worth mentioning. Reece was recruited by Georgia State to play tight end, but he has the frame (6’2”, 270) to move to the offensive line in the future. It remains to be seen how fast he can get up to speed in the college passing game, but on account of his size and ability to run block, he may earn snaps – particularly in two-TE sets.
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