The tight end group is the smallest position, in terms of numbers, on the offensive side of the ball. Last season, the Middle Tennessee tight end room featured just three players who saw action throughout the entire campaign. Led by fifth year senior Will Gilchchrist, who saw action in 12 games and started two of which. The only other guys in this group who saw scarce action were Freshmen Taharin Sudderth and Luke Bolger, who both redshirted a season ago.
The secret is surely out by now. Head Coach Rick Stockstill and the Blue Raider offense aren’t necessarily high on using tight end’s downfield in the receiving game at all. How is this the case? Well…interestingly enough…the entire group did not register a single reception for the entire 2021 campaign.
The main focus for this position group was seemingly to provide insurance for an iffy offensive line by helping open holes in the ground game over the course of the season. Even though this strategy tended to benefit the Blue Raider rushing attack in 2021, adding a receiving threat or two cannot do anything but help flourish and strengthen the Middle Tennessee offense, who struggled mightily overall a season ago.
Good news: that is exactly what the MTSU coaching staff in the offseason. And this is not a coincidence either. The position room has now expanded to six players. Two of which were on the team a season ago; however decided to switch positions for this season. More significantly, the group now consists of two key transfers who look to make their presence felt down the field. Who are these guys and where did they transfer to Middle Tennessee from?
Returners:
Redshirt Freshman Taharin Sudderth:
Saw action in just one game a season ago. The in-state product played at powerhouse Alcoa High School, where he won four straight state championships. Very well could be the most productive returner this upcoming season depending on a strong fall camp. Look for more action from him this season.
Redshirt Sophomore Luke Bolger:
Entering his fourth season with Middle Tennessee, has just seen action in three games over the course of his Blue Raider career. Other than Sudderth, Bolger is the only other returner that also played tight end a season ago. The Kentucky native will need significant improvement for an increase in snaps during the upcoming campaign.
Redshirt Sophomore Aran Mohamad-Ali:
Also entering his fourth season with the program. However, Ali spent his first three seasons listed as a halfback. Making the switch over will desperately help the depth of this position. Another in-state guy who will look to break into the form this season.
Redshirt Freshman Caden Williams:
Did not see any action in his season with the Blue Raiders a season ago. At 6-foot even, 233 lbs don’t look for much production here once again this season. Likely another cycle with limited action barring multiple injuries to upper end guys.
Newcomers:
Redshirt Senior Jeremy Tate Jr:
Here’s where most of the action should come from. Spent his first four seasons with the Memphis Tigers before transferring to Middle Tennessee this offseason. Although Tate did not see consistent action with the Tigers, you have to believe the experience and veteran leadership will push him to the top of the depth chart in 2022. Listed at 6-foot-5, has the frame to be an instant contributor in the C-USA. Only time will tell how he excels over the course of the season.
Redshirt Freshman Jacob Coleman:
Another target acquired in the transfer portal this offseason. Spent his first season with East Carolina, where he did not see any action and was redshirted for the Pirates. The Virginia native is an additional big body who could serve a big role both in the receiving and blocking aspects of the game this season. Look for him to see solid action over the course of 2022.
