FSU Spring Position Preview: Tight End

Two of the top transfers join a group that's production rose throughout the season.

The tight end position under Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has been one that emphasizes extra numbers on the offensive line. Blocking in the run-and-pass game while also setting up opportunities to take on pulling linemen or breaking for a route, they are a versatile piece in an offense designed for big plays.

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"All those guys in the tight-end position are very unique in their skill sets. It's going to be fun to see this team and what we are able to do with that." Norvell said at his pre-spring press conference.

Adding two of the top transfer prospects for 2023, the Seminoles are experiencing success through the transfer portal and high school recruiting.

Departures:

Wyatt Rector, Camren McDonald

Rector, a quarterback turned tight end, set his mark in 2023 primarily on special teams as a sure tackler while helping Florida State secure a season-opening victory over LSU (24-23) with a fumble recovery. He took over 300 snaps on special teams with 113 being in kickoff and punt return coverage. Rector also threw for a score on a trick play against Syracuse.

McDonald graded out overall at 64.7 per PFF.com and had his best game against Boston College. His grade doesn't necessarily show the impact he had on the team last season as he was able to bail the offense out on key downs in multiple games. 

Returners:

Redshirt junior Markeston Douglas, redshirt junior Preston Daniel, redshirt sophomore Jackson West, redshirt freshman Brian Courtney, redshirt freshman Jerrale Powers, redshirt freshman Dante Anderson

Douglas participated in all 13 games and scored twice while catching 14 passes for 190 yards. He's a big body (6'4, 274) that is hard to bring down when he gets a head of steam. He left 2023 with momentum in the Cheez-It Bowl and that should carry over into spring.

Daniel also appeared in all 13 games and caught four passes for 15 yards with a score. He graded out at 57 run blocking and 67 in pass blocking, according to PFF.

Courtney is another former quarterback turned tight end and will be in his second year as a Seminole. The staff has been really high on his development throughout last season although he mostly appeared in blowout games and on special teams. He's a talented pass catcher and needs time to learn the position fully before he starts to make a bigger impact.

West is a promising prospect that was well on his way to getting into the mix before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the season. He should be back in action for the spring after taking a redshirt in 2022.

Powers was a class of 2022 commit and did not record a snap last season. He was a 3-star recruit out of Duncanville, TX who ran track as well. Listed at 6-foot-4, 247-pounds, he worked mostly with the scout team while taking a redshirt. 

Newcomers:

Jaheim Bell (South Carolina), Kyle Morlock (Shorter University)

Bell immediately became one of the most coveted tight-end transfers when he announced his decision to transfer out of South Carolina. One reason he chose to transfer is that he wanted to be closer to his home of Valdosta, GA which is two hours away from Tallahassee. He is another gadget player who can play multiple positions on the field and adds an interesting option for the coaching staff to get creative with. 

He played in 30 games racking up 757 yards and seven touchdowns on 56 catches during his career at South Carolina while also rushing for 301 yards and an additional three scores. 

Morlock is a massive 6-foot-6 tight end listed at 242 lbs who transferred in shortly after Bell. He led Shorter with 30 catches for 446 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. Morlock ended the season with 90+ yards in two of his final three games, including five for 96 yards and a score in a win over North Greenville. He's totaled 51 catches for 808 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two years.

Adding size to the tight end room, he is the second tallest skill player on the team behind wide receiver Johnny Wilson. His height will create a matchup nightmare for linebackers and the defensive backfield. He put on 12 pounds during Tour of Duty and could potentially be even bigger heading out of fall camp and into the regular season.

Projected Depth Chart:

This depth chart is difficult to project because arguably the top two tight ends are transfers and have never played a snap in garnet and gold. We'll start to get a better idea of a potential rotation over the next couple of weeks.

Tight End:

1. Jaheim Bell

2. Kyle Morlock

3. Brian Courtney/Jerrale Powers

Tight End:

1. Markeston Douglas

2. Preston Daniel

Spring Outlook:

This group seems to be looking to take a step in the right direction as Morlock and Bell work their way into the rotation. The amount of experience departing gives opportunities for newcomers to step up and solidify their roles this spring. Look for a shakeup in the mix as players return from injury and others step up. Fall camp should be interesting when they start getting deeper into the playbook.

Previous Spring Position Previews:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receivers

Tight End

Offensive Line

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Special Teams

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