Miami Hurricanes Football Position Preview: Tight Ends

Welcome to part four of a full position breakdown through to the start of the football season. Tight end might be the deepest position in the roster. Five talented players are all fighting for a position that ranks among the runners-up on the depth chart.

A Miami tight end has ranked in the top 3 every year since 2016, proving the talent continues to deserve a Tight End U consideration. Seven Miami tight ends have been designed since 2010, including names such as Brevin Jordan, David njoku, and Jimmy Graham.

The lack of experience at the wide receiver could force the quarterback Tyler van Dyke to rely on the elite talent in the tight end space and continue the narrative on the importance of a productive Miami tight end.

Elijah Arroyo, Tight End, Miami

Projected Depth Chart

Will Malloryfifth grader

Elijah Arroyosecond grader

jaleel Skinnerstudent in the first year

Dominik MamarelliFirst semester in the third year

Kahlil BrantleyRedshirt newbie

Jaleel Skinner, Tight End, Miami
Jaleel Skinner, Tight End, Miami

Is this the most talented tight end room of all time?

Miami could potentially have the best tight end room in program history when all is said and done. Mallory was included in the Mackey Award List. Skinner was one of the top three tight end recruits nationwide and a Cristobal flip out of Alabama. Mammarelli plays a blocking role that could be crucial in crisis situations where Miami need to focus more on the running game. Brantley was a hometown talent who came to Coral Gables with great expectations and athleticism. Space is as deep as any team in the country.

Mallory is the predicted leader of the group as he is the team’s most prolific recurring pass catcher (30 receptions, 347 yards, 4 touchdowns).

He’s been consistently around that 300-yard mark with four touchdowns for the past three years, giving Arroyo some breakout opportunities. The former top ten tight end contender was prolific in high school, rushing for 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns in his last two collegiate seasons. He gives Miami the best balance of athleticism and blocking ability in the group and could push Mallory for split reps.

Skinner may not make an impact in his first season on the program, but the future for the IMG Academy (FL) product is bright. The former three-sport star is a crazy 6’5-inch jumbo receiver that fits the mold of the uber-athletic tight end that’s taking the NFL by storm. With a wide receiver, he was able to fight for repetitions on the outside Colbie Youngg for targets in the red zone.

Brantley and Mammarelli are not currently considered major contributors next season. Mammarelli could be valuable as a third tackle for defense to respect, but his role could be limited to the high-end talent spearheading the position.

Brantley hasn’t adjusted to the varsity game after wrestling as a senior in Miami Northwestern (FL). He’s also the smallest player at the position, making it difficult to see a potential role for the former Bull.

Will wear and tear be expected after this season?

There really is no way around losing several players that are currently on the list. Miami has secured three tight end commits for 2023, and IMG Academy (FL) four-star Riley Williams has all the tools to climb to the top tight ends in the country in the coming seasons belong.

Mammarelli could end up as one of the success stories with the added entitlement due to COVID. While still a freshman, with three years remaining, he could switch to another program and carve out a role that offers him a chance at the next level. His ability to help out in the running game will likely have someone from another Power Five school knocking on his door in the winter.

production forecasts

Will Mallory – 35 receptions, 450 yards, 6 touchdowns

Elijah Arroyo – 20 receptions, 300 yards, 4 touchdowns

Jaleel Skinner – 10 receptions, 150 yards, 2 touchdowns

Final Thoughts

Tight end could be the most reliable offensive skill position in 2022. Mallory and Arroyo have high expectations, and both are expected to be NFL draft picks. Skinner is an exceptional athlete who could help in several roles. I think we’ll see flashes of talent from the newcomer throughout the season.

The future of the position is also bright, thanks to three talented commitments for 2023, welcoming the competition as part of a potentially even more explosive competition from 2023 onwards.

About Mike Crayton

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