Miami Hurricanes Tight Ends Can Bounce Back And Break Out In 2024
After a puzzling 2023 season, the Miami Hurricanes will look to get their tight ends heavily involved in the passing game again.
Miami has been nicknamed "Tight End U" due to their rich history at the position. Superstars like Jeremy Shockey, Bubba Franks, Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen and David Njoku, just to name a few, all played their college ball for the Hurricanes.
Last season, Miami's tight ends combined for just 154 receiving yards and two touchdowns on just 18 catches. The reasons for the drop off were abundant. Elijah Arroyo, projected to be the top receiver at the position, was injured most of the year. Former starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke often overlooked open tight ends. Miami's starting TE for most of the season, Cam McCormick, is primarily a blocker (and a darn good one). No matter the reasons - or excuses - it's time to bring Tight End U back to Miami's passing game.
A different quarterback could provide the spark Miami needs
Cam Ward sees the entire field well. He involved his tight ends more at Washington State than Van Dyke and Emory Williams did at Miami last season. Four Wazzu TE's combined for 425 receiving yards last year.
Miami has up and coming TE talent
The guy I am most bullish on is Riley Williams. The second year player out of IMG Academy is a former 4-Star recruit who showed excellent hands in high school. The 6-6, 240 pounder can create mismatches with his height and fluidity. He led Miami's tight ends last year with 72 receiving yards and a touchdown.
If Elijah Arroyo can stay healthy, he can break out. He's had some of the worst injury luck on the team, but he practices well and showed promise as a true freshman in 2021.
Jackson Carver and Elijah Lofton have bright futures. Carver is heading into his second year, and like Williams, he's a human skyscraper at 6-6. Lofton, a true freshman, is one of the most versatile signees in the country. He can line up as a traditional tight end, H-back, fullback, or tailback.
More: What Does Miami's Ninth-Year Senior Tight End Bring To The Team This Season?
