Why expectations should be tempered for Penn State Football tight ends

TE Production – Oklahoma State 2013-2018

As you’ll see, the tight end position did not see a significant portion of the Cowboys’ target-share, when Yurcich was calling plays at Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State – TE Stats

Year    TE Rec Yards     Total Rec Yards   Share
2018  120                      4028                       3%
2017    56                       5059                      1%
2016  449                      4211                     11%
2015  284                      4591                       6%
2014  107                      3149                       3%
2013    98                       3599                       3%

This isn’t too surprising considering a couple of factors.

First and foremost, the

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Big 12 as a conference only throws 11 guys out onto the field for defense every series because the rules require it.

And after that, it’s only a mere suggestion they try to stop the opposing team as their four or five receivers are streaking down the field.

Secondly, there’s no real incentive to toss the football in the general direction of a tight end when Oklahoma State was trotting out the likes of Tyreek Hill, James Washington, Marcell Ateman, and Tylan Wallace.

These guys were all game-changers at the college level and Mike Yurcich certainly knew it.

And lastly, this is basically a “chicken and egg” situation. Oklahoma State’s highest tight-end recruit between 2013 and 2018 was a 3-star, top 130 player who signed in the 2018 class. Which was when Yurcich was heading out the door. So the production wasn’t high in Stillwater because they really didn’t have any good tight ends to throw to.

But what about Yurcich’s stints in Ohio State and Texas? Both of these schools routinely bring in top-level talent at virtually every position on the field. Including the tight end.

Ohio State – TE Stats

Year    TE Rec Yards     Total Rec Yards   Share
2019  26                         294                        8%

Woof.

And this production came from the following players:
4-star 2nd best TE in the 2018 class and 37th overall player
4-star 4th best TE in the 2016 class and 121st overall player
4-star 7th best TE in the 2016 class and 191th overall player

What about Texas?

Texas – TE Stats

Year    TE Rec Yards     Total Rec Yards   Share
2020  26                         346                        12%

And this was with a 4-star and two 3-star players running around at tight end. I think I’m sensing a trend.

Let’s tie up all of the loose ends and come up with a final conclusion.