The San Jose State University football team has relied heavily on pass catching by the tight end for years. Between all-conference players Ryan Otten, Billy Freeman and Josh Oliver, they've accounted for 336 pass receptions since 2009.
And, in the last four seasons, the team benefited, too, from the blocking abilities, first from Josh Oliver, and, more recently, Billy Humphreys back for his junior season.
With Oliver pursuing his new career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, San Jose State still expects to use multiple tight ends in a variety of ways this season.
Matt Adkins, who coached the tight ends last season, has the same responsibility again this year. For starters, there are Humphreys, senior Brett Foley and junior Derrick Deese, Jr., continuing their battle from the spring for the #1-job. Junior Jackson Burrill and freshmen Dominick Mazotti and Noah Sanchez are in the group, too.
Adkins sees the potential in his group to make a real mark on the offense this season.
"I love Josh. It was a blessing to coach him. I'm really excited about this group. I'm really excited about the depth I think we're going to have. We have a bunch of guys with a bunch of skill sets. We'll be able to be creative with what we do offensively using these guys," he said. Adkins also praised the group with how quickly they are picking up concepts and schemes so far in fall practice.
"There is a bunch of opportunities in the offense this year. We're really excited since we have the same offensive coordinator (Kevin McGiven) and same tight ends coach (Matt Adkins). The '12' personnel (one back and two tight ends) and the '13' personnel (one back and three tight ends) will be a really good option for us this year," said Humphreys, who has seven starts heading into the season. The 245-pound tight end has 11 receptions his first two seasons, actually four more than what Oliver had going into his junior year.
"We all complement each other really well. We all have a lot of similar things (traits) and complement each other, force each to get better every day by seeing what the others are doing and try to beat each other at that," said Foley, who moved from linebacker to tight end last year with positive results. His first major college reception was a touchdown catch in the UNLV win.
"I like being able to run and have the ball in my hands, making plays. There's no other thing like it," Foley added.
For Deese, Jr., he saw action in three games last year and retained his third year of athletics eligibility. He, too, like Foley, has made adjustments from his days at Golden West College to the Spartans.
"I had always been a blocker on the outside. I was known for blocking on the perimeter and catching the ball. The only thing different is putting my hand in the dirt and a different stance off the ball. And, being in the box more," said the long, lanky Deese, Jr., who had 47 receptions in two seasons at Golden West College.
Regardless of who earns the most playing time, Adkins foresees big things from his tight end group.
"It's a great group of guys. We're going to be able to stretch the field. And, on a short down and distance, be physical and run the ball down hill with these guys as well," he predicts.
The first week of practice concludes Sunday, August 4. The practice open to the public is Tuesday, August 6, at 9:40 a.m. The team's first scrimmage is Saturday, August 10, 5:30 p.m. in CEFCU Stadium. There is no admission charge.
The season opener is Thursday, August 29, with the Spartans hosting Northern Colorado in a 7:00 p.m. non-conference game. Tickets for all San Jose State home games are available at www.sjsuspartans.com/tickets.
NOTES: Bene Benwikere is back in the National Football League. The co-recordholder for San José State career interceptions with 14 was signed by the Minnesota Vikings on August 3 to compete for playing time as a cornerback. Benwikere was a 2014 fifth-round draft choice by the Carolina Panthers. There now are 12 Spartans on a NFL roster heading into the first week of preseason games.
Former Spartans Daniel Bradbury (2012-14), a wide receiver and holder on special teams, and offensive lineman Nate Velichko (2014-17) were visitors on day #4 of fall practice. Both are campus police officers. Bradbury works for the UCLA campus police department and Velichko is a member of the San Jose State UPD.
