Position Preview: Tight Ends

 
(Photo by of Larry Sellers)

The Jackrabbits bring back two players who contributed a lot to a successful unit.  However, we all know that Dallas Goedert graduated and his moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles.  The 2x All-American carried on a long tradition of high quality Jackrabbit tight ends but elevated the expectations to a whole new level.  This is good because it has caused everyone else to raise their game.  The position group is coached by Luke Schleusner and he has stressed that no one person will be able to replace the production of Dallas.  But collectively they can.  The players have to step up and be better than they were last year and make plays when their number is called.  So far, coach has been impressed with their hard work and fun attitude.  

#83 Kallan Hart (6-5, 255)   Last season Hart served as an inline blocking tight end.   He did a great job in this role.  As a pass catcher, Hart has greatly improved according to Schleusner.  Last year he only had 2 receptions for 30 yards but his opportunities were very limited in this role.  Schleusner credits Hart for stepping up his leadership and effort.  He had a tremendous spring and summer and should make a big jump this season.
#81 Skyler Cavanaugh (6-5, 235) was a late signing in the 2017 recruiting class and was an immediate surprise and standout in fall camp.  He snagged 12 passes in 2017 and had 1 touchdown in limited opportunities.  Skyler is very athletic given his volleyball and wrestling background and seems to naturally find the open spaces in the defense.  Taryn also seemed to trust Skyler last season exhibited to his willingness to pass him the ball in big situations.  Schleusner wants Skyler to take the next step and improve his consistency from snap to snap.  He's big and fast and it's exciting when he has the ball in his hands.      

 #85 Arthur Egan (6-3, 230) and #47 Caleb Scauf (6-5, 240) spent last season red-shirting, adding strength and learning the offense.  Schauf made some nice plays in fall camp and Egan was recognized as the scout team player of the week during the playoffs.  Schleusner said that Schauf has really good hands and his improved as a blocker.  Egan has big time potential but is still learning the offense.  One of these two will have to step up and carve out a role as the third tight end.    

#89 Zach Heins (6-6, 240) from Sioux Falls and #45 Blake Kunz (6-5, 250) from Germantown, WI are both hyper-athletic prospects that have the size and ability to contribute immediately.  Heins is a very polished receiver who was in town for most of the summer.  Kunz is full of potential; he only played one year of high school football but had a great season.  Both players will have the opportunity to push to be the 3rd tight end this season. 

Additional Position Previews
Running Backs
Quarterbacks 
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Cornerbacks
Safeties
Linebackers 

Go Jacks!  

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