Unit Analysis: Tight End

As we continue to evaluate the offensive side of the ball, we stop and take a look at the tight end position.  Tight ends historically have not been a major factor in the passing game overall for the Bulls, but as Holtz and Fitch continue to develop the offense, they are becoming more of a factor.  The group heading into 2012 will only open up the passing game and could be the best unit in program history.

Depth chart coming out of the spring:

Evan Landi (6-3 238-pounds); Jake Carlton (6-3 233-pounds)

Michael McFarland (6-5 247-pounds); Tye Turner (6-3 255-pounds, also listed as a reserve fullback)

Who else is on the roster:  Tyler Guy (6-5 244-pounds), Jeff Hawkins (6-4 261-pounds, returning from ACL tear last season), Andreas Shields (6-4 248-pounds, missed the spring with a pancreas “deformity"), and Isaac Virgin (6-4 256-pounds) all round out the tight end position for the Bulls

What we lost: The Bulls did not lose anyone to graduation after last season.

Incoming 2012 recruits:  The Bulls added 4-star recruit Sean Price (6-3 235-pounds) to the roster, one of the most decorated recruits in program history.

Strengths:  The tight end position is one of the most talented units on the team and could be the deepest in program history. Evan Landi is a senior and progresses each season as a reliable pass catcher.  He is not the fastest man on the field, but has a huge frame, runs great routes, and can work over the middle.  He gives Daniels a sure-handed target when the team needs to make a big play. Mike McFarland got a hardship waiver last season and has shown in practice that he can make all the big plays.  At 6-5, he is a match-up nightmare.  He has proven to be a highlight reel and will develop his overall skills this season.  The big size of the USF tight end tends to be a theme with everyone, at least 6-3 on the roster. Incoming freshman Sean Price is a highly touted recruit and has made a living destroying defense with his size and hands (has some great speed as well).  If the offense can work him into the gameplan, the Bulls will have a stable of big, athletic tight ends that will give defenses match-up nightmares.  Don't sleep on Andreas Shields as well.  If he returns healthy, he is another veteran receiver that can get down the field.

Weakness:  With the depth and talent on the roster, it is hard to find a weakness on the depth chart, but there are some.  For Landi, he just needs to stay healthy this season and avoid missing time.  McFarland has been impressive, but has not been consistent in the intermediate passing game.  The coaching staff has made it a point that he has to become more consistent in route running and making the simple catches.  Turner, Guy, Carlton, and Hawkins (missed last season) appear to be solid players (looking at high school tape and measurables on paper), but are not proven and many have never been targeted on a pass.  Shields is still a question mark with his health and Virgin, who has the talent and has had coaches talking in the past, has never lived up to the hype.  Sean Price is a big factor, but will he be able to make that big of an impact in his first season?  There are questions and while at first glance the unit is strong, there should be some concern.

Overall assessment: A.  This unit has the potential to be an A+ at the end of the season, but that is if everyone lives up to the hype.  Will Landi and McFarland have break out seasons and will others on the depth chart rise up and help add more weapons to the offense.  How fast will Price get on the field and what impact, if any, will he have on the offense.  It should be a fun unit to watch this season.