2019 Position Preview: Tight Ends

 (Photo courtesy of Larry Sellers)

The Jackrabbits bring back a deep and talented tight end group.  This seems to historically be a position of strength for the Jackrabbits.  UNI and NDSU may claim that they have the best tight end room in the MVFC but I think the Jacks can make a pretty good argument for that title as well.  I was able to connect with Coach Luke Schleusner who received a promotion this off-season and now holds the title of passing game coordinator in addition to tight ends coach.  Coach emphasized how deep and experienced this group is.  He expects big things from them and thinks they have the chance to really create some mismatches. 

#83 Kal Hart, 6-5, 260, is entering his senior year.  Kal has been a major contributor to the offense as a blocker since stepping on the field but has grown as a receiver in the last year.  Last year he had 11 grabs for 147 yards which is a 13.4 ypc avg.  The thing that sets Kal apart from other TE's is his ability to block.  I think Kal is one of, if not the, best blocking tight end in the MVFC.  He is physical, plays with good leverage, and has the strength and agility to take on defenders of all shape and sizes.  His ability to stretch the field in the passing game is a bonus that keeps defenses honest.  Schleusner credited Kal for being a strong leader and helping the young guys at the position group. 

#88 Blake Kunz, 6-5, 250, burst onto the scene as a true freshman and will be looked to for continued growth in 2019.  Kunz had 20 receptions for 343 yards and 3 TD.  He is a big play machine with a 17.2 ypc average.  When I visited with Coach Schleusner he was excited about Kunz's potential as he was basically playing with a limited play book last year.  Now that he better understands the offense he is excited to see what he can do.  Kunz set the goal for himself to improve as a blocker and has worked hard to achieve that.  Remember, Blake only played one year of high school football so he is still learning the position.  The sky is the limit for him. 

#81 Skyler Cavanaugh, 6-5, 230, is now a junior and is coming off of a challenging sophomore season where he experienced nagging injuries throughout the season which allowed him to only compete in 7 games.  Now that he is healthy, coaches and fans are hoping for a bounce back year.  As a true freshman, Skyler had 12 receptions for 131 yards and a TD while playing alongside Dallas Goedert.  Coach Schleusner shared that Skyler has become a good leader for the group and has a strong handle on the offense. 

#89 Zach Heins, 6-7, 250, had a great red-shirt season and got stronger in the weight room.  Zach was named Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week three times and even traveled with the team to the playoff game against Kennesaw State.  Zach's frame alone causes mismatch problems and he uses that frame really well.  Coach shared that Zach also has great hands and shows the ability to make the contested catch, something Jackrabbit fans love.  I'd expect Zach to push for playing time and I think he will certainly have a role in the redzone because of his huge catch radius and soft hands.

#82 Caleb Schauf, 6-5, 250, if you have followed this blog since the beginning, you know that Schauf is one of my favorite players who has seemingly made a stand-out play every time I'm at practice.  Schauf, now a sophomore, is another big bodied, soft handed receiver who is a solid performer. I think Schauf could earn some snaps on offense but will make his mark this year on special teams.

Tucker Kraft and Jharett Bloomenrader are the two true freshmen.  Tucker is a freak athlete who turned down multiple FBS offers after being the first to commit in the 2019 class.  He has been on campus all summer working with the team.  Given the depth ahead of him, he may not play this year.  Tucker played running back for Timber Lake High School (Yeah, a 6'5, 250 pound 9-man running back) so adjusting to playing as an in-line blocker may take some time.  Bloomenrader had a break-out junior campaign in high school that put him on the radar of area colleges.  However, his numbers were down a bit as a senior.  When I talked to his high school coach, Will Castle, he shared that Jharett was asked to block more his senior season but still made plays when given the opportunity.  Both Kraft and Bloomenrader were multi-sport standouts and have tons of athleticism.  If they don't play this year, expect big things in the years ahead!

Go Jacks!
Matt