In Coach Freeze’s offensive system, the tight end is one of the more important positions on that side of the ball. Expect a lot more use out of this position group this fall than we have seen in recent seasons.
Frontrunner
3 Johnny Huntley R-JR 6’3″ 235
Huntley transferred in from Colorado a year ago and sat out the 2018 season due to NCAA transfer requirements. He was then moved from wide receiver to tight end and provides an extra element for the Flames at the tight end position in a guy who can make plays in the passing game.
Tight Ends Coach Ben Aigamaua – “In the past, we’ve had guys like Evan Engram and Dawson Knox who are playing in the NFL right now. Guys who can stretch the field. So, obviously Johnny and Chris (Barrett) can do that for us. That helps us open up the offense and helps defenses prepare differently for us. We can put Johnny and Chris on the field at the same time, a lot of defenses will try to put in their big personnel when they see two tight ends on the field in the game. It’s very important for us to have guys that can stretch the field.”
Competition
15 Chris Barrett R-JR 6’3″ 245
Coach Freeze said in the spring he likes to have two blocking tight end sand two receiving tight ends ready to play at all times. Huntley and Barrett fit as the two receiving tight ends. Barrett transferred to Liberty after playing one season at ASA College Miami. He saw playing time in 11 games last season, mainly on special teams, but his role is expected to increase significantly this season.
Tight Ends Coach Ben Aigamaua – “In the spring, you could see he was struggling a little bit with getting to know the steps that we need to take in our combo blocks with the O-line. He had the summer and during fall camp, I’m very impressed with where he’s at right now with his blocking scheme, his steps, his hands. Obviously, he can do some things out wide for us. We’re going to use him and Johnny out there, but very impressed with the way he has approached camp and honed in on trying to take his game to the next level.”
Chris Barrett
88 Jerome Jackson R-SO 6’3″ 240
Where Johnny and Chris are seen as receiving tight ends, Jerome and Zac Foutz are the most logical to fill in as the more blocking tight ends. Jackson has some experience as he played in all 12 games last year, recording one reception.
Tight Ends Coach Ben Aigamaua – “He’s a great blocking tight end for us. He’s strong. Coach Dom showed me a before and after (of Jackson during summer workouts), and there’s a huge difference. He’s doing a great job in running his routes. When people see Jerome Jackson, they see 88 run in, some defenses are going to have to call their heavy stuff because they know 88’s a blocking guy, but with the way he’s changed his body we can flex him out and use him in many different ways.”
40 Zac Foutz R-SR 6’3″ 250
Foutz is the most experienced tight end in the group, having seen playing time in 27 games. The Roanoke, Virginia native had 10 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdowns in 6 games last year before an injury sidelined him. He dealt with some minor legal troubles during the offseason and was suspended indefinitely, but he has been reinstated and back with the program for all of fall camp. He also dealt with a foot injury early in the spring.
Tight Ends Coach Ben Aigamaua –“He picked up our offense just like that, very smart kid. I love the way he approaches the game. We know we’re going to keep finding ways to use him in the offense. We’re going to continue to fit him in there. Very proud of Zac, all the injuries, his story is amazing, everything that he’s been through. I just love his mental toughness. He’s been a great help in the room.“
30 Michael Bollinger JR 5’11” 230
Bollinger entered the program as a fullback, but made the switch to tight end once Coach Freeze was named head coach seeing that Freeze doesn’t utilize a fullback in his offense. He has seen playing time in 18 games over the past two seasons and has fit in well at his new position and with the new coaching staff.
Depth
16 Mason Yost R-FR 6’4″ 235
22 Micaiah Overton FR 6’4″ 225
Tight Ends Coach Ben Aigamaua – “He’s big. We always say if you want them big you have to recruit them big. He’s super raw right now. Huge basketball player just trying to bring him along with the older guys. His technique, he will learn the plays in the future, but I’ve just got to get him to learn the steps so we can get him ready for the future. But man, I’m excited about his future and his ceiling because obviously it hasn’t been touched yet.”
