Grizzly Football Preview – Tight End

After dissecting both the Grizzlies' offensive and defensive lines for the upcoming season, I move on now to part 6 of my 15 part preview.

The tight end is one of my favorite positions on the football field. There are two types of tight end: receiving and blocking. And just like their names indicate, a receiving tight end is more involved in the passing game, while a blocking tight end helps out in the run game.

That's not to say that tight ends can't excel at both; in fact, several do. Here's what the Grizzlies have at tight end in 2011:

Kavario Middleton, Sr.
Greg Hardy, Jr.
Jacob Haas, So.
Aschan Richards, Fr.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 RETURNING STARTERS: 1

PLAYER TO WATCH: Greg Hardy

SLEEPER: Kavario Middleton

FUTURE STAR: Aschan Richards

Greg Hardy started every game as a sophomore a year ago, and is highly thought of for both his athletic and leadership skills by coach Robin Pflugrad and his staff. Kavario Middleton, a highly heralded transfer from the University of Washington a season ago, showed glimpses of promise last season, and will be counted upon to produce more this season. Jacob Haas may get his reps this season on special teams, while 6'6" true freshman Aschan Richards is a little raw and will likely redshirt.